Covid-19: Government considers mandatory vaccination for healthcare staff in England
BMJ 2021; 374 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n2222 (Published 10 September 2021) Cite this as: BMJ 2021;374:n2222All rapid responses
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Dear Editor
Rimmer reports that the moral case for mandatory influenza and covid vaccinations has been made by the requirement for Hepatitis B vaccination for Exposure Prone Procedures. (1)
The NHS goes much beyond this as I found when I applied for the GP performers list in 2019, including additional proof for Hepatitis C, HIV, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, BCG, and varicella. I mockingly questioned what is in store for the GP contract transferring unfunded secondary care if GPs have to be approved for "minor" surgery where sight of the hands may be obscured in body cavities.
There are essential differences with the current proposals and the existing requirements, where covid and influenza are minor self limiting diseases, freely transmitted by aerosol by anyone, even if not working in healthcare. Vaccinating healthcare staff will therefore not stop the transmission even if an effective vaccine was available. The current Covid vaccine caused me significant side effects with a temperature of 38.5 and lasting myalgia, in hindsight for about 6 months, not experienced with any of my previous vaccinations. Fortunately I am of the age that I can retire rather than undergo unnecessary medical procedures annually and I have sympathy for those that cannot take this route. The Hepatitis vaccine brought me more potential benefits than harms. Non-responders to Hepatitis vaccine are not banned from working. As one of the last countries on the planet Hepatitis B has been recently included in the routine UK childhood vaccines. Lastly, I did not have to undergo repeated vaccinations as proof of sufficient antibodies post vaccination was accepted for the performers list for all conditions, an option not available for Covid or Influenza.
The least that should be offered for mandatory medical procedures (an abhorrent intrusion on body integrity) is an effective intervention, a cap on the number of interventions (this should be one if the intervention is effective) and choice of intervention, including non-parenteral options.
(1) Rimmer, A. Covid-19: Government considers mandatory vaccination for healthcare staff in England. BMJ 2021;374:n2222 https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n2222
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: Covid-19: Government considers mandatory vaccination for healthcare staff in England
Dear Editor,
During lockdown a great deal of pressure was placed upon healthcare workers. Some were sent into patients houses unaware if they had Covid, and more importantly without proper PPE often.
I’m very unsure that mandating Covid vaccination is the right path though, as long term effects are still uncertain with vaccination. I think the concentration, even today, should be on barrier methods of a physical nature being still employed. One could cite vaccinated persons, such as Colin Powell succumbing to Covid issues. Let’s make this an optional issue for at least 12 months, to see how the science holds up. Too many mistakes already have probably been made, and we don’t need more complications should further issues be found. I think of Thalidomide!
Competing interests: No competing interests