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 coronavirus 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 but you do not live with that person.
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
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable or an unpaid adult carer and you haven’t yet had your Covid-19 vaccination you can book an appointment now.
All adults over the age of 18 can now book their Covid-19 vaccination and the wait between the two doses will now be eight weeks rather than 12. You can rearrange your appointment here.
Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Young people and children
Young people aged 16 years and over with specific clinical vulnerabilities are eligible for vaccination.
Children aged 12 years and over with severe neurodisabilities and recurrent respiratory tract infections who require residential care can be considered for vaccinations. Paediatricians and GPs should discuss the benefits, risks and safety data with children, young people and their parents/guardians.
The Join Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is advising that children at increased risk of serious Covid-19 disease are offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This includes children aged 12 to 15 with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities.
The JCVI recommends that children and young people aged 12 to 17 who live with an immunosuppressed person should be offered the vaccine. It also recommends that people turning 18 in the next three months should be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
You can find more information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme for children and young people here.
Working Safely During Coronavirus
The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home, however, employers still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business. 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
Mencap have pulled together resources and advice for carers who may be affected by Covid-19. Carers UK also have a useful guide.
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.