MANY unpaid carers are unaware they’re entitled to a free flu jab this winter and should get themselves vaccinated, experts say.
The NHS expanded its free vaccination programme to include those with direct patient contact – including unpaid carers, last year.
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Yet only 39 per cent of carers registered with a GP in England opted to protect themselves in the 2018/19 season.
That means that almost two thirds of the estimated 6.5 million unpaid carers int he UK were vulnerable to the virus, which can be deadly.
Experts are reminding people that whether you support a partner, family member or friend, looking after your own health is just as important as the care you give.
Frontline healthcare workers receive prompts from their employer about their entitlement to a free flu vaccination, with uptake at around 70 per cent last year.
But unpaid carers – more than half of whom take over a year to recognise their caring role – are left unaware of their right to the jab.
Prioritise your health
Often balancing work with their caring duties, many also struggle to prioritise looking after their own health.
Janky Raja, a pharmacist at Boots, said: “Flu can knock even the healthiest of people off their feet, making it difficult for a carer to look after the person they care for.
“What’s more, people under care often have weakened immune systems, so it’s really important to take all the precautions you can to prevent them from catching the virus.
Flu can knock even the healthiest of people off their feet, making it difficult for a carer to look after the person they care for
Janky Raja
“Getting your flu jab is really quick and easy. You can book your free NHS flu jab through the Boots Winter Flu Jab Service in-store or online at a time and location suitable for you and an appointment takes just 15 minutes.”
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “Life can be hectic for unpaid carers with many juggling work, children and caring responsibilities all at once, leaving little time for their own health.
“This winter we encourage everybody looking after someone to book their free flu jab to help protect themselves, and their loved ones.”
Nearly one in two Brits are now eligible for a free flu jab this winter as health bosses roll out a bumper immunisation programme.
All primary schoolchildren across England will be able to get the vaccine on the NHS for the first time ever.
Officials are also introducing an egg-free version of the vaccine for the first time.
It follows a spike of deadly cases in Australia in recent months.
Experts predict the new jab, made from animal cells in the lab, will offer patients better protection.
Professor Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said: “This year, more vaccines are available and every primary school child will be offered a flu vaccine.
“Children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu. Flu vaccination not only protects the children but it also protects other more vulnerable members of the community from a potentially horrible illness.”
