Published on: 21 October 2022
If you are over 16 years of age, and are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person, you are entitled to a free flu vaccine and COVID 19 autumn booster. This includes those who provide unpaid care, for example to a family member, close friend, or neighbour.
It is expected there will be high levels of respiratory germs circulating this year. So, it is particularly important to take up this offer of a vaccine if you can have it. This will help to protect you and the people you are caring for, and those you spend time with, from becoming seriously ill from COVID 19 or flu infection.
Those Carers who have registered with their GP as a carer will be invited for both their COVID 19 and flu vaccination. If you think you are a carer but, you are not registered as a carer with your GP, it is Important to let your GP know you are a carer.
COVID 19 vaccination
If you provide care support to a family member, friend or neighbour and need to check which COVID 19 vaccinations are due for, you can call 119 to discuss ensuring you let them know you are a carer. Translation services are available at 119. If you have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service. You can also book a vaccination online and declare yourself as being a carer. You can also find a walk-in appointment online.
Further information is available about the autumn COVID 19 Booster
Flu Vaccination
Carers can approach their GP or local pharmacy to find out how to access their flu vaccine. Carers over 18 you can book an online appointment via a pharmacy. If you are 16-18 years old, you will need to access a flu vaccination via your GP.
Further information is available about the flu vaccine
Please take up both the flu and COVID 19 booster vaccines if you can have them, to help you, and the people you care for, stay well this winter.
