Clinical leads urge firms to promote vaccinations for staff

Leaders of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme have written a letter appealing for local businesses to highlight the reasons why staff and volunteers should get the Covid-19 vaccination.

Appealing to all firms in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme's clinical lead, Dr Paddy Hannigan and senior responsible officer, Neil Carr outlined why vaccinations should be taken by everyone over 18 years old and why they are of benefit to all businesses.

Dr Hannigan and Mr Carr wrote:" With case rates having climbed across our county, the biggest weapon we have is the vaccine programme. And we know one dose is not enough. Two doses of vaccine give the best protection for all age groups.

"Covid-19 has not disappeared, nor does it recognise dates and times. Increasing case rates, combined with low vaccine uptake in younger people and those from ethnic minority groups, continues to cause concern."

The letter went on to advise employers on how best to navigate conversations around vaccinations with their staff and signposted a range of resources answering the most commonly asked questions that people have.

Businesses were also urged to stress the dangers of misinformation and encourage the use of trusted sources, such as the NHS website, if they require further details on the vaccine.

Multiple clinics are open to deliver vaccines in the Staffordshire area, with people able to choose to drop in or book an appointment either online or by calling NHS 119.