Yes. You may still carry and transmit the virus, as it is still uncertain whether the vaccination will prevent carriage of the virus in the nose and throat of people who have been vaccinated. The primary purpose of the vaccine is to prevent you from becoming unwell from COVID-19 infection.

Updated: 18 February 2021

Yes. You should continue to follow social distancing and infection prevention controls in practice, including the wearing of PPE. The primary purpose of the vaccine is to prevent you from becoming unwell from COVID-19 infection and may also reduce the chances of you being able to spread the infection by coughing less. However, you may still carry and transmit the virus, as it is still uncertain whether the vaccination will prevent carriage of the virus in the nose and throat of people who have been vaccinated. The effectivity of the vaccine may also vary with new and emerging variants of COVID-19.

Updated: 18 February 2021

The requirement to isolate is currently under review in each nation, check your Nations government website. We will update this when each nation has confirmed their policy.

Last updated: 15 July 2021

No. The vaccines being used produce a protective immune, antibody, response which can be measured by blood tests. However, they should not affect a PCR swab test, which is the basis of diagnosing COVID-19 in the nose and throat. They also do not affect the results of lateral flow test. PCR tests will be used as part of the vaccine effectiveness assessment in those who are vaccinated and subsequently develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Last updated: 18 February 2021

Yes, until more information becomes available, you should continue to complete the test twice weekly. It is important you report the result for every test you complete accordingly on the web portal.

Updated: 15 July 2021

No. The vaccine will induce an immune response but this should not affect the lateral flow test. If you test positive with a lateral flow test you should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test. The vaccine is not 100% effective, so there will be some cases where clinicians who have been vaccinated contract COVID-19. 

Updated: 18 February 2021

England
From 11 November 2021, anyone working or volunteering in a care home will be required to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19) unless medically exempt. 16 September is the last date to receive your first dose in order to be fully vaccinated in time to comply with the change in the rules. The College of Optometrists Guidance for Professional Practice (B36) states you should keep up to date with immunisation. If you cannot have the COVID-19 vaccination, you should speak with your employer and representative organisation.

More information: GOV.UK, Vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes: operational guidance

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
It is strongly recommended all health care professionals are fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19) unless medically exempt. Although it is not a regulatory requirement, it may be a condition of your employment – for current employment contracts this would need to be discussed. For new employees, this could be specified as a contractual requirement of employment. The College of Optometrists Guidance for Professional Practice (B36) states you should keep up to date with immunisation. If you cannot have the COVID-19 vaccination, you should speak with your employer and representative organisation. 

Issued in conjunction with The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)

Updated: 24 August 2021