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<p>The government knows that vaccines save lives which is why, earlier this year,
plans were set out to make COVID-19 vaccines a condition of deployment for adults
in care homes to protect those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p>Vaccinated
people are less likely to experience severe symptoms of COVID-19, be admitted to hospital
or die from it and there is evidence that they are less likely to pass the virus on
to others.</p><p> </p><p>The current exemption from the requirement to be fully vaccinated
to work in a care home is expected to continue. This applies to those with specific
medical conditions, pregnant women and those aged under 18 as set out in operational
guidance: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccination-of-people-working-or-deployed-in-care-homes-operational-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-of-people-working-or-deployed-in-care-homes-operational-guidance"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccination-of-people-working-or-deployed-in-care-homes-operational-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-of-people-working-or-deployed-in-care-homes-operational-guidance</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>16 -17-year-olds who work in the health and social care sector, including students
undertaking work placements, have been eligible for 2 vaccinations since the beginning
of phase 1 of the vaccination programme roll out. Following the Joint Committee on
Vaccination and Immunisation's announcement, all 16–17-year-olds are now eligible
for 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.</p><p> </p><p>The department encourages further
education providers to work with employers to understand the vaccination requirements
for students undertaking work placements in their health or care setting.</p><p> </p><p>Further
information can be found on the ACAS website and the guide for employers on gov.uk:</p><p><a
href="https://www.acas.org.uk/working-safely-coronavirus/getting-the-coronavirus-vaccine-for-work"
target="_blank">https://www.acas.org.uk/working-safely-coronavirus/getting-the-coronavirus-vaccine-for-work</a>.</p><p><a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-employers/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-employers"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-employers/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-employers</a>.</p>
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