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Original poster

Vaccine - unpaid carers

284 replies

Florelei · 20/02/2021 12:39

Is anyone else having significant problems with their GPs? I am registered as a carer with them and asked them yesterday if I was included within group 6.

They said they wouldn’t be putting anyone forward as a carer in group 6 without either evidence of carer’s allowance or a carer’s passport from the council. I can’t claim carer’s allowance as my earnings are just over the threshold even though I only work part time.

I rang the council who didn’t know what I was talking about.

Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone have any tips?

Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Nacreous · 23/02/2021 21:49

(on the national booking system)

Boulshired · 23/02/2021 21:52

Unfortunately the advice and letter templates seem to have been superseded by the latest updates.

SinkGirl · 23/02/2021 22:27

I think it varies based on postcode and availability in your area. No one I know locally has been able to book but others elsewhere have

Zarabara123 · 23/02/2021 22:56

I live in Bristol and there is loads of availability, you just can’t use the main system to book if you’re an unpaid carer (that doesn’t receive an allowance). Your GP should invite you, but for some reason some GP’s don’t seem to get that.

Tinacollada · 24/02/2021 02:17

Crimsonlake I don't live with my extremely vulnerable and elderly relative that I care for either, but I'm still eligible for the jab.

It's really not for you to say.

Tiktokersmiracle · 24/02/2021 11:22

So DP had to go to the surgery today for some ling function tests, I went with him. Whilst I waited for him, I spoke to the nicer receptionist and she couldn't understand why I had been called a bully. She said all I had to do was email proof of DS DLA, our dates of birth and she will get it sorted on the system. She couldn't fathom why her colleague hadn't told me that
She also said they have availability for Saturday morning, so I've got it sent across by email
Fingers crossed as I'd rather get it sorted before he goes back to school.

Zarabara123 · 24/02/2021 11:38

Good news! My local carers support group said they will call my gp today and try and resolve on my behalf.

Zarabara123 · 24/02/2021 12:06

My local carers group spoke to the practice manager and flatly refused to budge, said they are only vaccinating paid carers (they include people that receive a carers allowance as paid, which isn’t correct in itself!). They said they put it in their computer and that does it all. Post code lottery! A GP either reads the government guidance and follows it or waits for a direct communication. So that’s that, I’m eligible for the vaccine for two reasons but my GP won’t have it! Will now just have to wait for my age group.

whataballbag · 24/02/2021 12:13

Anyone struggling Bob an email over to Carers U.K., they are incredibly supportive and fab at sending you straight to the point emails to give to the GP surgery if they're not playing ball.

Kitkat151 · 24/02/2021 12:13

@Zarabara123

My local carers group spoke to the practice manager and flatly refused to budge, said they are only vaccinating paid carers (they include people that receive a carers allowance as paid, which isn’t correct in itself!). They said they put it in their computer and that does it all. Post code lottery! A GP either reads the government guidance and follows it or waits for a direct communication. So that’s that, I’m eligible for the vaccine for two reasons but my GP won’t have it! Will now just have to wait for my age group.
Do you know anyone who works for an NHS trust? MOst NHS trust hubs have so many vaccines they are inviting friends and family to be booked on ( the NHS worker who is your friend or family member, does it for you via a trust link) .....they are doing groups 1 to 6 and often have a different criteria to GPs.....for example I was able to get my partner a careers vaccine and all he had to take was proof of my condition and his own ID ( he doesn’t get Carter’s allowance as he works.....I don’t get PIP or any benefits for my condition) ......it was so simple.....shame some of you on here have really struggled..... I know several NHS hospital and community trusts round here are doing the same.
caringcarer · 24/02/2021 12:17

Carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance can now book through NHS website for Covid vaccine. My GP has not sent me text to book dispute having severe asthma, being obese and bring a Carer in receipt of Carer's Allowance. They just gob me off. I have now booked for tomorrow 12.55pm.

Zarabara123 · 24/02/2021 12:42

Thanks kitkat, I will have a think if I know anyone that can help!

