We have had many enquires about Covid Vaccines, and we will keep you updated with any news or developments as soon as we hear about them, but please see below for our latest advice

Carers and Covid-19 Vaccinations

There is good news for unpaid carers (such as family members) who are now eligible to be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccinations, which will help to protect them and those they care for. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises UK Health Departments on immunisation and the JCVI has produced a list of 9 Groups of people who are prioritised to receive the vaccinations. People in the highest priority groups are those who are Care Home Residents, older people and frontline health workers. Priority Group 5 is for people who are aged over 65 years and this would include everyone who is aged over 65 years including carers of that age. Priority Groups 7 to 9 are for people aged between 50 and 60 years. Priority Group 6 was for people aged between 16 and 65 years with certain underlying health conditions. 

Now unpaid carers under the age of 65 years have also been included in Priority Group 6. This prioritisation recognises the important role carers play in supporting those they care for and the health and social care system. Carers under the age of 65 years to be prioritised into Group 6 includes those who are in receipt of Carers Allowance and those who are the main carers of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. It should be noted that to take advantage of this, the carer will need to make sure that their GP Practice is aware that they are caring for someone. Carers should therefore register as carers with their GP. Carers should contact their GP to request this. We are aware that some GP Practices are asking carers to provide a letter, confirming that they are carers, from somewhere such as KCN. We would be very pleased to provide our carers with letters confirming this should their GP ask for this. 

David Still
Deputy CEO
Kingston Carers’ Network