Why are you vaccinating health and social care workers and who is included in this group?
These groups have been included alongside the first set of clinical priority groups because they are at increased personal risk of infection and of transmitting that infection to susceptible patients; and because this will help to maintain the resilience of the NHS.
The following definitions for these staff have been agreed:
- Healthcare workers with direct patient contact
- Social care staff who are employed to provide personal care to children and adults, both in care homes and in the community
Why are unpaid carers not getting vaccinated at the same time as employed carers?
Frontline health care workers with direct patient contact and social care staff employed to provide care have been identified as a priority group for vaccination due to the fact that they have contact with a large number of individuals and may be at increased risk of exposure to H1N1. They are also a possible transmission route of the virus to vulnerable patients.
By contrast, unpaid carers generally provide care on a one-to-one basis and therefore are less likely to be exposed to, or transmit, the virus. It is also important that we ensure initial supplies of vaccine are provided to those who will benefit most, and that means those who have been prioritised because of underlying health conditions.
Carers who fall into an at-risk category themselves or are a household contact of someone with a compromised immune system will be eligible for the vaccine alongside priority groups. Other unpaid carers will also be considered for vaccination later in the programme based on scientific advice.
Unpaid carers are eligible for seasonal flu vaccine, why not for H1N1 vaccination?
Initially there will be limited supplies of H1N1 vaccine, and it needs to be prioritised for those who may become seriously ill. This is different from seasonal flu where every year sufficient vaccine is pre-ordered to meet the needs of all groups eligible for vaccination, including unpaid carers.
What happens if a carer becomes ill?
We do appreciate the vital work of unpaid carers and the impact caused by a carer falling ill. Local authorities will be taking account of this in their community care pandemic flu plans.
What about people who normally have the seasonal flu vaccination, will they need to have the H1N1 vaccination as well?
Yes, the H1N1 vaccine will not protect against seasonal flu. If you usually receive the seasonal flu vaccine you should continue to do so.