Unpaid carers can drop-in at Covid vaccine clinics this weekend – without pre-booking appointments.

A call has gone out for people aged over 18 who provide care for a family member, partner or friend, as well as other eligible patients. 

If you're over 50, 18 or older and have a health condition or an unpaid carer, you can attend the drop-in  clinic at the Peepul Centre on Sunday, March 28 and Monday, March 29. Jabs will be given between 9am and 6pm. 

Appointments are not necessary but patients should take ID to prove they are eligible.

A spokesperson for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland's clinical commissioning groups said: "Across LLR we are vaccinating those people who are most at risk from coronavirus. Currently, this is people aged 50 and over, anyone who has received a letter from the NHS telling them they are clinically extremely vulnerable, anyone aged 16 and over with an underlying health condition, carers and health and social care staff.

 "We have been receiving feedback that many people who class themselves as carers are unsure if they are eligible and concerned they will be refused the vaccine at a vaccination centre. The national booking service states that if you are the main carer you can book a vaccination. 

"Alternatively, GPs are inviting unpaid carers so you may receive a letter or message from your GP if you are on their register as a carer.

 "Many people do not consider themselves to be a carer but essentially, a carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help through illness or frailty and who would not be able to cope without their support."

Covid-19 vaccinations have stepped up a gear in the last seven days with almost twice as many people receiving jabs compared to the previous week.

Of the 485,738 injections that have gone into arms across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland since December, 460,419 have been first doses.

The adult population of the city, county and Rutland is 660,000 meaning 70 per cent of all over 18s have had at least one jab.

A supply shortage is expected during April meaning the NHS is set to focus on second jabs. 

 You can find out more about vaccinations here.