The Keeping Well North West London staff service is here to help health and social care staff who may need emotional or psychological support in relation to vaccination as a condition of deployment (VCOD).
Page updated: 2 February 2022
This week the Government is reconsidering its decision to require all health and care staff who have patient contact as part of their roles to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 31 March. This means that, at the moment, unvaccinated colleagues will no longer face dismissal if they choose to remain unvaccinated. However, it is important to note that this decision is subject to Parliamentary process and will require further consultation and a vote before being passed into legislation.
Our Keeping Well team is here to help support you and will continue to provide you with comprehensive signposting to information and support about the COVID-19 vaccines.
We are aware that it is a live issue and we will be continuing to update the page as more guidance is made available.
Please do contact us if you have any concerns
If you or a member of your team are experiencing anxiety or difficulties with mood in relation to any of the issues raised by VCOD then please do get in touch with us. You can contact us via:
- Our live chat (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm)
- Phone 0300 123 1705 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm)
- Email keepingwell.nwl@nhs.net
- Or complete our online referral form
Further information
The fear of needles is very common and is something that can be managed with help. Watch this short video by Ciara, our CBT Therapist giving a brief overview of needle phobia:
Visit our needle phobia self-help resource page for more advice.
Engaging and communicating with staff around vaccination uptake
NHS England and NHS Improvement has curated resources to aid 1:1 conversations around staff vaccine hesitancy. For further information on how to have a 1:1 conversation to support vaccine uptake, please see the ‘Guidance to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake in frontline staff’.
Visit the NHS England website for further toolkits and resources that include:
- Breastfeeding, fertility and pregnancy
- Ethnic minority communities
- General resources for specific target groups