What's New Bulletin 58 - 9 September 2021
This is the fifty eighth weekly provider bulletin, containing information on guidance, procedures and new initiatives. Very urgent or high priority communications may still be issued on an ad hoc basis, but we will try to keep these to a minimum.
COVID RELATED INFORMATION
- PLEASE READ: Letter from Birmingham Health and Social Care Partners, COVID vaccination - updated important information and resources for care home staff (information for Birmingham and Solihull care homes)
COVID 19 RELATED INFORMATION
As you will be very aware, the legal deadline for care home staff to have their COVID vaccinations is fast approaching; staff need to have their first dose by 16 September, in order to meet the deadline of 11 November to be double vaccinated. This week’s provider bulletin is dedicated to this topic.
1. PLEASE READ: Letter from Birmingham Health and Social Care Partners, COVID vaccination - updated important information and resources for care home staff (information for Birmingham and Solihull care homes)
Dear colleagues
As you will be very aware by now, the legal deadline for care home staff to have their COVID vaccinations is fast approaching, with just a week to go for unvaccinated staff to have their first dose.
A reminder of the dates: care home staff need to have their first dose by 16 September, in order to meet the deadline of 11 November, to be double vaccinated.
Please find updated communications materials below, to support your conversations with your staff
- Poster: Updated poster to print and display in prominent staff areas that includes information about the advice and guidance service. The poster has been circulated by email to all care providers. If you don't have a copy, please email marketintelligence@birmingham.gov.uk
- Video: Below is an updated short video which can be used on social media or any other suitable online channels you have. The local NHS and council will be promoting this extensively.
Covid-19 vaccination for care home staff
- Fertility and pregnancy online event: Please promote this event to your staff, that is happening on Monday 13 September, 2-3pm. You can find the event by searching for @uhbtrust on Facebook.
- Medical exemption: We are aware that there are some staff who claim that they are medically exempt from having the COVID vaccination; in fact, there are very few individuals who cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine. People who have had a reaction to their first dose, can be offered an alternative vaccine. The same applies to people with existing medical conditions; they can be offered an appropriate COVID-19 vaccine for them. Updated national guidance about medical exemptions is available below (page 25/26). You can also direct individuals to consult their GP and/or hospital specialist if they need further assurance about having their vaccine, if they have existing medical conditions.
Medical exemptions from COVID-19 vaccination
- Further resources: There are a range of resources and FAQs available on the Birmingham and Solihull vaccination website:
What you need to know – Birmingham & Solihull NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service
- Where to go for a vaccination: Please inform staff that it is quick and easy to have a vaccination, with many sites now available across Birmingham and Solihull, with no appointment needed. For the latest information, visit:
Walk-ins – Birmingham & Solihull NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service
We will be in touch again next week, with new communications materials for use after 16 September. Please let us know if you require anything further to help encourage your staff to have their vaccinations.
Best wishes, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Care Group, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham Community Health Care