Statement from the Society of Radiographers (SoR), as agreed by UK Council
SoR welcomes the prioritisation of all healthcare workers and student professionals for vaccinations against Covid-19.
It is right that the staff members that contribute at the heart of our health services are protected as quickly as possible so that the vital work to diagnose and treat those infected with the virus can continue and that others needing urgent healthcare can be seen.
Healthcare staff have been rightly recognised for extraordinary contributions in the pandemic response. They have also been the first to feel the effects of poor planning, confused public messages and political mismanagement of the crisis. The effect has been serious in terms of damage to morale, motivation and increased impacts on mental health amongst the people working hardest in the struggle against Covid.
The SoR strongly feels that it is not appropriate to add further stress to our members and other health staff through the introduction of a delay between the first and second doses of the vaccine. We understand the arguments that have been advanced to justify this practice. However, health staff will also be aware that the practice is against the guidance, both of manufacturers and of the World Health Organization.
Expecting staff to accept a delay to the provision of the full vaccine introduces unnecessary stress and pressure to a group that the UK population as a whole continues to rely upon for the ongoing recovery process.
We call on the governments in all four countries of the UK to act promptly to reverse the decision to delay the second dose of vaccinations and to show support for healthcare staff.
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