Nervous about starting work for the NHS before being vaccinated?

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I start work as a frontline NHS worker soon, it's not patient-facing but still classified as frontline. I'm clinically vulnerable (group 6). I know that I will be offered the vaccine once I start, but I'm starting to feel nervous about those first few weeks after the vaccine when I'm waiting to build up some immunity.

I know I need to just get a grip and when I applied for this job there wasn't even a vaccine so it is a risk I knew about and have accepted. I also acknowledge that I'm in a privileged position to be able get the vaccine in the first place and I am grateful for that.

But I'm just wondering if anyone on here has recently started working for the NHS how quickly you were offered the vaccine or if any current NHS employees are CV and can give insight into whether any extra accommodations or changes were made to your role to reduce your risk? Occupational health has told me I need to speak to my line manager about ways to reduce my risk but I'm not really sure what to say/ask as if we're all wearing masks and you can't social distance/work from home in this role then there's not really much else that can be done?

Thank you in advance.

Have you contacted your manager / HR to see if they can arrange for your vaccination before you actually start ?

If you have your employment contract and start date I don't see why they wouldn't be able to do this .

If its non patient facing that should reduce the risk a lot. What kind of job is it? I can't really think of a frontline role that isn't patient facing. Is it office based? The set up is really good now, even in offices masks should be worn at all times, plastic screens are up and there are maximum room capacities to help with social distancing.
You would be better speaking to your line manager and addressing your concerns. They should be able to advise you on when you can get the vaccine and the covid measures in place where you are working.

I work for the NHS and it is just second nature now to take all necessary precautions. Mask and eye covering as standard - including when I’m in direct contact with COVID patients. (Full PPE as necessary). It’s just the norm in a hospital now. Depending on your trust I’m sure you will be offered the vaccine immediately and I’m sure you will get lots of support from your team / line manager. Don’t worry - I know hospitals seem like scary places at the moment but you will be supported and I’m sure there will be other cv employees who you will be able to talk to. Good luck in your new job

I have my start date but not my contract yet. Hopefully I'll receive my contract this week sometime. I'm not even sure who my manager is as I have only been emailing with HR so far.

The role is in pathology but I won't be in contact with any patients.

I'm a little nervous about breaks and lunch times - how are they managed as you can't wear masks? Do you need to sit 2m from all of your colleagues whilst eating or are you treated as one 'bubble'? Sorry if this is a silly question! I've been working from home since the start of COVID so not sure what kind of workplace rules are in place.

The fact the vaccine is about does seem to have increased anxiety, the idea of catching it when so close to having protection. Speak to management as soon as possible. There will still be social distancing.

Lunch times I generally sit in a room by myself (I often FaceTime my eldest who is at uni) but others sit in a larger room with at least 2 m apart. Less risk if everyone is sitting rather than moving around. Don’t be nervous to open a window to let the some fresh air in - even if it’s freezing- even if it’s only for a short time.

Also if you think about it most of your colleagues should have had the vaccine and it’s thought to reduce transmission so you should be safer than before.

I got mine on my second day. I did ask though and booked myself quick sharp! No reason why you can't get vaccinated now if you can be booked on!

You can always sit outside or car or walk inside where possible if you want to avoid the lunch room. Honestly, I sit in the office as it is easier to distance there.

Your anxiety might reduce when you start too. Good Luck

In terms of timescale, my new starter had her jab on day 3. Just need employee number to be generated and then it was booked.

In my trust, all CEV staff are all home working - not allowed to be in work...have to had a risk assessment etc?

Sorry just saw you are CV not CEV - still need a robust risk assessment and mitigation's put in place etc.

Do you think I should email HR and ask? I don't have my employee number yet though, will I get that once I've signed my contract? I start a week tomorrow. I think because of COVID things have been a little different compared to usual. I know there are lots of new employees starting in my department too.

Also what kind of mitigations should I expect to put in place?