Update - 1st March 2022
On 1st March 2022, the Health and Social Care Secretary confirmed that regulations making COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment in health and social care will be revoked on Tuesday 15 March following the government consultation. Thank you for your support during this time and we are sorry for the additional stress and concern this caused many of you at an already challenging time. We are all very grateful that we will not have to issue termination of employment letters to any member of staff. You can read the full government announcement here.
KWSEL support the vaccination as the best way for us to protect ourselves, our patients, and our friends and families from COVID-19. Therefore we will continue to provide you with comprehensive signposting to information and support about the COVID-19 vaccines.
We are aware that those of you who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine were asked to make a very difficult choice as part of the proposed ‘vaccination as a condition of deployment’ (VCOD) regulation and we do not underestimate how stressful this has been. It has also been incredibly hard for many of you working as leaders to implement this national policy in a proportionate and fair way within your teams. Thank you for behaving professionally, compassionately and supportively over what has so far been a very difficult time.
Our workforce is our strongest asset and we want to do everything we can to support you. If you have been impacted by these changes then please do reach out to the KWSEL team via live chat, phone line (020 3228 3563), or fill in the request a call back form.
Video
Listen to why Sabrina decided to get the Covid 19 vaccine.
Just like many of use, Sabrina had reasons for being hesitant about taking the vaccine. Listen to her reasons and how she came to the decision of taking the vaccine.
"I've taken the vaccine to protect myself but also to protect our vulnerable patients."
Further information
Concerns about the vaccine can be varied, whether in relation to possible side effects, in response to social media posts or other understandable concerns and worries
Millions of people across the UK and the world have now received the Covid-19 vaccination. In doing so they have helped protect themselves, their families and others.
Further information in different languages about the vaccine and details of how to book or visit a walk-in clinic can be found on the South East London Clinical Commission Group (SEL CCG) website and the SEL vaccination website respectively.
Below are some useful resources to check your knowledge on the vaccines:
- health & care professions council: vaccinations - what you need to know
- Nursing & Midwifery Council: Information about vaccines
- British Medical Association: Covid-19 - vaccines information
- British Islamic Medical Association: Vaccine Myths
- Royal College of Nursing: Covid-19 and vaccination FAQs
- Unison: Covid-19 Immunisation of NHS Staff
- GMB: Vaccination
- Carribean & African Health Network: COVID-19 vaccination toolkit for Black African and Black African Caribbean communities
- Healthy London Partnership: Responding to vaccine hesitancy
- Manchester University NHS FT: Covid-19 Vaccine Mythbusters
- The Health Depot: Covid-19 Vaccines Explained
- University of Sunderland: Busting the vaccine myths
- Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership: Myth busting - Covid-19 vaccine
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency: guidance on coronavirus
Below are useful information on vaccinations, pregnancy and fertility:
- Clinical lead for obstetrics and gynaecology: the importance of getting vaccinated during pregnancy
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists: evidence that COVID-19 vaccine is safe in pregnancy
- British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists: Vaccine FAQ
- Royal College of Midwives: Covid-19 infection in pregnancy
The fear of needles is very common and is something that can be managed with help.
Below are some resources with quick tips and techniques:
- Infotagion: The independent, expert fact-checking service for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Sourced from WHO, UK and other official government advice.
- SHARE checklist: Guide for how to spot false and misleading content.
- Ofcom: A set of resources to help cut through the confusion and provide people with the tools to navigate news and information about Covid-19. Resources include Tools for fact-checking; tips on debunking misleading claims; and support for parents and children.
- Gov.uk: reasons you could get a medical exemption.
Videos on the Covid-19 vaccine
Please do reach out to us on the chat or request a call back if you would like to discuss this news further.