Over 56,400 unpaid Carers in Cumbria are being reminded that they are eligible for NHS Covid-19 and flu vaccines.

NHS England announced that unpaid Carers are among those who are eligible for the vaccines.

The vaccines have started to be rolled out this month, brought forward due to the rise of the new Covid variant.

Unpaid Carers in Cumbria are reminded by Carer Support Cumbria to confirm their role with their GP to ensure their place within the vaccinations scheme.

CEO of Carer Support Carlisle and Eden, Dr Dani Leslie said: "Anyone with caring responsibility for a friend or family member needs to register their caring role with their GP to ensure their eligibility for the Covid vaccine. This will enable them to get both the Covid and flu vaccine which will protect them and their cared for against the new variant of COVID-19."

Echoing the call for action, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, Debi Marsden said: "We would urge unpaid Carers to contact their GP surgery and ask for their caring role to be flagged on their patient record. This will also see longer-term public health benefits, such as being offered a free flu jab, which is so important for safeguarding themselves and the older, disabled or seriously ill relatives they support during the more challenging winter months.”

The COVID-19 vaccination programme is available for care home residents for older adults, adults aged 65 years and above, individuals with a clinical risk group as identified in the Immunisation Green Book, and frontline health and social care workers.

Other categories include household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals and unpaid carers, along with care home staff.

CEO of Carer Support Furness, Craig Backhouse said: "The adult Covid and flu vaccination programmes were due to start in October but now those most at risk started to be vaccinated from September 11.

"The NHS has started to invite people in priority order of risk and those eligible can book an appointment on the NHS National Booking Service. "

Carers Support Cumbria offers advice and support for unpaid carers through their website at www.carerssupportcumbria.co.uk.