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. 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.
As winter approaches, it’s important to arrange your vaccinations early, helping you stay protected throughout the flu season.
Book your flu vaccination now via your general practice surgery or pharmacy.
There are a number of ways to book your flu vaccination:
- Contact your general practice surgery – most practices have an online form or email as well as phone or face to face booking options
- Visit the NHS national booking website, or via the NHS app
- You can also visit a walk in clinic, no booking required
Please note that some walk-in clinics are for COVID-19 vaccinations only, the webpage tells you which these are.
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.
Thank you. By staying on track with your vaccinations you are protecting yourself, those you care for and your community.
Frequently asked questions
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
I am also eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, how do I book this?
You can book in a number of ways:
- For your COVID-19 vaccination, visit the national NHS booking website, book via NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.
- You can also visit a walk in clinic, no booking required.
I am eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, can I have this at the same time at the flu vaccination?
Yes, you can have both vaccinations at the same time. Check with your general practice surgery to see if they are delivering the COVID-19 vaccination.
Otherwise follow the steps above to book your COVID-19 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.
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.
Who can have the RSV vaccination?
Pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more
People aged 75 to 79
