CARER charities across Cumbria have welcomed the news that unpaid carers have been added as a priority group in the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Unpaid carers were included in new Covid-19 vaccination advice issued on December 31, from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Mike Seaton from Carers Support Cumbria and Carer Support South Lakes said the news means people who care for older, disabled and seriously ill relatives will be amongst the first to receive the vaccination. Vaccination advice now lists unpaid carers as a priority six group, out of nine, although some carers will also meet the criteria of more urgent groups. That includes care home residents and staff, front line health and social care workers, those over 65 and extremely vulnerable individuals added Mr Seaton.