Evening Standard Comment: NHS frontline staff must get the Covid jab

Coronavirus - Tue Dec 8, 2020
Deputy charge nurse Katie McIntosh administers Pfizer jabs to Clinical Lead of Outpatient Theatres Andrew Mencnarowski
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Vaccines save lives. Indeed without them, we might be returning to lockdown this winter. Yet while the vast majority — more than 90 per cent — of NHS staff have received at least one dose, between 80,000 and 100,000 remain unvaccinated, according to Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents trusts.

The number is lower in the capital, where one in five staff at London’s biggest NHS trust, Barts Health, is not double jabbed. We need to get as close to 100 per cent as possible.

Our NHS staff, who have worked heroically in the most challenging of circumstances over the last 20 months, must continue to put patients, colleagues and their community first in getting the jab.

We welcome the news that a vaccine mandate for NHS workers is set to be confirmed by the Health Secretary. While they are not a silver bullet and carry risks if not implemented sensitively, we must leave no stone unturned in ensuring patient safety.

We therefore urge all frontline NHS staff — as we do all eligible people — to do the right thing, come forward and get the protection vaccination confers.

Bravo, Rashford

Marcus Rashford does not let youth stand in the way of achievement. He scored at the age of 18 on his Manchester United debut, and did so again days later on his first Premier League appearance.

Last year, at the age of 22, he was awarded an MBE for his campaign to feed hungry children. Today, he will pick up the honour from Football Association president (and Duke of Cambridge) Prince William.

Rashford’s relentless campaign forced the Government to change its policy on free school meals over lockdown, ensuring that vulnerable young people did not suffer further during the pandemic.

When football has often been seen as synonymous with greed and excess, Rashford has demonstrated there is another way to be, while continuing to excel on the pitch.

There can be few recipients more worthy of this honour.

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