The role of joint working between local carers’ organisations and local authorities along with health services is now critical to ensure that unpaid carers are aware of their ability to get their COVID-19 booster and their free flu jab and are encouraged to take up that offer.

Unlike earlier in the pandemic, there is not the same centrally coordinated pooling of lists between local authorities, DWP and people who are identified as unpaid carers on their patient record. The latter will be called for the COVID-19 booster, anyone over 50 will be offered a booster too. The two main priorities; the first to identify carers aged 16-49, who can openly book an appointment and have their vaccination. The second priority is to encourage all eligible unpaid carers to take up that offer and get vaccinated.

Unpaid carers aged 16-49 can self-define and can book an appointment, they don’t have to be called.