Full vaccination required for visiting Professionals
Registered persons (or those acting on behalf of the registered person) will have to check that all persons wishing to enter the care home have received a full course of vaccination, unless they are exempt. This includes checking, for example, care home staff, health care professionals, CQC inspectors, tradespeople, hairdressers and beauticians.
The requirement only applies in respect of persons entering the inside of the care home premises and it will be up to the registered person (or those acting on behalf of the registered person) to identify the most appropriate procedures to check vaccination status.
Compliance with the regulations would be an appropriate reason for not granting entry to a CQC inspector or another individual, unless they are exempt.
» Click here for further guidance
Letter to share with visiting professionals
The DHSC has produced a letter for care home providers to share with visiting professionals, tradespersons, and volunteers about the new regulations on COVID-19 vaccinations coming into force on 11 November 2021.
The letter outlines who the policy does and does not apply to, how individuals can evidence vaccination exemptions and what the role of a registered person in CQC registered care homes is when implementing the policy.
» Download the letter from the Skills for Care website here
Posters to print and display
DHSC and HM Government have also created new posters for staff to use in care homes from 11 November to inform visitors about who needs to show they are vaccinated or exempt under the new regulations.
» Download the DHSC poster here
» Download the HM Government poster here
