NHS staff won't face a mandatory jab-or-job choice before April, health bosses claim, despite fears of soaring wave of Covid cases this winter.
Compulsory vaccinations for those on the frontline are likely to be announced in the coming days, but the actual rule is not expected to be enforced until the end of March.
The policy is part of efforts to control rising infections, which will also soon include allowing the double-jabbed to receive their third booster dose a month earlier than planned.
A consultation on mandatory jabs for NHS staff, similar to the rules currently in force in care homes, was launched earlier this year, claiming it would protect patients and doctors throughout a winter period many expect to be particularly challenging.
But Health Secretary Sajid Javid is rumoured to still have reservations about the policy, with insiders describing him as 'genuinely split' — despite publicly saying he was 'leaning towards' the mandate.
Health officials, however, insist 'no final decision' has been made and that there is unlikely to be an announcement until next week.
NHS staff won't face a mandatory jab-or-job choice before April, health bosses claim, despite fears of soaring wave of Covid cases this winter
Pressure is growing on Mr Javid to roll out the scheme, however, with one official telling the Telegraph: 'We had this with the flu jab. We were interested in mandating the flu jab.
'There was always pushback against it from the NHS. The whole point is that, if you get more people jabbed now from Covid, it is easier for staff.
'There is an argument that it is one of the best ways to take pressure off staff.'
As concerns continue to grow, changes are being made to the rollout of the booster programme in order to get more shots in arms before Christmas.
Invites will be sent to patients across the country from next week, giving them the opportunity to
