Have unpaid carers been removed from priority group 6?

[PotatoSmasher]

My DH is having a real ball ache getting his vaccine . He is my carer but earns too much to claim CA.

I claim enhanced rate PIP and I’m classed as disabled. I have a neurological condition and should be in group 6 for the vaccine (but my GP is currently checking this ) .

My DH has the same GP and he is not coded as group 6 but the receptionist has made a note that he provides care. He can’t book a vaccine because he’s not group 6 and doesn’t get CA . The GP receptionists say that unpaid carers are not group 6 and he has to wait.

I received MY vaccine as an unpaid carer to our disabled child so I’m confused by this.

Has the guidance changed again ?

He’s also tried calling 119 and the lovely lady said it sounds like he’s certainly entitled but without the magic coding on his GP record , they can’t book him in.

Write to the Practice manager, they must code him correctly or the system won't pick him up. It's not the receptionists call to make, and she's factually wrong, all unpaid carers are in group 6 regardless of CA.

Unpaid carers haven't been removed. The receptionist is very wrong. For the national system only those getting CA can book that way but those not receiving CA and still providing care are in group 6 and should be vaccinated via the GP, go above and go to the practice manager, make sure it is coded on his file and that they make sure the receptionists aren't giving out false information. This is happening too much to people, it is a mess. I hope you get it sorted.

I thought this was the case. DH is going to politely email the practice manager.

They did say they have no vaccine so can’t book him at the GP and to maybe try booking at the larger hubs but he won’t be able to do that without correct coding.

On another thread it states all of group 6 can book online from Monday so we’re hoping he will be able to do that .

It shouldn't be down to a receptionist that's ridiculous

Be polite but don't be subservient, he is entitled to have his medical records be a correct statement of his circumstances - he is a patient in his own right too. And it isn't just about the vaccine, being a carer brings a number of other issues that mean it is important for his records to be accurate and bup to date.

DH booked his Carers vaccine via the website and went to a local pharmacy centre. He took evidence of DD's PIP and said he cares for her over 50 hours a week. He doesn't get CA as he earns too much. There was no problem him getting it.

Officially they have not been removed - quite the opposite. Up to 2 days ago only those who get CA could book, now they say that also who are coded as carers by GP can book.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/who-can-get-the-vaccine/

However I am definitely booked as a carer on my medical records yet I am unable to book.

Anyone else in the same position (they definitely know they are coded as a carer in their medical records yet can not book)?

@BonnesVacances

How was he able to book? Perhaps by ticking that he is Front Line professional carer - a different category and then showing that he is in fact unpaid carer?

It was hinted at me on 119 that this is one way of doing it if the system does not allow.

unpaid carers are in groups 6 and the GP needs to code him as such. I would request the surgery to do this in writing/email. The receptionist is talking out of her arse.

Check the Carers UK website. They have a template letter to request adding the carers code.

[quote Ivo7]@BonnesVacances

How was he able to book? Perhaps by ticking that he is Front Line professional carer - a different category and then showing that he is in fact unpaid carer?

It was hinted at me on 119 that this is one way of doing it if the system does not allow.[/quote]
Yes, we selected that he was a frontline worker as it was the only way to get past that screen. Then it asked at some point if he was a carer and then it let him book it on that basis.

Honestly the whole thing is a shambles. My view is that if you're definitely entitled to the vaccine, just get it whichever way possible, as it all amounts to the same thing in the end.

Our GP have said they are unable to log anyone else as an unpaid carer at this time!

DH had his this week as an unpaid carer for me (disabled) so they haven't been removed.

My mum is an unpaid carer for my dad, also too high an income for CA. His vaccine was booked towards the end of the day and when she took him for it (he’s in a wheelchair and can’t move independently) she mentioned to the person booking him in that she was his wife and carer. They happily gave her one of the ‘surplus’ vaccines. Agree there should be a way of recording it properly though, if mum got ill dad would be utterly stuffed.

After going back and forth with GP and 119 about this - I am a carer for my son, receive carers part of universal credit but not carer's allowance - the 119 service have updated the system and now aren't able to book informal careers for an appointment, it has to be done by the GP as like PPs have said it's all done based on their coding. He doesn't need to be coded as group 6 but as a carer (in any capacity) then the GP should contact him directly to arrange the appointment. Apparently

I had the same problem. After going back and forth with GP reception for 3 weeks I contacted local CCG and got a call from a very helpful person who offered a slot next week. He was annoyed by how poorly a lot of GPs are handling this.