Hi,
I am trying to find out whether Carers are eligible for a Covid vaccine this winter, and can’t seem to see any information - which I guess means possibly not.
Does anyone know whether I will get invited for a vaccine or not.
Thanks.
I think if you are over 65 the answer is yes but under 65, no. There may be exceptions if you have certain health issues.
I would suggest checking with your GP Surgery - making sure you emphasise you are a Carer and the details of your Caree if they are not already aware of the person. Hopefully they have your recorded as a Carer.
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The GP yesterday told me it takes 4-6 weeks for immunity from Vaccination to kick in. So Even tho I got the vaccine at the earliest poss moment AND spent £80 on Sept 19th, because I was infected on Sept 23/24 my body was not primed to defend itself.
Now I’ve COVID plus this bad strep throat and GP prescribed Amoxicillin 500mg 5 day course which I hope to start today when my neighbours can get the prescription filled.
SO be aware in my 123 logic :
- vulnerable people will get vaccinated in October and with their lower immune system it will take a while for people to be ‘protected’
- IF an unpaid carer can pay for the vaccination £80-100 there is a window where you could still get COVID (I just proved that!)
- mask, sanitsier, limited interactions all the shielding etc etc
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I am recognised as my husband’s carer at my GP surgery. I am under 65 and when my husband booked his he reminded them that I am his full time carer. They then booked my appointment for the same time and same day as I have to accompany him to the appointment you should. We will both receive the Covid and Flu jab at the same time. As a carer of a vulnerable person this has been the case for all the covid and flu jabs - so it’s really important they know your status and you should be eligible
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Totally agree @jean_tempest
Hi Everyone - I may be repeating myself but I need to warn everyone THIS LINK highlights how ALL carers (paid unpaid etc etc) GET FLU Vaccine free on NHS BUT COVID VACCINE BOOSTER IS ONLY FOR PAID Carers and over 65 year olds, at risk or care home residents
This is why I’ve been raging, got a booster for myself on Sept 19th, and STILL GP said I’ve got infected because it takes 4-6weeks for your immunity to kick in.
Carers under 65 are vulnerable and exposed right now, and in turn this puts extra burden to care when we could be ill.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/09/nhs-booking-opens-for-life-saving-flu-and-covid-19-vaccinations/
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 3 October:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
- frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
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Thanks for the replies, that ties in with what I’ve been told by my GP surgery and been able to find online. Previously I’ve had Covid boosters as a Carer in receipt of Carer’s Allowance. Fortunately (not sure that’s the right choice of word) I also have an underlying cardiac condition so I should still be eligible through that route.
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