The British government says all healthcare staff who work with the public will have to be vaccinated against the coronavirus starting in April, despite concerns the move could drive thousands to quit their jobs.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday said that 90 per cent of staff in the state-funded National Health Service have already received two doses of a vaccine.
But that leaves more than 100,000 health workers unvaccinated.
Mr Javid told the House of Commons that, while vaccination is not compulsory for most people, health workers carry a unique responsibility because they are in contact with those most vulnerable to illness.
He said the rule would not take effect until April 1, which would give all staff time to receive two doses.
There will be exceptions made for those who are medically exempt and staff who do not meet members of the public.
The change applies in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own health rules.
Trade unions opposed making vaccinations compulsory, saying it could encourage staff to quit the already stretched health system.
The government already requires nursing home staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19, with Thursday the deadline.
Mr Javid said that since the rule was announced, the number of unvaccinated care workers had fallen from 88,000 to 32,000.
He told Parliament the same results could be expected of the new requirement.
“It is about making sure that people are encouraged to take a positive choice," Mr Javid said.
“No one should scapegoat or single out anyone, anyone in the NHS or social care who has for whatever reason … at this point chosen not to get vaccinated.”
Britain was one of the first countries in the world to start coronavirus vaccinations but, as in many countries, the campaign has slowed to a crawl after a strong start.
About 80 per cent of people over the age of 12 in the UK have had two doses of vaccine.
Britain also is offering third booster doses to people at heightened risk from the virus, including everyone over 50.
The UK has recorded almost 142,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest total in Europe after Russia.
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
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