Date published: December 17, 2020
First Shared Lives carers to get the Covid vaccine
The first Shared Lives carers in the UK got their Covid-19 vaccine yesterday, Wednesday 16 December as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s efforts to prioritise front line workers. Shared Lives carers offer a unique service – opening their own home to adults who need support – as part of their home and community life.
John and Barbara McGraf are Shared Lives carers in Oxfordshire. Barbara said, “We have been following the guidelines carefully, but our worry has always been that we will bring the virus back to the person we support and it was a worry. We are so grateful it’s been possible for us locally.”
The couple go back for their second jab in three week’s time. John adds, “We were greeted by friendly, caring informative staff who explained everything and put everyone at ease. The vaccine felt no different than the flu, just a bit of a sore arm for 2 days. We are now the day after the vaccine and feel fine.”
Sally Ellis, Shared Lives scheme manager for Oxfordshire said, “We have been pushing for Shared Lives carers to get the right support of PPE, payments, and advice throughout the pandemic, and we knew it was important they were on any lists that were being put forward for frontline workers to get the vaccine. Our local authority director was very proactive on Shared Lives carers’ behalf and liaised with the NHS. The turnaround has been fantastic and this will alleviate a lot of pressure on Shared Lives carers in the area.
I’d also like to add my thanks to them and to all the Shared Lives scheme staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that people who use Shared Lives could continue to be safe, enjoy life as much as possible in what has been a difficult year for everyone. We’re glad we can end the year with hope for 2021.”
Anna McEwen, Executive Director of Support and Development, Shared Lives Plus, said, “We are continuing to work closely with our partners in the care sector and the Department of Health and Social Care to determine the roll out of the vaccine for all Shared Lives carers. We’re delighted that Oxfordshire County Council has prioritised Shared Lives carers locally and look forward to the rest of the UK recognising the unique and excellent role that Shared Lives carers do in their homes day after day.”
For more information for Shared Lives carers and schemes about Christmas bubbles, please log in to your members’ account.
