Dear Colleague
Importance of continuing to test regularly after Covid vaccination – social care staff
Thanks for your continued support for testing in your care setting. Please be aware that asymptomatic routine staff testing should continue to be carried out, along with following of government advice and FACTS, even after staff have had the Covid vaccination. Testing does not change with the roll out of the vaccine. The vaccine does not interfere with the Covid test and staff who have received their first and second dose are strongly encouraged to continue to take part in testing to protect themselves and those for whom they provide care. The current vaccines have demonstrated a high level of protection against coronavirus – but no vaccine provides 100% immunity. If you have chosen to have the vaccine you are reducing your risk of developing coronavirus and your symptoms are likely to be milder if you do get it. The duration of effectiveness of the vaccines remains unknown, further doses may be necessary in future.
Testing identifies asymptomatic staff who currently have Covid-19 so they are able to self-isolate if their result is positive. It protects those receiving care and your colleagues from infection. It also assists to protect you, the individual, their families and the wider public. It is an important additional layer of protection to Covid-19 alongside the continued adherence to infection prevention control measures including use of PPE, symptom vigilance, physical distancing as appropriate.
Please note that we are reviewing the asymptomatic staff testing strategy specifically in care homes to take account of improvements in community prevalence. It is likely that testing in some form will remain but it is likely to be reduced. More details will follow soon.
Please share this important message with staff members.
