UNISON supports health and care workers to get vaccinated where these are voluntary, free and accessible to all eligible health and care staff.
UNISON believes that vaccination is a matter of choice for individuals and we encourage health and care employers to provide the right information for people to make an informed decision.
“I wanted the vaccine. I think most people do so we can protect our loved ones.” Evelyn, care worker
In late 2020, the government put in place a mandated vaccine policy which they revoked in early 2021, but not before some valued and experienced care staff were dismissed from their jobs and health staff threatened with the same. UNISON remains committed to supporting voluntary vaccinations and doing everything to prevent a return to mandatory vaccinations.
“It shouldn’t be mandatory, but I believe all staff supporting individuals should have the vaccination.” Katherine, UNISON care worker
The evidence shows that the vaccines are safe, and we encourage all members who do not have a medical exemption to get their jabs this winter.
Now is the best time to make sure you’re protected over the winter. Both flu and COVID-19 can be life-threatening and getting both vaccines at the same time decreases the risk of serious illness, and in rare cases hospitalisation or even death.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best defence against these viruses. Even if you’re healthy, you can still catch and spread them to other people.
“The pandemic years have been tough and are not over yet, and every winter our hospitals are full of patients with respiratory complaints.
That’s why every year I have the flu vaccination as it helps protect me and my vulnerable family members. It also helps protect the patients and their families.” – Joyce, Qualified Nurse
The viruses that cause flu change over time so the flu vaccine is needed every year. Similarly, COVID immunity fades which is why frontline staff are being invited to top up their immunity again. And it’s never been easier to get protected, with thousands of sites offering the COVID-19 vaccine every day.
“I had my COVID and flu vaccines this year, with no ill effects other than slightly sore at the injection site. I’m grateful my employer made it easy to access them at work. Vaccinations are my best chance of not becoming very unwell with these viruses, and with the updated COVID vaccine covering new strains there’s stronger protection in this latest booster.” Gemma, neurophysiology technologist
COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are free on the NHS and you are urged to get them as soon as possible. If you missed any previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, don’t worry, you can still get them from a vaccination centre near you.
As well as health and social care workers and carers, people aged 50 and over, those at higher risk or who are pregnant, and those who have or live with someone with a weakened immune system can book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations now.
Most NHS and care staff can get a vaccination through their employer, but if you can’t or are unsure you can use the links below to access the national booking service.
How to book your COVID-19 vaccination
Scan the QR code below, visit the National Booking Service, call 119 or find a walk-in appointment through the online vaccination walk-in finder.
How to book your flu vaccination
Scan the QR code below or visit the Flu Booking Service to book an appointment at a community pharmacy. You can also get a flu vaccination through your GP practice.
Frontline health and social care workers should get their flu vaccine from their employer. However, certain health and social care providers do not have access to occupational health schemes and cannot provide the flu vaccine to their employees.
If your employer doesn’t offer it, you can still get your flu vaccine for free on the NHS.
