England to make COVID-19 vaccinations compulsory for care workers

LONDON - It will be mandatory for care home workers in England to have coronavirus vaccinations, British health minister Matt Hancock said on Wednesday, adding the government was considering whether the policy should be extended to healthcare workers too.

Britain has high take-up rates of COVID-19 vaccines, but has been examining making the shots compulsory for those working in care homes - whose residents are among the most vulnerable to the disease - to boost coverage further. "We have decided to take this proposal forward to protect residents. The vast majority of staff in care homes are vaccinated, but not all," Hancock told parliament, adding a similar move would be considered for the National Health Service (NHS).