Guidance for coronavirus vaccinators

We have put together advice for staff involved with administrating the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine to people with sight loss. This does not replace or override general guidance or policies.

Some of those who are blind and partially sighted may already be known by various agencies. For example, they may be on the council’s sight loss register. However, there are also people in the community whose sight loss is not recorded. If you are unsure, just ask the person you are supporting if they have any challenges due to poor eyesight.

Our key recommendations to make the vaccination process as accessible as possible:

Ensure information sent to person with sight loss is available in an accessible format such as large print and braille.
Provide clear information on the location of the vaccine centre, including public transport options.
Make sure the venue has clear signage and good levels of lighting.
Ensure staff are trained to provide support to people with sight loss, such as providing verbal or sighted guiding where necessary.

On this page

Providing information in the correct format

Accessible formats can include; large print; braille; audio and email. Before sending any information, ask the person with sight loss what format they would like to receive it in.

When you are providing information in print, follow the Minimum standards for clear and large print from the UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF).

Transcription services, such as Ecom and a2i, can translate standard print documents into accessible formats. Other transcription companies can be found on the UKAAF website.

Helping to locate the vaccine centre

You can help someone with sight loss plan their visit to the centre by informing them of:

Public transport options closest to the centre (appointments after 9.30am are likely to be preferred).
Information about the centre’s location and accessible entrance points, including whether someone can be met outside the venue by a staff member.
What to expect when arriving at the centre.

It is also important that staff are aware:

That many visitors will have conditions or disabilities that mean they may need further support.
That all businesses and services have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities.
That there are different types of assistance dogs and different mobility canes.
That any issues relating to access for guide dogs owners should be discussed with them and reasonable adjustment requirements should be made.

Assisting at the vaccine centre

Most importantly remember to use clear verbal communication.

Gain the person’s attention with a verbal greeting.

Introduce yourself and what you do.

Always talk to the person directly, rather than their sighted companion.

Use verbal responses, avoid nods and head shakes.

Verbalise your actions.

Inform the person when you are walking away from them or leaving the room.

Remember that if someone has a vision impairment, it doesn’t always mean they have no sight at all.

In a group conversation, always make it clear who you are and who you are speaking to.

Provide printed information in an accessible way (digital, audio, large print or braille).

Ask the person what support they require. If someone usually requires sighted guiding follow the current government guidelines.
When verbally guiding a person, ask them if they would like you to walk ahead, behind or on their left or right (2 metres distance). Their preference may allow them to use any remaining vision.

Provide clear instructions when describing a route or when you would like the person to change direction e.g. ‘left’ and ‘right’

You may wish to use the ‘clock face technique’ when describing the environment in front of the person. For example, "directly in front of you at 12 o’clock is the main entrance and to your right at 3 o’clock is a table. On your left at 9 o’clock is the toilet door".

Let the person know before you carry out any procedure that involves physical contact. For example, "I’m going to touch your left arm", "I need you to roll up your left sleeve", or "can I help you with that?".

Before discussing personal information or administering any medical procedure in an open area, make the person with sight loss aware of the environment they are in.

When walking, always let the person know about differences in the floor surface, such as steps and any changes in surface e.g. when moving from tiles to a carpeted area.

Inform the person of any obstacles near them that could be trip hazards or that they could accidentally bump into, such as furniture.

Finally, consider asking how the experience was for them or if there is anything that could have been done differently. If there is, this could not only benefit you but also the next person with sight loss you assist.
Current government guidelines allows people with sight loss to be supported by:

Friends or family in the same household or support bubble.

Friends or family that don’t live in the same household or support bubble.

Volunteers or staff from organisations such as GPs, hospitals or similar settings.

This support includes sighted guiding.

Sighted guiding provides support for someone whose sight is not sufficient to safely negotiate an unfamiliar environment. Ordinarily the person being guided keeps light contact with a guider’s elbow while standing alongside or slightly behind the guider, either to the left or right depending on personal preference. Whilst moving, the guider will also talk to the person being guided to provide additional information about any immediate hazards.

The organisation providing the support should:

Follow guidance for working safely during coronavirus to minimise risks for staff and visitors.

Provide any necessary training and equipment to their staff.

Check the person being supported hasn’t got coronavirus symptoms and hasn’t been advised to stay at home or quarantine themselves, before providing support.

Maintain records of the people who have been supported by staff for 21 days after the support was given and be prepared to provide this information to NHS Test and Trace, if needed.

People needing sighted guiding support should:

Where possible, book support in advance.

Set out what support they need.

Be prepared to give their name and contact details.

If contacted by NHS Test and Trace, follow their advice.

Current guidelines on sighted guiding vary slightly depending on the specific public health advice in each country:

Sighted guiding (England) - RNIB Guidance

Sighted guiding (Wales) – Public Health Wales

Social distancing (Northern Ireland)

Sighted guiding (Scotland) - Scottish Government
The right lighting can help people with sight loss with their independence, comfort and safety.

A Lighting Guide has been developed by Thomas Pocklington Trust to assist people with a vision impairment to improve lighting in their homes, much of this advice is relevant to any settings where people with sight loss may visit.

Consider improving the vaccine centre's lighting to help people with sight loss navigate it safely.

Face covering exemptions

Be aware that people with sight loss are exempt from wearing a face covering as it can block their remaining useful vision. They may be carrying a card or badge to show they are exempt, but this is a personal choice and is not required by law. If a person informs you that they are exempt from wearing a face covering, you should respect their explanation and allow them to enter.

Social distancing wearables

Disabled people including people with sight loss, older people and people with mobility issues may also find social distancing challenging. There are a number of wearable products that people may use to indicate to others that they want to maintain their distance but find it difficult. You should be aware of these resources so you can identify a person who may need some additional support.

This guidance was produced in partnership with RNIB and Thomas Pocklington Trust.