WITH today being the deadline for care workers to get their first Covid vaccination jab, we asked Echo readers whether they thought all care home staff should be vaccinated.

The question came after the Government stated that England's care workers must get their first jab by today and be double-jabbed by November 11.

Readers seemed quite split over whether the vaccine should be madatory for care staff, with some saying it was 'absolutely bonkers' to take away their personal choice, while others argued they should find another job if they weren't prepared to vaccinate themselves.

Here's a selection of some of the 200-plus views aired by Echo readers on whether the jab should be mandatory for care workers:

Jools Appleby Davison Mclaughlin: "My opinion is, if it helps them as carers, as well as the people they are visiting, then yes, as they also go back to their families, even now we don't know the implications long term.

"So it's just little steps to help everyone, this job is no different from hospitals, they need to keep safe for themselves as others, I know some will disagree, but that's just my opinion."

Kelly-anne Sowerby: "If the staff have to have it, shouldn’t it be mandatory for the residents? Or is that taking away their freedom of choice? Something that I know a lot of people who work in care should be trying their hardest not to do? 

"Double jabbed by the way so not just a bandwagon rant!"

Dave Wilson: "If you don't want it, find another job."

Gillian Louise Hall: "It should be down to the individual if they want it or not.. we're turning into a nanny state!!!"

Kylie Bedford: "No it’s absolutely bonkers. It’s personal choice.

"I’ve had both mine but by my own choice, if my workplace was making me I would happily leave."

Jess Robson: "Yes if it actually stoped people getting (Covid)…. But it doesn’t so what’s the point in having it?"

Paul Kilburn: "Their choice! Why should they be treated differently from NHS front line nurses and carers etc.?"

Rebecca Graham: "We actively promote freedom of choice for clients every day. Their care revolves around their choices.

"Why should a carer's right to choose be removed if it is so important in the care field?"

Dawn Smith: "Yes they all should be (vaccinated) unless they can't due to medical conditions."

Paul Lamb: "Yes, we have seen what covid does in care-homes when it gets in, and quite simply if you dont want the jab then dont work in the care-home, and oh before you lot say owt, I am a resident in one."

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