Recognizing the special circumstances seafarers experience in accessing vaccination due to their working conditions, National Health Service of UK (NHS) issued a new guidance focusing on crew vaccination.
It is known that vessels may travel long distances following complex routes over many months before returning to home ports. Others will be travelling repetitive trips over relatively short distances with crews living ashore. It is therefore inappropriate to consider them as one single group which one solution will suit, NHS explained.
In light of the situation, NHS describes a range of the Frequently Asked Questions which supports services providing vaccination to this group.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The vaccinee is not a UK Citizen?
All seafarers, irrespective of nationality, can be vaccinated whilst in an English Port. This offers them protection and reduces the risks to others. It also contributes to protecting UK services and trade.
- Can seafarers be vaccinated without an NHS Number?
You do not require an NHS number, or a permanent address, to be vaccinated. If you don’t have an NHS number you can contact your local GP surgery to organise the vaccine or attend a COVID-19 vaccination walk-in centre or pop-up centre.
- What vaccines can be given?
All age appropriate UK licensed vaccines can be offered at the time of writing. These include, Pfizer (Cominarty), AstraZeneca and Moderna.
- Do seafarers need to isolate if vaccinated?
The approach to vaccination and isolation continues to vary and may be subject to change. Currently as part of step 4 of unlocking, citizens will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. If you become infected, then isolation will be required.
- AZ or Pfizer can seafarers choose which vaccine to have?
You cannot usually choose which vaccine you have. All the vaccines used in the UK are authorised for use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
