JOINT STATEMENT BY HSC TRADE UNIONS ON DEVELOPMENTS ON ROLLOUT OF VACCINATION PROGRAMME

Our members working across Health and Social Care are under intense pressure as Covid cases continue to rise alarmingly. Large numbers of workers continue to have to self-isolate as close contacts or being symptomatic due to Covid-19.

In such a stressful environment they need clear information as to why the JCVI (joint committee on vaccination and immunisation) have recommended the application at a later date of the second vaccine dose. This is important particularly for those workers who have already received the first dose and have seen plans subsequently change.

Trade unions have approached the Public Health Agency seeking information. We are also asking the DOH to set out for all Health staff the rationale for this change so that Health workers and their families can have confidence in the vaccination programme moving forward.

It is important that the administrative procedures which support these intended changes need to be fully resourced and provide absolutely clear detail on recall for all staff currently requiring the second dose.