Unpaid carers in Suffolk urged to come forward for Covid-19 jab
Eligible carers are being asked to register for their vaccination
Unpaid carers in Suffolk are being urged to come forward for their Covid-19 vaccination.
Suffolk County Council, and local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Ipswich, East Suffolk and West Suffolk, are urging those who are eligible to register for their jab.
National guidance means appointments for vaccinations are now being offered to eligible, unpaid carers in the county, within priority group 6.
Which unpaid carers are eligible for a vaccine?
The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) says eligible unpaid carers are defined as:
- Those who are eligible for a carer's allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of Covid-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable
- The parents or primary carers of children and young people who are disabled and are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 e.g. children with severe neuro-disabilities
- Carers over the age of 16 of people who are elderly or clinically vulnerable due to underlying health conditions
Carers of an elderly or disabled person, who are in receipt of carers allowance, or are known by their GP, County Council, or local carer organisation as an unpaid carer, should have already been contacted with an offer to book a jab.
What do I do if I haven't heard anything about getting a vaccine?
All unpaid carers who are unsure if they have been identified are now being urged to come forward.
Health bosses say this is especially important if they have not already been invited for a vaccination.
Unpaid carers who are aged 16-17 who have not yet been contacted by their GP practice, should now contact them and they will arrange a vaccination for you.
However, those unpaid carers who are aged 18 and over, who are unregistered and still meet the criteria are urged to visit the National Booking Service where they can complete a self-assessment.
Carers can also call 119.
Those who qualify will be directed to a booking page to book their vaccination.
Lizzie Mapplebeck, Programme Director for NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk, NHS West Suffolk and NHS North East Essex clinical commissioning groups, said: "The vaccination rollout is moving at pace and so it's fantastic that we're now able to extend the reach to unpaid carers.
"However, not every carer is known or registered with their GP practice or council, and I urge those 'unknown' carers to make contact so they can be booked in for their vaccination."
Sue Cook, Executive Director, People Services at Suffolk County Council said: "Working closely with partners in health and social care, we are aware of a group of people who provide day to day care to people who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19, and we want these carers, regardless of age to come forward now, make contact through the national booking service and look to book a vaccination."
"We have already identified all Suffolk carers registered with the council and Suffolk Family Carers to ensure they are contacted by NHS to get offered the vaccinations at one of the large vaccinations sites in Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds.
"It is important to remember that you will need to visit the same location for your 1st and 2nd doses."