Zarabara123 · 24/02/2021 12:43

Caring carer, how did you manage to book. I’m asked if I’m a paid carer or paid social worker only? Maybe it’s cos I don’t receive an allowance.

Boulshired · 24/02/2021 12:44

The charities are quiet at the moment whilst they try to figure what exactly the changes mean. The letters from last week are already outdated.

SusannahSophia · 24/02/2021 12:46

I did notice the Green Book definition had changed recently. I used to get CA for my now adult DS (who got DLA but now gets PIP) when he was younger as my job was under the CA threshold, but now I work longer hours but I was still getting the carer’s element of tax credits.

My GP have registered me as a carer. Luckily they don’t require you to be in receipt of CA. I had an inkling it might be a good idea when the flu jab entitlement lowered to age 50+ In Nov and I realised I could have been getting it as a carer, so registered with them then. They have access to a local Carer’s hub service, that I could join, but it seemed aimed at carer’s of the elderly so I declined.

Anyway, I received an invitation to arrange a vaccine appointment through our local PCT system, not the national scheme and had my jab yesterday. They just asked me at booking in whether I was a carer, a health worker or social care worker and I answered carer without having to give any proof.

So it really does seem a bit of a postcode and GP practice lottery. I really hope you are all successful in getting your GP to get their heads out of their asses and follow the guidelines correctly.

Boulshired · 24/02/2021 14:10

I noticed even the learning disabilities have cut off to remove children even though the learning disabilities register is for 14 and above but they are only including 16 and above. It does feel a deliberate attempt to reduce parent carers.

Weepingwillow22 · 24/02/2021 14:50

@Boulshired

I noticed even the learning disabilities have cut off to remove children even though the learning disabilities register is for 14 and above but they are only including 16 and above. It does feel a deliberate attempt to reduce parent carers.
That is probably just becuase the vaccines are currently only licenced for those over 16.
Boulshired · 24/02/2021 15:15

No sorry I meant under the definition of carer and eligibility of vaccines. A carer in entitled for a vaccine for 16 and over for learning disabilities.

MummaPI · 24/02/2021 15:22

I know it's not the same but does anyone know whether I would be entitled to the vaccine as I work one to one with a disabled child? I'm his teaching assistant and his mum seems to think I am. I dont want to hassle the doctors but wondered if anyone knows?

Frozenintime · 24/02/2021 15:39

I tweeted our Clinical Commissioning Group to ask if proof is needed when turning up for vaccine appointment as a carer. They replied saying I will be contacted when it's time for my vaccine to be booked in as I will be "on the system". What does this mean? Who put me "on the system"? I have asked for clarification and also said I don't need to wait for a call as it is bookable online

Vaccine - unpaid carers
vjg13 · 24/02/2021 16:18

I was asked questions about my daughter before the vaccination, where is she, nature of her disability, has she been vaccinated, is your GP being helpful? The lady doing it was a Dr according to her ID. I could have shown emails relating to her on my phone if needed but hadn't taken any other proof.

Wigeon · 24/02/2021 16:47

@Frozenintime - you’ll be getting an invitation from your GP if you have flag on your record to say you are a carer. You should also be able to book via the National Booking Service website either if you have a carers flag on your GP record, or if you are assessed by DWP as eligible for carer’s allowance.

Wigeon · 24/02/2021 16:48

@Boulshired

I noticed even the learning disabilities have cut off to remove children even though the learning disabilities register is for 14 and above but they are only including 16 and above. It does feel a deliberate attempt to reduce parent carers.
Yes, that’s because neither of the vaccines are licenced for under 16s.
Boulshired · 24/02/2021 16:54

Again I replied later I was talking about the definition for carers. For carers they are included with eligibility for the vaccine for caring over 16 and carers of children with learning disabilities are excluded from the definition.

Zarabara123 · 24/02/2021 17:20

The online system doesn’t work even though I have a carers flag on my gp record. Apparently it will soon though. In the meantime you can now phone 119 and book! I have done so

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