Zeynep Turkoz from The Harvey Practice, Broadstone and Poole North PCN

As an unpaid carer, you dedicate your time and energy to looking after a loved one, ensuring their wellbeing is a top priority. Have you thought about protecting yourself too?

Vaccinations play a vital role in keeping both you and the person you care for safe and healthy.

Carers are eligible for a free flu vaccination this winter through the NHS. To access this vaccination, it’s important to be registered as a carer with your general practice surgery.  If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, simply contact your surgery, who will help you confirm or update your status. Each practice has a carers lead who can support with ensuring that the carer status is on your patient profile.

A carer can be anyone, of any age, who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend who could not manage without this support, due to illness, disability, frailty, mental ill health or substance misuse.

You might also be eligible for other vaccinations such as COVID-19 or the new RSV vaccination depending on your age and whether you have any long term health conditions.  You will usually be contacted by the NHS if you can have a vaccination. You can find out more about who can have the COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations in the FAQs below.

The flu can pose a significant risk to those with underlying health conditions, including those you care for. By getting vaccinated, you help prevent the spread of flu, reducing the risk for the person you’re caring for and ensuring you’re healthy enough to continue providing the essential care they need.

Your health is invaluable, for yourself and for those who rely on you. By staying up to date with your vaccinations, you take an important step in safeguarding your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those you care for.

Flu vaccinations are offered in many ways – at your GP practice, many local pharmacies, and even walk-in clinics that will be happening in some areas. As winter approaches, it’s important to arrange your vaccination early, helping you stay protected throughout the flu season.

For more information about all vaccinations and who can have them, please see the Stay Well Dorset vaccinations webpage. 

The website Carers – NHS Dorset can provide more support and information for you as an unpaid carer.

Book your flu vaccination now via your general practice surgery, the national booking service online, using the NHS app on your mobile or calling 119.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book my flu vaccination?

You can book in a number of ways:

  • By contacting your general practice surgery
  • By visiting the national booking service website
  • On the NHS app
  • Calling 119

You might not even need to book! Find a walk-in clinic near you. This page is updated weekly with walk-in clinics.

Where can I find more information about the flu vaccination?

Read more on the flu vaccination webpage.

I am not registered as a carer with my GP, can I still get the flu vaccination?

You will need to be registered with your general practice surgery as a carer to receive the flu vaccination as an unpaid carer.

Are unpaid carers being offered the COVID-19 vaccination this winter 2024?

Currently, unpaid carers are being offered the flu vaccination ONLY this winter.

To be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination you must be:

  • aged 65 and over
  • living in a care home for older people
  • in a clinical risk group
  • Frontline health and social care staff

See more information about the COVID-19 vaccination

Who can have the RSV vaccination?

Pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more

People aged 75 to 79

See more information about the RSV vaccination

Can I pay privately for a COVID-19 vaccination?

Private COVID vaccinations are available from some community pharmacies.  Check if you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination via the NHS before taking this route. You are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from October 2024 if you are:

  • aged 65 and over
  • living in a care home for older people
  • aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group to protect them ahead of winter.
  • Frontline health and social care staff

You can also check with your general practice surgery or via the national booking service online, using the NHS app on your mobile or by calling 119.