CARE home staff have expressed why they were worried about getting the coronavirus vaccine.

But one local team of carers has been working hard to alleviate concerns and 'debunk myths' around the jab.

Gracewell of Ascot care home staff and residents received their vaccine on Sunday, January 10.

95 per cent of care home staff received their Covid-19 vaccine, whilst 97 per cent of residents were also given the vaccine.

However, many of the care home staff initially refused the vaccine due to their fears.

Bracknell News:

Care assistant Sophie said: ‘I’ve already had both courses of the vaccine. The first one I was really nervous because I’m not good with needles, so for me that was a big factor if I wanted it, but I overcame it and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I took pride in receiving the vaccine.”

The care home managers tried to debunk myths surrounding the Covid-19 vaccines, as well as provide factual information to help the care home staff make an informed decision.

It comes after Ministers were urged to increase efforts to vaccinate care home staff after rates for workers were said to be lagging behind residents.

Figures obtained by the PA news agency from a number of care providers showed between five per cent and 21 per cent of care home staff offered a vaccine had declined it, potentially putting vulnerable residents at risk.

But Gracewell of Ascot was keen to reassure staff members to receive the vaccine in order to "protect residents they care for".

Raina Jordan, General Manager at Gracewell of Ascot, said: “Initially we had 60 per cent of the team members who had taken up the vaccine at Wexham Park. The management team all went for their vaccinations early on to lead by example.

“We had members of staff who couldn’t have the Pfizer vaccination due to allergies or they were breastfeeding, as well as some team members who were fearful.

"We spent time educating the fearful members of the team on how the vaccine works and reassured them that they were in no danger and that it would be the fastest way back to a more normal life.

"As well as it being the responsible route to take in view of protecting our residents that they care for.”