England: mandatory Covid-19 vaccine for healthcare workers

This new law will apply to all dental practices in England, undertaking CQC regulated activities. This means that staff and contractors who have face-to-face contact with patients will be required by law to get vaccinated and produce evidence of their vaccination status.

Some exemptions will be given. For example, where there are clinical reasons why someone should not be vaccinated, for staff under 18 years of age, where staff do not have contact with patients, or staff who are a participant in a clinical trial investigating Covid-19 vaccination. We are seeking clarification on what such clinical reasons might be.

This means that unvaccinated individuals, unless exempt, must have received their first dose no later than February 3, 2022, in order to receive their second dose on March 31, 2022.