Covid-19 vaccinations for Carers
Updated 11 March 2021
Further guidance has been released outlining how unpaid Carers are going to be identified and invited to receive the vaccine as part of Priority group 6.
If a Carer is already registered at their GP practice as a Carer, or receives Carers Allowance or is known to their local authority as a Carer then they will be invited for a vaccine.
Group 6 is for adults aged 16 to 65 who are in an at-risk group - and Carers who receive Carers Allowance or are somebody's main Carer are included in this. You will need to ensure your GP practice knows you are a Carer by registering with them. You should not assume you're registered because the practice knows you care for someone; you need to formally register using the practice's registration form or process.
If you're an unpaid Carer who hasn't registered in any of these ways then you are invited to register with us directly here at AfFC. You can call us on 0300 770 8090, email care@affc.org.uk or live chat with us at www.affc.org.uk.
So our message is clear – identify yourself as a Carer – with your GP or the local authority or with us and this will help you to receive the invitation to book a vaccination.
Further information is available by clicking this link to the Covid-19 vaccine deployment programme: unpaid carers (JCVI priority cohort 6).
Worth knowing - if the person you care for has fluctuating capacity, you have the right to ask to be present during the vaccination process.
Carers UK has provided the following guidance and downloads for registering as an unpaid Carer with your GP:
A number of GP surgeries have a simple form on their website to help you register as a Carer, but we have heard that this is not always the case.
It is more important than ever to be identified as an unpaid Carer to ensure that you are correctly prioritised in group 6 for the coronavirus vaccine. Below are some helpful letter templates to help you register with your GP, please click on the relevant link below to download the template that you require.
Please note, these templates refer to legislation in England, but can be adapted for use across the UK.
Template letter to register with your GP (email version)
Click here to download Word document
Click here to download PDF document
Template letter to register with your GP (print and post version)
Click here to download Word document
Click here to download PDF document
Support Available During Covid-19
BBC Bitesize
Supporting Academic Work, with teaching and online games. Plus daily lessons beginning on 20th April:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Twinkl
Supporting primary academic work, including craft activities and printables:
Flourish with Jo Morton-Brown
Each video created by Jo Morton Brown, Emotional Health Practioner, will have a professional focus where different topics are discussed such as: our emotions of feeling anxious/stressed/overwhelmed, importance of finding a new routine, self-care, etc. As well as suggesting additional resources/helplines for further support.
Kids cooks with Theo
Supporting your ‘healthy body, healthy mind. Online cook alongs for young people, on a budget and takes the stress out of meal planning.
NSPCC
NSPCC website supporting parents to keep their children safe online.
Other Resources
Shout UK
is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks.
https://www.giveusashout.org or TEXT-85258
Kooth
free online counselling service in Essex
Childline
Call 0800 1111 or talk to a counsellor online at
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/message-from-childline/
Big White Wall
online support for people feeling anxious or stressed.
https://www.bigwhitewall.com/
Samaritans
24hr helpline offering support and someone to listen.
Call 116 123
Action for Happiness
A charity hoping to make the world a happier, kinder place.
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/
Youngminds
Supporting the mental health needs of children and young people.
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus/
MindHeart
a fantastic resource for young children to explain about the coronavirus.
Download PDF