Public in North to be consulted on proposal for compulsory jabs for health workers

The public in Northern Ireland is to be consulted on proposals to make Covid-19 and flu vaccination compulsory for new healthcare employees in the North.

The UK health secretary announced on Tuesday that Covid-19 vaccines will be made compulsory for frontline NHS staff in England.

The North's health minister Robin Swann said "all options" remained under consideration and he wanted a "constructive engagement".

“There is no predetermined outcome,” he said.

Health service coping but this winter likely to be hardest for years

---

AstraZeneca to set up division for vaccines and antibody therapies

---

Pfizer asks US regulators to expand Covid booster shot to all adults

---

Covid boosters should be rolled out to over 40s, immunologist says

---

The Minister said he remained convinced that persuasion “is the best and most effective option when it comes to vaccination” and there were “compelling arguments that mandatory vaccination for existing health and social care staff in Northern Ireland could be counter-productive.

“Against that, I also have great sympathy for those who only want their loved ones to be cared for by fully vaccinated staff.”

He also said he would “closely monitor” the situation in England.

The Deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill, said there were “human rights concerns” around mandatory vaccines but if Mr Swann brought forward a proposal to the Northern Executive she would consider it and take a decision based on all available information.

SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said she did not think the time was right to press ahead with mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers and she would prefer progress on the introduction of vaccine certification for hospitality settings.

Alliance Assembly member Paula Bradshaw said Mr Swann should make a statement to the Assembly to allow himself to be questioned on the development.

“We need much more clarity urgently about why certain areas are being prioritised for action and why the vaccination programme is proceeding on such a limited basis,” she said.

The deaths of a further seven people with Covid-19 were reported by the North's Department of Health on Tuesday, and 1,228 more positive cases.

A total of 395 people are receiving hospital treatment for the virus, with 39 in intensive care.

Meanwhile the Northern Secretary, Brandon Lewis, revealed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for Covid-19.

He said on social media that he was self-isolating and thanks to the vaccine had experienced “only mild symptoms”.