Carers in Sussex encouraged to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations
If you are a carer you are eligible for your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment, book online via the NHS App or call 119.
We are also working with the NHS to ask our carers for their help in encouraging those they care for who have an ongoing health condition to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.
At the moment, only 25% of people in Sussex who are eligible for the vaccinations because of their health condition have come forward.
People who can get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a health condition are broadly similar to those that can get a flu vaccine including:
- respiratory conditions, i.e. poorly controlled asthma
- chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
- diabetes
- heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight –a BMI of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- neurological conditions, i.e. Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- those with a severe mental illness
- problems with your spleen, e.g. sickle cell
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions i.e. HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy
Please encourage people you care for to contact their GP surgery to book an appointment as soon as possible. Alternatively, they can book via the NHS App or call 119.
For further information about the COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme, please visit: Covid-19 and flu vaccinations – Sussex Health & Care (ics.nhs.uk)
Common questions
Are carers entitled to the free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this winter?
Yes. As an unpaid carer you are eligible for a free flu and COVID-19 vaccination this winter.
The vaccines really are the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for.
To book, please contact your GP surgery, book via the NHS App or call 119.
Which health conditions make people eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccine is offered to those with a serious health condition.
Those that can get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a health condition are broadly similar to those that can get a flu vaccine including:
- respiratory conditions, i.e. poorly controlled asthma chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes
- heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight –a BMI of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- neurological conditions, i.e. Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- those with a severe mental illness
- problems with your spleen, e.g. sickle cell
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions i.e. HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy
If I have had a flu or COVID-19 vaccine before, do I need to get it again?
If you are eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and flu and COVID-19 viruses change each year.
Will I be contacted by my GP surgery if I am entitled to the vaccinations?
Yes. Surgeries are contacting patients inviting people who are eligible to book an appointment.
If you are a registered carer and have not been invited, please contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.
