Protect yourself and those you care for from flu
Did you know that carers are entitled to a free flu vaccination to protect themselves and those they care for from flu?
People who are in receipt of Carers Allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill, are eligible for a free vaccination.
Knowsley Councils Public Health team is appealing to all vulnerable groups to protect themselves this winter by getting vaccinated. As flu and Covid 19 will be circulating at the same time this year, it is more important than ever to protect those most at risk from flu.
If youre a carer you should inform your GP practice so this can be recorded, and you will then be eligible for a free vaccination and should contact your practice to arrange a vaccination. You can also have a free flu jab at your local pharmacy if you are recorded as a carer.
Dementia Action Week 17th-23rd May 2021
Please complete the survey
KMBC Dementia Partnership Board invite people affected by dementia, their families and professionals to complete the surveys here and here
to help shape the Dementia Strategy for Knowsley. To find out more about whats happening in Knowsley during Dementia Action Week see our latest newsletter.
PPE for carers who do not live with the person they care for
The government has recently announced the roll out of a programme that will see free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) given to unpaid carers who do not live with the person they care for. The scheme will run until the end of June 2021.
Carers to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Are you a carer living in Knowsley or a carer registered with a Knowsley GP?
As a carer, you play an invaluable role in our communities so it’s important that you are vaccinated as quickly as possible, to not only protect yourself, but also the people you care for.
If you have informed your GP that you are a carer or if you are in receipt of a Carers Allowance, then you will be contacted shortly to arrange an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Does your GP know you are a carer?
Ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your medical record.
If you let your GP practice know that you have a caring role you can be identified as a carer on your medical records. This will help the practice to take care of you for example by offering the flu jab annually. Carers who are identified by their GP practice may also be eligible for a COVID vaccination.
Make a fresh start!
Come along to the Carers Strategy Meeting
We would like to wish everyone a peaceful and healthy new year and invite you along to the Carers Strategy Group meeting due to take place on Thursday 14th January at 10.30 am on Zoom If you would like to attend please contact us by email to enquiries@knowsleycarers.co.uk
Christmas Closure
And our best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a healthy new year.
The last working day for staff at Knowsley Carers Centre this year is Wednesday 23rd December. We will open again on Monday 4th January. If during this period you have any urgent concerns please contact the Knowsley Access Team on Tel 0151 443 2600. Non urgent messages can be left on our answer service but will not be picked up until 4th January.
Care Home Visits
Important updates on new guidance for Care Home Visits and the Coronavirus vaccine.
The guidance for providers does allow for care home visits to happen indoors. The guidance applies to all care homes – regardless of which Tier the care home is in. Visitors will need to take a Coronavirus test and if that comes back negative, will need to wear PPE throughout the visit. Physical touching, such as holding hands and hugging, will be allowed.
