COVID vaccinations for unpaid carers

All eligible unpaid carers who are known to the health and social care system will be contacted by the NHS when it’s their turn to receive the vaccine. Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and by getting vaccinated unpaid carers can help protect themselves from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, so they can continue to be there for their family, friends, and the people they care for.

Unpaid carers are now being invited to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination, providing they are either:

• Eligible for a carer’s allowance
• Identified as a primary carer by their GP
• Receiving support following a carer’s assessment by their local council or from a local carer’s organisation
• The sole or primary carer who provides close personal care or face to face support for an elderly or disabled person who is clinically vulnerable to COVID-19

What unpaid carers need to do to prepare for the vaccine:

• Wait to be contacted. When you are contacted by the NHS about your vaccine, book an appointment as soon as possible. This will either be at a vaccination site in your local community supported by your GP practice, or at a large vaccination centre.
   
• Take steps to arrange alternative support for the person you are caring for while you are at your vaccination appointment. If you need help to arrange this, please contact your local council or local carers organisation.
   
• Read information about the coronavirus vaccine and vaccination programme so you know what to expect when being vaccinated. NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Information 
   
• When you go and get your vaccine, take along with you the confirmation of your appointment, photo ID to prove your identity, and your NHS number if you have it. You do not need to provide proof you are a carer.
   
• If you are an eligible unpaid carer and you will be accompanying the person you care for to their vaccination appointment at their local GP vaccination service, and you haven’t received your invitation yet, if you wish to receive your vaccination at the same time you must make this known to the GP surgery in advance to confirm an appointment. The vaccination sites are not able to support walk-in appointments.

Unpaid carers not registered as carers - contact your GP 

Unpaid carers over the age of 18 who are not registered with their GP or already known to health and care services need to contact their GP so that they can be asked a few questions and assessed as being a carer prior to being eligible to get the COVID vaccine. 

Support for unpaid carers

If you are an unpaid carer and you are unsure if you are eligible, contact your local council or local carers organisation and they will advise you if you are able to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. Here in North East Linoclnshire contact the Carers Support Centre

For further information on advice and support available to unpaid carers visit Carers UK