How to book a COVID-19 vaccine if you are an unpaid carer of a clinically vulnerable person

The Minister for Health and Social Services has today published guidance to outline who is eligible for a vaccine as part of priority group six.

Within the guidance eligible unpaid carers are those who are the sole or primary carer of someone who is at increased risk were they to catch coronavirus.

Those clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 include children with severe neuro-disabilities, those who are designated clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), adults who have underlying health conditions and those who need care because of advanced age.

People should complete this online which the Welsh Government says can be found here: https://gov.wales/get-covid-19-vaccine-unpaid-carer

Once the form is submitted, the health board will arrange for the information to be uploaded to the Welsh Immunisation System and a vaccine appointment will be issued.

Everyone within groups 5-9 will be invited for a vaccination by mid-April.

Those already registered as an unpaid carer with their GP should receive an invite in the next couple of weeks and do not need to complete the online form.

Simon Hatch, Director of Carers Trust Wales commented: “We know that unpaid carers have faced many practical, emotional and financial challenges throughout the pandemic.”

“We are pleased that Welsh Government has listened to feedback from carers and from Carers Trust Wales in creating this form.”

“We want to encourage carers in Priority Group six to check the form and, if they are eligible, to receive the vaccine.”

Kate Young, Director, All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers said: “This added clarification will be welcomed by so many family carers across Wales, and we are pleased to see the feedback provided by family carers who were concerned about being eligible and receiving the vaccine has led to this form being produced as an additional resource.

“We encourage unpaid family carers to take a look and to complete the form if they feel they are eligible and may be missed by not being registered.”