Home Care Workers' views on Infection Prevention and Flu vaccines

During September and October 2025, Healthwatch Derbyshire collected the views of 129 professional (paid) home care workers on Infection Prevention  and seasonal influenza  vaccinations. This was a commissioned piece of research that was co-produced with, and was funded by, Public Health at Derbyshire County Council.

Key findings - infection control

Paid home care workers responding to the survey were committed to keeping people safe from infection, with 98% saying it was important or very important Most workers (87%) were either very confident or extremely confident about their ability to prevent the spread of infection. They explained the actions they personally take, such as correctly wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining good hand hygiene. Only one worker said they were not so confident about preventing the spread of infection in their role. They said that was because they were expected to work when ill.

12% of workers said they were ‘somewhat confident’ about their ability to prevent the spread of infection in their role. Their confidence was reduced by their inability to control the actions of others, limited control of the home environment, or difficulties getting a GP appointment to look after their own health.

97% of workers said they had the right equipment and information to prevent the spread of infections. However, there was some criticism of the quality of the PPE and having to collect supplies from their employers’ office at their own cost.

Key motivations for workers taking action to reduce the risk of the spread of infection are to: 

• Protect the vulnerable people they care for from the impact of infections, helping them to remain at home, reduce hospital admissions and maintain quality of life
• Protecting themselves to stay healthy so they can work and maintain earnings
• Protect their family, friends, colleagues and community from illness. 

Home care providers are providing their employees with training programmes. A large proportion offer online training courses.

There were several suggestions that face-to-face training would be preferred. Some workers said this would aid learning and they would more likely be paid. However, some said online training was helpful for them.

Key findings - flu vaccinations

The home care workers' feelings towards the flu vaccinations were not as positive. However, 75% of workers had the vaccination every, most or some years, or plan to this year.

Those who felt positive about receiving the vaccine identified the benefits of the vaccine in minimising the symptoms of flu and preventing its spread. Workers who were not positive about the vaccine expressed doubts about the vaccine's ability to protect everyone from flu due to multiple flu strains. Some workers suggested they didn’t need the vaccination because they were fit and healthy.

Many who did not receive the vaccine described having experienced side effects or illness following a previous flu vaccine.

Whilst some workers were unaware of their eligibility (12%), most said it had previously been easy to get the vaccine. They only needed to show their work ID as evidence of eligibility. Those who had found it more difficult to arrange their flu vaccination highlighted the difficulties with their shift patterns and short notice of rotas, making booking hard. Pharmacies that offered walk-in vaccinations made access easier.

There was a lack of clarity from professionals (GPs and pharmacists) as to whether home care workers are eligible for free NHS flu vaccinations this year. Some professionals had been told that home care workers were no longer eligible. Healthwatch shared the website reference with workers so they could show their eligibility as health and social care workers.

There was no single solution to influence the workers’ decisions to have the vaccine. Key things they suggested were: 

• Clear information from trusted sources about the vaccine
• Encouragement, training and discussion about the vaccine from their employer
• Flexible or walk-in appointments at pharmacies during paid working time
• Reminders from their GP to book an appointment 

• That the flu vaccination should remain free of charge for home care workers.