Unpaid carers in Hampshire urged to come forward for coronavirus vaccine
Over 18s who provide substantial care for someone at increased risk are eligible
Last updated 22nd Mar 2021
Unpaid carers in Hampshire are being urged to get a Covid-19 vaccination - and to contact the county council's helpline to find out if they are eligible.
The local authority is encouraging those who are over 18, and might not be known to them, to come forward.
It says anyone over 18 who gets a carer's allowance, or provides unpaid substantial care for someone at increased risk of coronavirus, is eligible.
The authority's contacted those they know about - but says those not know to the health and care services should call the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline - 0333 370 4000.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, the County Council's Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
"The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and the best way to protect ourselves against coronavirus, so that we can stay fit and well. There are many people carrying out vital caring roles in our county, who need to be in good health so that they can continue looking after others. They are doing an amazing job, and we want to make sure as many as possible take up the invitation to get vaccinated and get protected."
UNPAID CARERS CAN GET A VACCINE IF THEY ARE:
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
Or 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. This includes children with severe neuro-disabilities; those who are designated Clinically Extremely vulnerable (CEV); adults who have underlying health conditions; and those who need care because of advanced age.
Councillor Fairhurst added:
"Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic. 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."
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you are an eligible unpaid carer and you are contacted by the NHS about your vaccine, book an appointment as soon as possible.
If you are an eligible unpaid carer who hasn't received their vaccination yet or been contacted, you can get your vaccine at the same time as the person you care for. If you are accompanying the person you care for to their vaccination appointment at their local GP vaccination service, let the GP surgery know in advance that you would like to receive your vaccine at the same time and confirm an appointment. Please note that the large vaccination sites are not able to support walk-in appointments.
If you are an unpaid carer who is not known to health and care services, call the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline on 0333 370 4000, to check if you qualify to book your vaccine now. The Helpline is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (calls charged at local rate).
If you book your appointment through the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline, tell them if you need extra help to look after the person you are caring for. If this is the case, you can also contact local carers' organisations such as The Princess Royal Trust for carers, Andover Mind and Carers Together.
Vaccines will be given either at a vaccination site in your local community supported by your GP practice, or at a large vaccination centre.
When you go to get your vaccine, take along 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 that you are a carer.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine