The NHS today urged carers to come forward for their COVID-19 booster vaccination – and not wait to be called.
GPs appealed to anyone in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or providing unpaid substantial care to someone who is at increased risk of coronavirus, to take up their free jab if they haven’t already done so.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “There are thousands of people carrying out invaluable work as carers across the area who need to be in good health to ensure they can continue to looking after others.
“By getting vaccinated, unpaid carers can help protect themselves from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, and continue to be there for their loved-ones and the people they care for.
“Vaccines are our best way out of this pandemic. Ideally, we need each and every one of them to come forward to get vaccinated and to get protected as soon as possible - and we need to try to make that as easy as possible for them to do.
“We have scaled up capacity to ensure everyone eligible can receive their COVID-19 vaccination or booster because this is the very best way we can tackle the emerging threat of the new Omicron variant.
“Carers do not need to wait to be called. They just need proof of status, such as their carers’ benefit letter."
Details of where eligible people can access their booster across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, including walk-ins and booked appointments, are available on the NHS Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group website here. The page is regularly updated.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine