Parliament has this week passed new legislation to make COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for staff providing face-to-face care in healthcare and social care settings not covered by the existing legislation*, unless they are exempt.
The new regulations will come into force on April 1, 2022 and will apply to health and social care workers who have direct, face-to-face contact with people whilst providing care, as well as ancillary staff, such as porters, who have direct social contact with patients but are not directly involved in their care.
The regulations will be enforced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) using its existing assessment approach and enforcement policy.
• Vaccination has been a condition of employment in care homes since November 11.
