Please see message to encourage carers to take up the COVID autumn booster and flu vaccine.
These programmes have now begun. Anyone aged 16 and over who receives carer’s allowance, or who is the main carer for an elderly or disabled person who is at risk from flu or COVID-19, is eligible for both vaccines. This includes people who provide unpaid care, for example as a family member, close friend, or neighbour.
Carers who are known to their GPs and who have a ‘carer’s flag’ on their primary care record will receive invitations to book both their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines as soon as they are eligible. Carers can also self-declare and book their COVID-19 booster vaccination via the National Booking Service, by calling 119, or by finding a walk-in appointment through the online vaccination walk-in finder, and should approach their GP or pharmacy for further information about how to access the flu vaccine. There is no requirement to provide proof that a person is a carer when attending vaccination appointments.
For carers who have newly taken on caring responsibilities and/or may not be known to their GPs, please encourage them to approach their GP to record their status on their primary care record. This will provide a sustainable approach for identifying carers for any future vaccinations.
Thank you for your support in promoting both the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations.
