The COVID-19 Autumn Booster and flu vaccine programmes are well underway. This year anyone over 16 who receives carer’s allowance, or who is the main family carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk from flu or COVID-19, is eligible for both vaccines. This includes people who provide unpaid care as a family member, close friend or neighbour.
It is hugely important that all family carers who are eligible take up this offer of both the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines to help protect themselves and those around them. The risk of COVID-19 and flu remains significant and vaccines remain the best defence against them.
Family carers known to their GPs will receive invitations to book both their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines as soon as they are eligible. If you have not received this invitation you can also “self-declare” as a family carer and book your COVID-19 booster vaccination using one of the following methods. There is no requirement to provide proof that you are a FC when attending vaccination appointments.
- The National Booking Service
- Visiting a walk-in appointment centre – locations can be found via the online vaccination walk-in finder
- Calling 119.
- Approaching your GP or pharmacy for further information
If you do book your vaccination via one of the above routes we also encourage you to approach you GP to record your status as a family carer on your primary care record. This will help ensure you are identified as a FC for any future vaccinations.
Further information about the COVID-19 autumn booster is available from the NHS website
