Dear Colleagues,
I am to refer to the current roll out of the flu vaccination program and guidelines issued by the HSE regarding mandatory risk assessments for staff who, for whatever reason, do not receive the vaccination.
For several weeks, the PNA and other Health Service unions have engaged with the HSE and the Department of Occupational Health regarding this policy. We have reiterated, on numerous occasions, that although we completely support the uptake of the flu vaccination, we continue to have serious concerns regarding the potential ramifications that an MRA may have on some individuals terms and conditions of employment.
In order to give time to resolve these concerns, the HSE have agreed to pause the mandatory risk assessment process for a period of 2 weeks, up to and including the 18th of October 2020, to allow for discussion and clarifications to be provided on the specific issues raised by the staff side.
We will revert to branches with further information following further engagement.
Thank you.
Michael Hayes
Deputy General Secretary