 also states on its website that further education candidates must have the Covid jab as part of the entry requirements. Prospective students applying via Ucas are greeted with the message: 'You should be aware that from 1 April 2022, all NHS and Social Care personnel (including students) will be required to have completed an approved course of vaccinations against Covid-19 before they can be deployed in roles that involve face-to-face contact with patients/service users. Alternative programme 'If you are unable, or unwilling, to be vaccinated at this time, and cannot satisfy our placement providers that you are medically exempt, we will not be able to provide you with the practice placements necessary to complete your health and social care degree. If this is the case, you may wish to look at an alternative programme or career path.' Health experts said it was worrying that nursing students and social care trainees were being discouraged from the profession because of outdated messaging, particularly when the NHS is facing severe recruitment problems. Oncologist Karol Sikora, who has previously spoken out against vaccine mandates, said: "This is utterly ludicrous and at a time of severe staff shortages, endangering patients in the long run. 'I thought we were past this unscientific shaming, but apparently not. 'The vaccine does not prevent the spread of the virus in any meaningfu){kind=link}
The requirement, withdrawn in March, could deter prospective students from signing up during a severe NHS staffing shortage, a study found
Universities are still requesting that student nurses be fully vaccinated against Covid despite the Government abandoning the requirement for health workers in March, it has emerged.
At least 10 universities are imposing the mandate on their web pages where applicants can find more information about the courses, an investigation by Nigel Farage on GB News found.
The website of Liverpool John Moores University even tells prospective students that it is “illegal to work in an NHS setting” without confirmation of Covid vaccination status.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) also states on its website that further education candidates must have the Covid jab as part of the entry requirements.