TOC/FOC staff receiving vaccines

[Stigy]

Can’t see this posted anywhere; I recently took advantage of being officered my first Covid jab (Pfizer) and naturally bit their hands off (I was offered this through the Ambulance Service), but it got me thinking. There has been no briefing etc issued by my TOC to say whether staff need to speak to their manager or Occ Health prior to this. I assumed there was no need, but with common (albeit mostly minor) side effects of these vaccinations, in hindsight I’d think there should be general guidance for staff. Thoughts?

 

[221129]

Can’t see this posted anywhere; I recently took advantage of being officered my first Covid jab (Pfizer) and naturally bit their hands off (I was offered this through the Ambulance Service), but it got me thinking. There has been no briefing etc issued by my TOC to say whether staff need to speak to their manager or Occ Health prior to this. I assumed there was no need, but with common (albeit mostly minor) side effects of these vaccinations, in hindsight I’d think there should be general guidance for staff. Thoughts?

You would surely follow your normal drugs and alcohol policy.

 

[172007]

It's a drug so follow the established procedures. Not confusing at all to me.

 

[Stigy]

It's a drug so follow the established procedures. Not confusing at all to me.

It’s confusing in that this is something new, and isn’t a million miles different to a flu vaccination, whereby staff do not have to declare having had it or their intention to have it, therefore one would assume it prudent to issue a staff brief if D&A policy should be considered to cover this in the same way it does drugs.

 

[dctraindriver]

Can’t see this posted anywhere; I recently took advantage of being officered my first Covid jab (Pfizer) and naturally bit their hands off (I was offered this through the Ambulance Service), but it got me thinking. There has been no briefing etc issued by my TOC to say whether staff need to speak to their manager or Occ Health prior to this. I assumed there was no need, but with common (albeit mostly minor) side effects of these vaccinations, in hindsight I’d think there should be general guidance for staff. Thoughts?

Follow the policy. You raise a good point. I’d be bringing it to the attention of your DM and rep as they best get something out to staff sharpish.

 

[Stigy]

Follow the policy. You raise a good point. I’d be bringing it to the attention of your DM and rep as they best get something out to staff sharpish.

Thanks, I’ll email our H&S rep.

By way of an update, I’ve not got it in black and white from Occ Health that permission is not required, therefore my interest has somewhat diminished

 

[southerner2174]

Read ASLEF bulletin 14, issued on 14th January 2021

 

[Stigy]

Read ASLEF bulletin 14, issued on 14th January 2021

If that’s the newest one, I have read it. It states staff should have the vaccine in line with company policy? It doesn’t state specific policy.

I tend not to read much Union stuff if I’m honest. I got a definitive answer from our occupational health department which is quite clear cut. We don’t need permission to have the vaccine. That email is now saved

 

[southerner2174]

The newest one is bulletin 15

 

[Stigy]

The newest one is bulletin 15

Can you shed any light as to what was in 14 in that case please?

 

[Mojo]

It’s confusing in that this is something new, and isn’t a million miles different to a flu vaccination, whereby staff do not have to declare having had it or their intention to have it, therefore one would assume it prudent to issue a staff brief if D&A policy should be considered to cover this in the same way it does drugs.

I agree. At our company we have a list of "approved" medicines that staff can take without this needing to be declared to occupational health; obviously this isn't updated that often & doesn't have any Covid vaccines on it.