Mandatory Covid-19 vaccination of healthcare workers is being considered by public health officials as a response to high infection levels.
The Irish Times reported that the issue was raised at a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) earlier this month, which agreed to examine “relevant ethical, legal and practical issues before any action is considered”.
The Department of Health is to prepare an evidence paper on the topic to be discussed at a future meeting, according to minutes of Nphet’s meeting on November 11th.
Up to now, the practice has been to remove an unvaccinated healthcare worker from frontline duties, based on an individual risk assessment. However, other countries, including France, have introduced mandatory vaccination for health staff.
The meeting discussed communicating the “path to endemicity” of Covid-19 and the role of boosters in this to the public.
“Such messaging could explain that, while it is likely that many people may become infected with SARS-CoV-2 at some point in future, it is vital that as many people as possible are vaccinated and given booster doses where appropriate as quickly as possible.”
“If the situation does not improve, limits on capacity and other restrictions may need to be contemplated in certain sectors,” officials were told.
Vaccine type
Members queried where there is a possible correlation between the numbers of vulnerable people presenting to hospital and the primary vaccine received.
“It was noted that the National Immunisation Advisory Committee is considering this matter in the context of the booster vaccination programme with a view to bolstering protection for the most vulnerable.”
They also queried whether “more proactive measures” could be taken in hospitals to reduce spread.
It was suggested booster vaccines could be given on admission, and whether the HSE should consider testing all admission to healthcare settings for the virus.
