Unpaid carers in Calderdale are urged to get vital coronavirus jab

THE NHS in Calderdale is urging people aged 16 and over who provide vital care and support for others to come forward for their vaccination.

Carers of elderly or disabled people are included in priority group 6, as recommended by the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations. However, there are concerns that some people may be missing out on getting the vital jab because they do not know they are eligible or think of themselves as a carer.

People who receive Carer’s Allowance or are already registered with their GP as a carer should have already been invited for an appointment.

However, anyone who is the main carer for an elderly or disabled person is also eligible and the NHS is working with Calderdale Council and local carers’ organisations to help them to get their vaccination as soon as possible.

Anyone over 16 who provides regular or intense care and support for someone they live with or are in a bubble with should contact their GP practice to register for a vaccination.

Dr Steven Cleasby, a GP at

Spring Hall Group Practice in Halifax and Chair of

NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It’s estimated there are over 200,000 people in West Yorkshire who look after a family member or loved one, but we know many may not see themselves as a carer. However, their support is vital and we want to make sure they have their vaccination, so they are protected both for their own sake and for the person they care for.”