Unpaid carers and vaccine

[Orangesandlemons77]

My DH is in the CEV group and had the vaccine in Jan, getting second dose soon.

I'm confused as there is a box for 'unpaid carer' in the site for booking the vaccine. It says if you provide personal care, I would but inly if he was having a flare up not every day

Does that qualify? With the flu jab it just says about living in the same household. Also do you have to be registered with the GP to be an 'unpaid carer' Thanks

I would say you do qualify and more so than some other people I know who have had jabs as unpaid carers when they only help with shopping, admin, and adhoc care, and you don’t have to register at the GP you just book online and turn up, my centre do not ask for proof.

Thanks, I was a little confused as the GP said to me it was a bit different from the flu jab which says 'household member' so I wouldn't be in category 6? But then this box seems to have popped up since then (was a few months ago) on the website

What do they ask at the vaccination centre about it? I could bring a copy of his shielding letter, we have the same surname and address?

Yes I think you are entitled to a jab now. I agree book and take his shielding letter. They don't always ask but if they do that should be fine.

I wouldn't say so, no, I think that's stretching the definition. Are your caring responsibilities part of your everyday life? Or is it just occasional when he has a flare up?

I'm CEV but work full time, look after the family etc. When I have a flare up I'm floored and DH takes care of me, but in the way a partner would when someone they love is unwell. I'd never consider him my carer, and nor would he.

The people I know who've had the vaccine as unpaid carers generally look after an elderly relative who really can't manage on their own, or provide day to day care for someone in their immediate family

The issue with the vaccine would surely be about protecting him from increased contact with the virus though. I don't understand why it isn't the same criteria as for the flu vaccine really. Oh, not sure. There don't seem to be any slots available anyway.

Yes it does. Got my vaccine today at a local centre on that basis. They specifically asked if I do unpaid caring for someone at home who needs to shield which I do.

I would say you qualify as a carer as you are the main person who takes care of your DH if he has a flare up. I am in Scotland and booked my vaccine as an unpaid carer using the self-referral form online, you just need to be registered with a GP here, my GP does not keep a list of carers. I have a Carer's card I am taking if asked for proof but the carers I know who have had it have not been asked for any.

My centre don’t ask anything, they know you are a carer from the booking reference, they may say are you a carer? to which you would say yes, people do bring proof but we do not ask to see it

Yes you are definitely entitled to it OP IMO..... my partner got the vaccine 5 weeks ago based on similar circumstances.....he took my shielding letter....a clinic letter which mentioned my condition but he wasn’t asked to show anything.... get an appointment booked asap

Thanks I got the vaccine today they didn't ask anything, but I took his shielding letters just in case

Generally yes you have to be registered as a carer. I was not registered as a carer but registered easily enough with my surgery they were very helpful and it was so simple.

I just seen your pp. glad you got the vaccine 💕

Just noticed this in the press today

Those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system are to be prioritised for coronavirus vaccines.

It is hoped that the move will help to limit infections in immunosuppressed adults, such as those with blood cancer, HIV or patients receiving chemotherapy, who are less able to fight infections naturally.

Independent experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said that people over the age of 16 who are living with an adult with a weakened immune system should be prioritised for their vaccine.