Work require me to have a Hepatitus B vaccine

[Stevesw]

I start a new job in care in the new year and have just had confirmation of employment from the company. They also state that as part of the contract I have to have Hep B vaccine. I asked at the doctors today and it costs £70 for the vaccine and £12 for the certificate! Do I have to pay this or the care company? I cant/ wont afford this as I have been unemployed for 7 months :-( Anyone?

[eash]

Don't quote me on this but I would say it is up to your employer to pay.

[Mr Veritas]

I agree with eash,
If your new employer has made the vaccination a condition of your employment,then they should pay for the jab,especially given how expensive it is!

[saxy_jag]

I had to have it when I worked for the NHS, and they paid for it, as well as paying me for the time off I needed to go and get it.

[ummmm]

As above...I worked in a psychiatric hospital and they paid for us to have the jabs.

[cherrychapstick]

hi stevesw i hope the other answers are correct ,although i am sure my sister who works in a care home paid for hers (dont quote me on it will find out in a minuite properly)going to phone her ,but if you do have to pay for it goto your jobcentre and apply for a getting back to work grant they will pay for it for you so you can start your job

[standian]

I work in a similar type of setting and in the past have either had my employer pay (although this is getting rarer), my previous GP used to do it for free due to the nature of my work, and one other option that I know colleagues used - their GP would prescribe them the vaccine - they would go fill the prescription and take it back to the GP surgery where the practice nurse would administer it - that way it just cost the prescription price.

Have you asked your employer if they pay, and have you asked your GP if there is any discretion due to the nature of the work that you will be doing? If you know anyone who works in care already locally, it might also be worth asking them what they do.

[Stevesw]

Thanks for the replies guys. Contacted head office and they have said to wait until I start work then I can either claim it through expenses or get the surgery to invoice the company direct as this will be easier when I am actually employed with them. Thanks for the help. Have a good christmas all.