Infection control guidance for the social care sector

Vaccination

The Homecare Association's information on eligibility for vaccination is at: Encouraging vaccination take-up (homecareassociation.org.uk).

This has information about COVID-19 vaccination, flu vaccination and RSV vaccination. 

Health and social care staff are no longer eligible for Covid-19 vaccination boosters, unless they are in an individual capacity, for example, if they are immunosuppressed.

The NHS National Booking System closes on 29 June 2026 for the Spring COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Further details are awaited of future vaccination programmes.

There is more information on COVID-19 vaccinations eligibility in the COVID-19 chapter of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book on immunisation against infectious disease. 

Control of infection and PPE

Providers need to purchase their own PPE. Current guidance on PPE usage (both in acute respiratory infection contexts, and more broadly) can be found as follows:

• Infection prevention and control in adult social care: acute respiratory infection - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• PPE requirements (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Infection prevention and control in adult social care settings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections - GOV.UK

The NICE - COVID-19 rapid guideline NG 191 - Managing COVID-19 which covers the management of COVID-19 for babies, children, young people and adults in all care settings remains in place. See also guidance on managing COVID symptoms in the section on advice for the general public above.

Testing

There is now no routine or symptomatic staff testing in place. People who homecare providers support (or staff) may still need to test if they are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, such as antivirals - see advice for the general public above.

Mental health

The Homecare Association's information on maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been consolidated into a new, general resource for members Resources to support staff mental well-being.

Care home visiting

There is guidance on Supporting safer visiting in care homes during infectious illness outbreaks - GOV.UK.

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in the UK.

Government guidance is if you have COVID-19 you should try to stay at home.

Most people cannot get free COVID-19 tests. You can buy tests in shops but you cannot report the result to the NHS.

You can get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the NHS.

There is guidance on How to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 infection. - NHS and information on COVID-19 symptoms and what to do - NHS (www.nhs.uk).

You can use this online tool from the NHS to find out what to do if you, or somebody else, has a medical problem: NHS 111 Online - Get medical help.

The NHS offers treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill: Treatments for COVID-19 - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

There is guidance for/on:

• People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19
• COVID-19: guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk.  

There is also advice on Pregnancy and COVID-19 - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
 

Wearing a facemask

Living safely with respiratory infections including COVID-19 includes advice on when to consider wearing a face covering or a face mask.

People visiting healthcare settings may be asked to wear a mask or face covering following a local risk assessment, unless exempt, for which evidence should be provided: Coronavirus » Living with COVID-19: Visiting healthcare inpatient settings principles (england.nhs.uk). 

Visitors, parents, guardians, siblings will be asked to wear a surgical facemask if visiting a high-risk area in a healthcare setting or a patient with suspected/known COVID-19.
 

Testing

NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests are no longer free for most people. You can buy tests in shops but you cannot report the result of those tests to the NHS.

You may still be able to get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from the NHS if you:

• have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatment.
• work in certain healthcare settings (this excludes homecare settings)

Vaccination

The NHS National Booking System opened on 1 September 2025 for all eligible individuals in England to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments available from 1 October 2025.

There is information on: Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online - NHS.

After 29 June 2026, you cannot book a spring COVID-19 vaccine using this online booking service or by calling 119. Details of further vaccination programmes are awaited.

The  COVID-19 chapter of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book on immunisation against infectious disease is usually updated with information on eligibility.

Long COVID

There is information about the long-term effects of COVID-19 at:

Long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Find help and support if you have long COVID - GOV.UK

RESOURCES | Long Covid SOS

Lost or changed sense smell - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Long Covid: symptoms, tests and treatment - BHF

Tribunal rules Long-Covid is a disability: EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS (SCOTLAND) (publishing.service.gov.uk).
 

Travel advice

You do not need to take a test or quarantine when you arrive in the UK.

You should check travel advice for any country you are travelling to.

Working safely and risk assessment

There is guidance on reducing the risk of infection in the workplace at:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Advice for workplaces (hse.gov.uk)

For more about risk assessment, search for 'risk assessment' in the Homecare Association Content Library (Members only).

Further guidance:

Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace

COVID-19: ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus

Time off for sickness | Acas

Health protection in children and young people settings, including education - GOV.UK.

The COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social care includes current guidance on infection control, which may be of interest to family carers.

Here is a selection of guidance and advice for family carers:

COVID-19 guide | Carers UK

Looking after family or friends after they leave hospital.

Alzheimer's Society, Coronavirus support for people affected by dementia.

Diabetes UK, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and diabetes updates

Home - ICUsteps - information on coming to terms with surviving critical illness.

See also the advice for the general public above.

There are a range of resources available to support infection prevention and control in social care settings:

• Current guidance from Welsh Government regarding the correct use of PPE within social care settings which is summarised in the Social care guide to controlling acute respiratory infections.
• A range of IPC digital learning resources are available on the Social Care Wales website.
• Bilingual editions of the IP&C Workbooks - Public Health Wales
• Launch video and “how to use” the Workbooks.

Guidance for the public

There is guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland - gov.scot.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others – if you do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering. 

Health protection and infection control guidance

The COVID-19 guidance from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government is at:

COVID-19 health protection guidance - COVID-19 - Conditions and diseases - Our areas of work - Public Health Scotland

National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Home

Overview - Guidance for the public health management of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in community, social and residential care settings - version 1 - Guidance for the public health management of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in community, social and residential care settings - Publications - Public Health Scotland.
 

Testing

Most people can no longer get free covid tests. You can still access tests if you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for coronavirus treatments.

Those eligible to be assessed for treatment if all of the following apply:

• you’re aged 12 or over
• you have symptoms of coronavirus that started in the last 5 days that aren’t getting better
• you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus
• you’ve tested positive for coronavirus

The guidance states this list is a summary and does not cover everything. If you think you are eligible but aren’t sure, speak to your doctor or specialist who will advise.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines you're eligible for | NHS inform

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot).

Government guidance for the public

Guidance and support on getting vaccinated, travel advice and staying safe.

COVID-19: Information for the public | HSC Public Health Agency

COVID-19 (coronavirus) | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)

Government guidance for health and social care professionals

PHA IPC guidance for Respiratory Illnesses 03.03.23.pdf

NI Infection Control Manual

Vaccination - for the most up-to-date information and to book your appointment, check the Northern Ireland Direct website or contact your GP practice.