As Autumn approaches, we want to remind you that everyone who has Down’s syndrome (all ages) should be on their GP practice Learning Disability Register (LDR). This is especially important this year, as the NHS will be using this list to correctly identify all those eligible for the autumn COVID booster and flu vaccine. Everyone who has Down’s syndrome aged 5 and over is eligible for the autumn booster, as are their family-carers.
We know that some people who have Down’s syndrome were missed, and experienced difficulties accessing the vaccination programme, because they were not on the LDR.
Inclusion on the LDR will ensure that those who are eligible will be called for their Autumn 2022 Covid booster and flu vaccine.
If a person who has Down’s syndrome is on their GP practice LDR, it also enables the GP to:
- offer them Annual Health Checks (AHCs) (everyone who has Down’s syndrome age 14 years and over is eligible for these)
- offer appropriate health screening as part of national health screening programmes
- make individual reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are as accessible as possible and that the person receives equitable and timely healthcare
There is information about the LDR and AHCs at our website here.
You can call the Helpline (Tel: 0333 1212 300) with any questions about healthcare and we will be happy to assist.