Covid-19 vaccination programme: a statement from BASW

There are ongoing discussions about who should be prioritised for vaccination. This is a fast-moving situation and BASW is an active player in these discussions.

The UK is starting a vaccination programme against Covid-19. 

The vaccine currently being rolled out is produced by Pfizer/Biontech. It is delivered in two separate doses as two doses are needed to gain effective immunity. 

Other vaccines are at various stages of development, approval and rollout.

Government guidance has been issued on who is being offered the vaccine. While vaccination is not a legal requirement, it does offer vital protection against the virus.

BASW has been actively campaigning for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and testing for social workers. BASW continues to promote the importance of following public health advice during the coronavirus pandemic.

There are on-going discussions about who should be prioritised for vaccination. This is a fast-moving situation and BASW is an active player in these discussions.

There are also significant ethical issues in whether and to what extent social workers should be informing, encouraging or supporting the people they work with to take up the vaccine.

BASW anticipates developing a fuller response to these complex issues and envisages making this information and recommendations available early in the new year.