Information for candidates

There is growing evidence that certain specific groups and characteristics make some individuals more vulnerable to COVID-19. The purpose of this health questionnaire is to only help and inform both the employee and their employment agency on how to identify those individuals with underlying conditions or have identified increased risk factor(s) that may put them at increased or extreme risk in the workplace.

What is COVID-age?

Covid-age is a tool to help assess an individual’s overall vulnerability to Covid-19. It is simple, it is evidence-based, and it allows us to summarise a range of risk factors into a single figure: these factors include age, sex, and ethnicity, not just comorbidities. Covid-age does not provide an exact measure, so when it is used to calculate vulnerability from medical conditions, particularly multiple medical conditions, clinical judgement must also be used.

Covid-age is intended as an occupational health tool to help assess fitness for work. It is not intended for use in clinical treatment pathways.

The risk that someone will get the infection through work can be reduced through control measures that minimise workplace exposure and through use of personal protective equipment. People who are clinically extremely vulnerable are at high risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus (COVID-19). If you considered clinically extremely vulnerable, should have received a letter advising you to shield or have been told by your GP or hospital clinician.

As you answered ‘yes’ you should adhere to the following guidance: Guidance on Sheilding