The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has today issued its advice on those eligible for the Covid-19 booster vaccine.

The JCVI list includes unpaid adult carers as part of the groups who will be part of the booster programme.

Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK:

“Unpaid carers will be hugely reassured that they have been included in the JCVI’s priority list for the COVID-19 booster vaccine.

“Being able to get a booster this winter will bring a big sense of relief to many who are worried about the ongoing risks of COVID-19 to themselves and the older, disabled and seriously ill people they care for.

“Importantly, it will mean those with significant caring responsibilities, in many cases caring round the clock, can continue to get the support they need to care – whether that’s from services or family and friends - during the winter months ahead."

Carers will be contacted by the NHS when it is time for them to arrange their booster jab - those eligible will be called forward at least six months after the date they had their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The booster programme is to be deployed in the same order as the first phase, calling forward those in priority groups 1-9 in stages, with the NHS able to exercise some operational flexibility where appropriate to maximise the delivery of the booster jabs.

Carers UK will be working to ensure that carers have good information and advice about the booster programme, including overcoming any vaccine hesitancy.  Further updates will be on www.carersuk.org.