[Outdated] Latest government Covid 19 vaccination advice for Unpaid Carers

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12 March 2021

Latest government Covid-19 vaccination advice:

Unpaid carers, aged over 17 and under 64, should book an appointment now through the National Booking Service (NBS)

On March 8th the NHS released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which explain the process for unpaid carers accessing the Covid-19 vaccination. The new guidance is that unpaid carers, aged over 17 and under 64, should book an appointment through the National Booking Service (NBS).

Am I eligible?

The JCVI Cohort 6 Unpaid Carers PHE Green Book – Adult Unpaid Carer definition “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.”

Those clinically vulnerable to COVID include:

  • Children with severe neuro-disabilities
  • Those who are designated Clinically Extremely vulnerable (CEV) and received a shielding letter
  • Those who need care because of advanced age
  • Adults who have underlying health conditions (as defined in table 3 of the green book)

Some examples in the SOP include but are not limited to;

  • An adult family member or friend providing daily face-to-face care to a person who, because of their advanced age, requires support but is still living in their own home.
  • A person caring for an adult with Down’s Syndrome.
  • A parent/foster parent caring for a young person who is receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) because of a severe neuro-disability.
  • Any adult providing supplementary unpaid care to an older person who is self-funding their own care package, for example through a domiciliary care agency.
  • Two siblings who equally share and provide 24-hour care to an older person with dementia in addition to their own family and work commitments. If either sibling was to fall ill, the other would not be able to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the older person. Both siblings would be considered the primary.

How do I access the NBS?

There are two ways to do this.

  1. Online by clicking this link http://www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
  2. Phone 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am -11pm seven days a week.

What information do I need?

You need to be registered with a GP surgery in England to use the NBS service. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.

You will need your NHS number. You can find this out in a number of ways:

You will be given a BOOKING REFERENCE number and this is essential to have with you when you go for your vaccination appointment.

Remember: You need to be registered with a GP surgery in England to use this service. You can register with a GP if you do not have one. Anyone can register with a GP surgery and you do not need proof of address or immigration status.

What else do I need to know?

We are receiving reports of very long waiting times on the NBS phone lines, but please keep trying.  If you experience exceptional difficulties you could contact your GP surgery and they may be able to help you.

The important thing is to book your appointment now.

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