BROMSGROVE care home workers are being urged to get their first Covid- 19 jab within the next month.

By November 11 everyone working or volunteering in a CQC registered care home must have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical exemption.

This means the deadline for first COVID-19 vaccinations for care home workers is 16 September.

First vaccinations after 16 September will mean second doses will be too late to comply with the 11 November deadline.

After 11 November anyone who has not been fully vaccinated will not be able to enter the care home to work or volunteer.

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Cabinet member for adult social care, Adrian Hardman, said: “The County Council continues to support our staff and providers to ensure they receive the best possible guidance to enable them to make informed decisions about the vaccine.”

As well as carers, this applies to anyone providing a service inside a care home. This includes social workers, volunteers, hairdressers, health workers and maintenance workers.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Karen May, added: “It’s really important all those who regularly provide services to people in care homes get vaccinated in time.

“We are urging anyone who attends a care home, even if they are volunteers to get the jab as soon as possible.”

Anyone working or volunteering in a care home including those aged 16-18 years such as health and social care apprentice workers, can access the vaccine by using the national booking system,

Alternatively The Artrix on Slideslow Drive is offering vaccinations to those over 16.

The government announced changes to legislation in June to ensure people living in care homes are better protected from death and serious illness.

It is a controversial decision, with sector leaders warning about the impact it could have on already-stretched staffing levels.