DHSC Consultation - Revoking vaccination as a condition of deployment across all health and social care

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have opened their consultation on revoking vaccination as a condition of deployment across all health and social care. While it was previously stated that this would be a 2-week consultation, the deadline for response is in 1 weeks’ time at 11.45pm on 16 February 2022.

What's changing and why?

What did the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announce?

• On 31 January 2022, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced the government’s intention to revoke the regulations making vaccination a condition of deployment in all health and social care settings. This is subject to consultation and Parliamentary process.
• The Health Secretary stated that whilst vaccination remains our very best line of defence against COVID-19, and all people working in health and social care settings have a professional responsibility to be vaccinated, the view of the government is that it is no longer proportionate to require vaccination as a condition of deployment.

Why is the policy changing?

• The changes in the pandemic as a result of the Omicron variant, which is intrinsically less severe, and the continued success of the vaccination programme, with many more people protected, means the Government considered it was important to revisit the balance of risks and opportunities. 

• Whilst vaccination remains the very best line of defence against COVID-19, the Government believes it is no longer proportionate to require vaccination as a condition of deployment.

The consultation seeks views on the intention to revoke the policy. The full consultation document can be found here.

If you wish to submit a response, you can do so by completing the public survey.

The deadline to submit a response to this consultation is at 11.45pm on 16 February 2022