The COVID-19 vaccination programme is progressing in Derbyshire, with qualifying unpaid carers under 65 now being called up for vaccination.
Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic. By getting vaccinated unpaid carers can help protect themselves from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, so they can continue to be there for their family, friends and the people they care for.
Carers who have been identified as a carer by their GP, social care, local carer service or the Department on Work and Pensions can book using the national booking system.
However, booking as a self indentified carer has been paused due to a reduction in vaccine supplies which is expected to continue throughout April 2021 (self identifying carers who've had their first vaccination can use the system to book their second if they haven't already been given an appointment).
Once vaccine supplies are restored and carers can once again self identify as a carer and book a vaccination we will update this page with information.
If you are not registered as carer with your GP surgery it's not too late, you can contact your surgery and ask about their registration process. Derbyshire Carers Association and social care staff can also offer support.
It is important carers take advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated to protect themselves and those who depend on them so book an appointment as soon as you can. Your appointment will either be at a vaccination site in your local community supported by your GP practice or at a larger vaccination centre.
Take steps to arrange alternative support for the person you are caring for while you're at your vaccination appointment. If you need help to arrange this, please contact Call Derbyshire on tel: 01629 533190 or Derbyshire Carers Association on tel: 01773 833833 or email: info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
You can also read the coronavirus vaccination leaflet so you know what to expect when being vaccinated.
When you go and get your vaccine take along with you the confirmation of your appointment, photo ID to prove your identity, and your NHS number if you have it. You do not need to provide proof you are a carer.
If you are an eligible unpaid carer and you will be accompanying the person you care for to their own vaccination appointment at their local GP vaccination service and you haven’t received your invitation or made a booking yet, you must contact the GP surgery/vaccination service in advance if you wish to receive your vaccination at the same time. The vaccination sites are not able to support walk-in appointments.
In some cases where caring responsibilities are shared, an additional person can be classed as a primary carer and receive a vaccination. Every possible effort will be made to vaccinate eligible carers at the same time as the people they care for, such as when they accompany them for a vaccination.
Priority group 6 of the Covid-19 vaccine deployment programme (often referred to as the JCVI) covers all adult unpaid carers. This means that anyone aged 16 and over who provides, or intends to provide, care to someone else will be eligible to receive the vaccination.
If you're an unpaid carer and you aren't sure if you are eligible please contact Derbyshire Carers Association on tel: 01773 833833 or email: info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk and they will advise if you're eligible to receive the vaccine.
Yes, you do not need to be in receipt of Carers Allowance to be eligible and recognised as an unpaid carer
Yes, parent carers are included in priority group 6 of the Covid-19 vaccine deployment programme if providing care to a child with a severe neuro-disability.
Yes, unpaid carers who are aged over 16 on 31 March 2021 will be offered the vaccine.
Yes, you don't have to be registered as a carer with your GP to be included. But you may wish to tell them about your caring role the next time you speak with them to ensure they are aware, but please do not make an appointment especially for this.
You can find information on registering with your GP on our website. There's a form that can be filled in and printed or emailed to your GP practice. Your GP practice can also assist you to complete this if required.
Yes, we encourage all carers to get in touch with Derbyshire Carers Association to find out what support is available. Although you do not need to do this to receive the vaccination, being registered as a carer will ensure you receive information and further details about support for carers and the vaccine roll out. You can register on their website using their online registration form, tel: 01773 833833 or email: info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
For further information about the vaccine please visit Joined Up Care Derbyshire's website or the NHS website.
You'll also find local information about Covid-19 restrictions, support services and vaccinations on the Derbyshire County Council website
April 12 2021
