Carers are next in line for Covid jabs
VACCINATIONS FOR LATEST COHORT TO TAKE PLACE OVER TEN DAYS
CARERS in Nottinghamshire who qualify for the Covid-19 vaccine are being contacted by council teams as the rollout continues.
As part of the next stage of the national vaccination programme, the county and city councils are contacting people in Cohort 6 of the JCVI priority groups, which includes carers.
For the purpose of the vaccination programme, carers are people who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of Covid19 mortality which makes them clinically vulnerable.
This will help support carers to protect those they care for as well as themselves.
The vaccine rollout to carers will be done in stages and will take place over the next ten days. It will follow the national guidance around vaccinating vulnerable priority groups.
People who fall into this category may receive a letter with further information and details of how to book their vaccination. If they are eligible, they do not need to wait for their letter to book in. A Nottinghamshire County Council spokesperson said: “If you are linked into the Carers’ Hub, or known to your GP as a carer or you have had a carer’s assessment, you don’t need to do anything. If you’re not known by any of these groups, please contact the Carers’ Hub and they will make sure you are included on the list.” Jonathan Gribbin, Director of
Public Health for Nottinghamshire said: “I’m really pleased that the vaccination programme has successfully reached the first four priority groups and the vast majority of these people - who are our older and clinically extremely vulnerable residents - have had their vaccination.
“Now our NHS partners are starting to vaccinate people in the next priority groups. This includes carers who work so hard to keep the people they look after safe and well.”
Nottingham City Council’s Director for Public Health, Alison Challenger,
added: “It’s great to see the vaccination rollout continuing at pace, with more than 90% of people aged over 70 already receiving their jab in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
“It means the NHS locally has now been able to open up bookings for the next cohort, which includes carers.
“These are people who provide vital support often to those who are vulnerable and at higher risk of having severe disease.
“I would urge any carers who are eligible, to book themselves an appointment as soon as possible – it’s a simple, safe process which will give them greater protection against Covid 19.
“It’s also important for anyone in the earlier cohorts - that is, anyone over the age of 65 and who hasn’t yet been vaccinated, to book in as soon as possible.”
Carers in both Nottingham city and Nottinghamshire county can register with the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub by calling or 0115 824 8824 or emailing nottinghamshirehub@tuvida.org which provides free, confidential and personalised information, advice and support for carers of all ages including telephone and online support.
Latest data shows that in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire the NHS has administered 227,184 Covid vaccinations up to February 14.
So far, 93% of people aged 80 and above have been vaccinated, 99% of those aged 75-79 have been vaccinated and 90% of those aged between 70 and 74 have had their vaccinations.
These are people who provide vital support often to those who are vulnerable and at higher risk. Alison Challenger