UKHSA has updated its guidance on flu vaccination guidance for social care workers and carers which confirms that frontline social care workers are eligible for flu vaccination and encouraged to protect themselves and those they care for.
In some cases their employer may offer the vaccine through work. In others, workers can access a free flu vaccine from the NHS by visiting their GP or local community pharmacy and self-identifying as a social care worker.
The scheme is available to all frontline workers employed by:
- a registered residential care or nursing home
- registered domiciliary care provider
- a voluntary managed hospice provider
- Direct Payment (personal budgets) or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants (PAs)
If accessing the NHS complementary scheme, workers may need to present proof of employment at their registered GP or community pharmacy when receiving the flu vaccine, for example:
- A letter from their employer
- An ID badge
- A payslip
Family carers may also be eligible for a free flu vaccine - more from Flu vaccination guidance for social care workers and carers - GOV.UK.
The guidance suggests the best time to have a flu vaccine is from October to end of November.
For information on booking and why vaccination is important, see vaccinations - NHS.
