UK likely to force NHS staff to have COVID shots, Javid says

Britain's Health Secretary Sajid Javid speaks during a press conference held in Downing Street, London, Britain, October 20, 2021. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain is likely to require staff in the National Health Service to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Monday.

He told Sky News that mandatory vaccines for health workers would help to protect patients, and that he was not deterred by the fact there is already a staff shortage in the health system.

"We are considering it," he told Sky News. "We're yet to make a final decision but I am leaning towards doing it."

(Reporting by Paul Sandle and Kate Holton)