Unpaid carers in York given hope with Covid vaccine
The Government has moved carers up the priority list.
York Carers Centre has welcomed a Government move for unpaid carers to be added to the priority list for vaccines.
They'll now be in Category 6, described by the Government as "all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality".
Lowra Kitchingman from York Carers Centre told Greatest Hits Radio York: "It means including anyone who is the main carer of an elderly or disabled person who would be at risk if the carer falls ill.
"I think the one thing that we would encourage unpaid carers to do is to make sure that their GP has it noted on their own record: it needs to be known that they have caring responsibilities, so that they can be invited forward for a vaccine.
"Unpaid carers have suffered from a lot of isolation. It's just that exhausting feeling for them of not getting enough support, such as respite care.
"I think this (priority group 6) will be a big boost for morale".
Katherine Macy lives in York and is an unpaid carer herself. She's been a carer for her mother since the age of 10, but says she doesn't qualify for a carer's allowance because she's registered as a student: "I'm not entirely sure where I'm at with the priority category at the moment.
"There's very little point in vaccinating the vulnerable if their carers can't then go out for multiple reasons. I think the more carers vaccinated, the better. We need more awareness out there of the challenges we face.
"A big part of the pandemic has shown just how forgotten unpaid carers are. So many people have become unpaid carers with things like the effects of long Covid.
"The vaccine for carers is vital; not just for their caring role, not just because of the amount of money that carers save the NHS and the Government, but for their mental health and their peace of mind".
A Government statement from the Department for Health and Social Care clarifies that the priority group "includes those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill".
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told us: “We recognise the crucial role unpaid carers play day-in day-out, especially during the pandemic, and they are being prioritised for the vaccine.
“It is a uniquely difficult time and we have provided funding to Carer’s UK to make sure their helpline stays open for longer, ensuring people caring for family, relatives and loved ones are able to access their vital services and advice.
“We are also ensuring carers are able to arrange for family members or friends to provide respite care in their absence.
"We have provided funding to extend Carers UK’s helpline opening hours, support and information advice services so unpaid carers are able to access trusted information and advice. This funding has been extended to March 2021.
"The NHS Volunteer Responder programme offers support for carers to help them in their caring role, including support with collecting food and medication for either themselves or on behalf of those they are caring for. Volunteers are also available for a regular friendly chat. Carers can make a self-referral to get support, or refer someone they care for by contacting 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) or visiting the NHS Volunteer Responders website: https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/services.
"As part of our pandemic response we have given access to £4.6 billion to councils in England, including to support adult social care.
"We have also worked with NHSE&I to provide guidance enabling unpaid carers to identify themselves and their needs so these can be more easily met".