In the open letter circulated to all local NHS employers, councils and social care providers this week, staff are encouraged to “take up this opportunity to be vaccinated as soon as you are offered it”.
Keeping staff safe was an “extremely high priority”, said the letter, adding that by “getting the vaccine you can protect yourself from the virus so you can continue to be there for your family, friends, and those you care for”.
“As people who work directly with some of those who are most vulnerable, we have a collective duty both to protect ourselves for their sake, and to lead by example,” said the letter, which is signed by chief nursing officer for England Ruth May and chief nurse for adult social care Professor Deborah Sturdy.