Key national information sources
Stay up-to-date with the latest information on Covid-19.
NHS information for people with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions that may be at higher than average risk from Covid-19 is here. Please be aware that this includes people affected by a broader range of conditions than those that reduce the effectiveness of our immune system. If you do not know whether you are at higher than average risk from Covid-19, then you need to consult our condition specific guidance, your GP, or your clinical specialist.
Anyone with symptoms can now get a Covid-19 test, whatever their age. The full guidance can be found here.
There is guidance here on if you have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed Covid-19 case.
Support
NHS Volunteer Responders in England can help with shopping, a prescription collection or a friendly chat. People needing support can self-refer if they think they meet the qualifying criteria. Carers can make a referral for someone they care and for themselves, if this support helps them continue in their caring role. To find out more about the service click here. To self-refer telephone: 0808 196 3646.
For support to manage your mental health during this pandemic, you can visit the Every Mind Matters website.
Shielding and Vulnerable People
Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else. Precautions are included in the guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
Covid-19 Vaccination
Covid-19 booster vaccine
Booster vaccine doses are now available on the NHS for people aged 18 and over or aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from Covid-19 or those who are frontline health and social care workers. You can now get a booster three months after your second vaccine and book your booster vaccine online a month before you are eligible.
The The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that the following people are eligible for a booster:
- 16 and 17 year olds
- 12 to 15 year olds who are in a clinical risk group or a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed.
- 12 to 15 year olds who are severely immunosuppressed and who have had a third primary dose.
Third Covid-19 vaccination dose
People aged 12 and over who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose should be offered a third vaccine dose. This is separate from any booster programme. If you’ve had a third dose you will be eligible for a booster from three months after your third dose. Find out more here.
Read more about the difference between the booster vaccine and third vaccine here.
Young adults and children
Five to 11 year olds
The JCVI) has recommended the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine for high-risk five to 11 year olds and their household contacts. There should be eight weeks between the first and second dose. Find more information here.
12 to 18 year olds
Everyone aged 12 and above is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine programme.
People aged 12 and over are eligible for two doss of the Covid-19 vaccine. The second vaccine dose should be given at least 12 weeks after the first one and can be booked online if children have not received the vaccine at school. If a child is at high risk from Covid-19, they are eligible for a second dose from eight weeks after your first dose. They will need to contact their GP surgery or go to a walk-in site with a letter from a GP that says you’re eligible for a second dose from eight weeks after your first dose.
You can find more information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme for children and young adults here.
Adults over 18
All adults over 18 are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination. You can book an appointment now. The wait between the two doses is now eight weeks rather than 12.
Working Safely During Coronavirus
From 13 December office workers should work from home if they can. You can find more information here.
Access to Work provides support for the disability-related extra costs of working at home that are beyond standard reasonable adjustments an employer must provide.
Carers and Parents
Carers UK have pulled together the latest guidance for carers who may be affected by Covid-19.
The charity Family Lives currently provides emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life across England and Wales.
Information for Charities
The NCVO has information for charities that may have concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes information on funding, supporting workers and other resources.