Letter from the Department of Health and Social Care

As you will be aware, the COVID-19 Autumn Booster and flu vaccine programmes have now begun. This year, anyone aged 16 and over who receives carer’s allowance, or who is the main 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, for example as a family member, close friend or neighbour.

It is hugely important that all those who are eligible, especially unpaid carers, take up the offer of both the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines as soon as possible this season and help protect themselves and those around them. The risk of COVID-19 and flu remains significant and vaccines remain our best defence against them.

Carers who are known to GPs and who have a ‘carer’s flag’ on their primary care record will receive invitations to book both their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines as soon as they are eligible. Carers can also self-declare and book their COVID-19 booster vaccination via the National Booking Service, by calling 119, or by finding a walk-in appointment through the online vaccination walk-in finder, and should approach their GP or pharmacy for further information about how to access the flu vaccine. There is no requirement to provide proof that a person is a carer when attending vaccination appointments.

Further information about the COVID-19 autumn booster is available online.