Employers urged to back vaccination drive

NHS England and Public Health England have launched a new campaign to support employers in encouraging staff to get their Covid-19 vaccinations.

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get symptoms from Covid-19, and are even more unlikely to get seriously ill, be admitted to hospital, or to die from it. There is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus to others.  The vaccine reduces chances of hospitalisation by 85%.  It’s the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history and has already saved thousands of lives by preventing the spread of Covid-19.

What can employers do to encourage employees to get their COVID-19 vaccine?

• Be as flexible as possible when it comes to staff getting the vaccine, which could include giving paid time off work for employees to attend their vaccination appointment.
• Use the campaign resources to run an awareness campaign in your organisation and provide employees with access to reliable and accurate information about the vaccine.
• Share the Q&A document and expert advice videos to explain the vaccine and answer common questions employees may have.
• Urge staff to be cautious of misinformation and encourage them to use trusted sources like nhs.uk if they are searching for information or answers to questions about the vaccine. The Government has also developed a series of content fronted by trusted community members (faith leaders, clinicians and community leaders) on misinformation.
• Create employee advocates by encouraging staff to discuss their vaccine experiences and share accurate information with colleagues, family and friends.

You can find resources such as posters, key messages and more by clicking here.

You can find out more about vaccination information for employers in different areas of the Marches by following the links to local authority information pages: Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.