As the COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to make good progress, GPs in Sefton are reminding unpaid carers to get registered and come forward for their vaccine.

Some unpaid carers may not receive an invitation for their vaccination if their carer status is not known to the NHS so it’s important to ensure they are registered with Sefton Carers Centre who can help with this.

Sefton Carers Centre will register unpaid carers and provide them with a letter as proof of their status. Unpaid carers will need the letter before booking their vaccination through their GP practice.

Carers eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine include anyone who is a main carer of someone who receives Carer’s Allowance or who is at high risk from coronavirus from a condition.

This includes:

Children with severe neuro-disabilities (you will be informed by your GP)
Those who are designated Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (advised to shield)
Adults with underlying health conditions
Those who need care because of advanced age.
Fiona Taylor, chief officer for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect those who you are caring for and yourself from coronavirus. The life-saving vaccine is safe and effective.

“If you are a carer, please register with Sefton Carers Centre as soon as possible. This will ensure that anyone eligible for the vaccination isn’t missed and we can continue to protect our local community and the most vulnerable.”

Vicky Keeley, chief executive officer at Sefton Carers Centre added: “Unpaid carers have been under increasing demands and stress as the pandemic continues. The vaccination programme is vital to protect vulnerable people and carers.

“Sefton Carers Centre provides a range of free support, advice, and activities for all unpaid carers on their journey of care. Carers registered with us will receive a letter confirming their caring status as evidence for the vaccination programme. Free personal protective equipment can also be accessed via Sefton Council until 21 June 2021.

“We would encourage anyone aged 16 and over in a caring role to register with us and then speak with their GP to make sure that they get vaccinated.”

To register as an unpaid carer with the Sefton Carers Centre, please call 0151 288 6060.

If you are an unpaid carer and provide care to someone outside of your household, you can order Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge from Sefton Council until 21 June 2021. To order email EmergencyPPE@sefton.gov.uk and make sure you clearly mark your email as “Carers PPE” or call 0345 140 0845. For more information, visit Sefton Council’s website.

For more information about the Covid-19 vaccination visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corona...virus-vaccine/

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organisation have all been absolutely clear that the vaccines are safe and effective, and people should go and get their COVID-19 vaccine when asked to do so.

NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have been responsible for buying or ‘commissioning’ the majority of local health services since 1 April 2013, when primary care trusts were abolished.

NHS South Sefton CCG brings together 30 member GP practices covering an area from Bootle in the south, Hightown in the north and Maghull to the east.

NHS Southport and Formby CCG’s membership are made up of 19 GP practices.

For more information visit: southportformbyccg.nhs.uk / southseftonccg.nhs.uk or follow us on Twitter @NHSSFCCG / @NHSSSCCG