Health

Some unpaid carers in Sefton are now eligible for the COVID vaccine and will be contacted by the NHS.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Public Health England (PHE) Green Book have decided that unpaid carers eligible for the vaccine are:

“Those who are eligible for Carer’s Allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of COVID-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable”

Carers are being contacted in phases, starting with those registered with their GP who are identified by the GP Carers Flag and those entitled to receive Carer’s Allowance.

Unpaid carers who are not yet able to book via the National Booking System, are being asked to wait for their invitation. Unpaid carers who will be identified through the above channels will be contacted soon.

Eligible unpaid carers will be identified in four ways:

• If you are registered as an unpaid carer with your GP. This is known as having a Carers Flag on your primary care records.
• If you receive, or are entitled to, Carer’s Allowance. The Department for Work and Pensions will share this information with the vaccination programme.
• If you are known to the local authority as a carer, and are receiving support following a statutory carers assessment.
• If you are supported by a local carer support organisation.

The vaccination programme recognises that these sources will not identify all eligible unpaid carers.

Unpaid carers over the age of 18 who are not already known to health and care services can contact the National Booking Service at the NHS website or by ringing 119 to answer a few questions to determine if they are eligible to book their vaccination appointment.

For more info go to the Carers Trust website.

Local GPs are urging people aged over 50s in Sefton to book their jab COVID-19 vaccination. programme continues to make good progress.

Thousands of people have already had their first vaccine at centres across Sefton and GPs are reminding local over 50s who have yet to have theirs, to book their jabs now.

Anyone over 50

Anyone aged over 50 living in Sefton can call their GP practice to book their vaccination appointment. Or they can book an appointment at a larger regional centre or pharmacy by going to nhs.uk/covid-vaccination  or by phoning 119.

Over half the adult population has now had their vital first vaccine dose. According to NHS figures, more nine out of 10 people aged 65 and over have already had their first dose.

Greater confidence

Dr Craig Gillespie local GP, chair and clinical director of NHS South Sefton CCG said: “Thousands of our residents most at risk of Covid-19 have already had their first dose at our local centres. As the vaccination programme progresses, we want to make sure everyone aged over 50 has had the chance to have theirs.

“As a GP, I’ve had my first jab. My dad who is 82 and my mum who is 77 have had the vaccine and were glad to do so. Both are fit and well and are relieved that they can now go out to shop for essentials with greater confidence.

“So we are asking everyone in Sefton aged over 50 to call their GP practice today and book your jab. We have appointments available at our vaccination centres even over the weekend, to make it as easy as possible to get your jab.”

While supplies are at good levels for the next two weeks, supply has always varied from week to week due to factors beyond the control of the NHS.

Safe and effective

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG said: “The 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.

“Appointments for first doses for over 50s are still available for the rest of March. So if you’re over 50 and haven’t booked your first dose yet, now is the time to do it!”

Sefton GP, Dr Pete Chamberlain has shared a video update on the local COVID-19 vaccination programme and is urging residents who are aged over 50 or clinically vulnerable to book their vaccines now.

Healthwatch Sefton, the local independent champion for health and care, wants to hear people’s experience of what it’s been like being in a care home during the past 12 months.

Diane Blair, Manager of Healthwatch Sefton, explained: “During this pandemic, we have not been able to plan our Enter and View visits into care homes and, as a result, have not been able to talk to residents, their relatives, or staff about how care is provided within care homes.

“Visiting is a central part of care home life. It is crucially important for maintaining the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents. Visiting is also vital for family and friends to maintain contact and life-long relationships with their loved ones and contribute to their support and care.”

To gather people’s stories, Healthwatch has launched the campaign Care Homes: Your Story. Your Say!

Diane added: “By asking people to share their stories with us we can then get a picture of the impact the pandemic has had on people who have been living in care homes. We are also welcoming feedback from relatives and friends who may not live local but have someone they care for in one of our Sefton-based homes.”

All feedback shared is anonymous. To share your story go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Care-Homes-Your-Story-Your-Say

If you don’t want to fill in this form and would prefer to speak to someone about your experiences, give the team a call on 0800 206 1304.

More information on the campaign can be found on the Healthwatch Sefton website: https://healthwatchsefton.co.uk/news/care-homes-your-story-your-say/