Letter from Graeme Betts to volunteers who visit care homes

Director of Adult Social Care, Graeme Betts, has written a letter for volunteers which explains the legal requirements around vaccinations being placed on anyone working or volunteering in a care home.

Read the letter below or download as a Word document

Letter from Graeme Betts to volunteers who visit care homes

Dear Colleague

COVID-19 vaccination

I am writing to you in my capacity as the Director for Adult Social Care in Birmingham to ensure that you are fully informed of the legal requirements being placed on all care homes which is coming into force on 11^th November.

As you may or may not be aware, from 11^th November 2021, it will become law that anyone entering, working or volunteering in a care home must have had and be able to prove that they are fully vaccinated against coronavirus unless they are under 18 or medically exempt.

The regulations only apply to CQC registered care homes that provide accommodation for people needing nursing or personal care, but the other settings may be added to the regulations in the future.

What this actually means to you

If you go into a care home setting in any voluntary capacity – then this applies to you.

If you have had your first vaccination, then please ensure you make an appointment for your second jab before the 11^th of November.

If you haven’t yet had your vaccine, then you have 16 weeks from the introduction of the legislation (22^nd July 2021) to take up the offer of vaccination.

The last date to get your first dose of the vaccination is 16^th September 2021, so you can be fully vaccinated by the time the regulations come into force. This is not far away!

What happens if you don’t get your vaccine?

If you do not get your vaccine, you are unable to continue volunteering in any care home which I am sure would be a huge loss to the care home and its residents that you meet.

More Information

I recognise that some of you may have some reservations and concerns and would encourage you to discuss these with your own GP. The vaccine has been proven to protect people from infection and reduce the spread of it to family and friends. Government and the suppliers of the vaccinations would not be offering anything that is unsafe.

To book your vaccination please contact the National Booking System – Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

More details about the Governments new legislation can be found here:

Vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes: operational guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you would like more information or have concerns about the vaccine – please talk to the manager at the home where you volunteer.

I cannot stress how important I believe it is for everyone to receive the vaccine within the timeframe. You cannot afford not to protect yourself and your family and those you visit and work alongside in care homes.

The 16^th September for your first vaccination is not far away – please arrange to have your first vaccination now and if you’ve had it make sure you book your second jab!

Yours sincerely

Professor Graeme Betts CBE

Corporate Director

Adult Social Care

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