How to ask my employer (NHS) if I'm eligible for a COVID vaccine?

[covidvaccinequestion]

I start a new job in the NHS soon which I'm pretty sure is classed as frontline albeit not patient facing. I have signed my contract but haven't received my work ID or anything yet.

I am wanting to email to ask if I'm eligible to book my vaccine as a frontline health and social care worker but I don't want to sound cheeky. I haven't started on my duties yet, I'm just doing remote training so not sure whether to wait until I properly start? I have had my official start date though but I've just been doing online training so far.

I'm clinically vulnerable (group 6) so quite anxious to get my vaccine asap.

Do you think it is appropriate and polite to email to ask or does it sound cheeky? I'm worried about giving a bad first impression.

Thank you

Just email and ask. Our NHS trust vaccination slots are booked up for weeks in advance so it might be a while anyway so the sooner you get on the list the better. When is your start date - have you actually started yet if you are doing work already? Either way, just ask your manager.

Presumably Occy Health know you are clinically vulnerable anyway so it won't be a surprise to them. Our trust is really really pushing for all staff to get the vaccine (obvs is priority order) so I would expect yours to be keen to sort out a vulnerable member of staff.

If you have started the role, I would ask. It can take up to three weeks for the vaccine to take effect so by then you’ll have finished your training

Ask now. If you have a payroll/staff number that should be all you need to book. It isn’t cheeky!

Absolutely e-mail and ask the question. Explain that you are vulnerable. The worst thing they are going to say is no, they probably haven't thought about it yet. Don't worry about what they might think. Good luck with your new job!

You won’t sound cheeky. Our trust have been really pushing employees to get their jabs. Email as soon as you can though, or you might be too late - we aren’t booking any more 1st jabs now since last week as most people have already had their 1st one.

My official start date was last week but I haven't started my actual role yet, just doing online training/induction and waiting to hear when I need to go in to receive my staff ID pass and in-person training.

The only proof of my employment I have is my signed contract - would that be enough proof or should I wait until I have my photo ID card issued?

Should I email Occupational Health or the head of my department? (I still don't know who my line manager is)

I also don't know whether to just ring 119 and ask them rather than ask my employer? I'm pretty sure my role qualifies and I'm sure a signed and dated contract would be enough proof?

Will my employer find out if I have been vaccinated without their 'permission'?

I wouldn't bother 119 with this, they won't really be able to help.
You need to contact OH or your manager

How are they paying you? Is that set up yet - I presume so as you have already started work. You should have an employee number so quote that. Your intranet should have a link to vaccinations or perhaps you get emails to all staff which have details. Either way don't go via 119 as you want to be sure you get the same type of vaccine at the appropriate timings and your employer will want the details so go through them.

Who emails you the work? Is there a name on your contract or letter offering you the job? Contact them. It doesn't need to be your line manager as most senior staff should know your organisation's policy.

If you have the start date, they are unlikely to withdraw the offer just because you ask.
Is there any opportunity to discuss the online training / other induction issues before you start? May seem less grabby if you roll it up with other things (but not too long a list or they might just think you're a pita )