Falkirk district's unpaid carers urged to check register for COVID vaccine

Falkirk district's army of unpaid carers have been urged to register for their first COVID vaccine - if they haven’t already had it.
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A self-registration service launched this week to enable people aged 16-64 to check their eligibility and register, either online or over the phone as an unpaid carer.

Letters should already been sent out, but a call has gone out to unpaid carers to check to ensure they haven’t been missed.

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There are an estimated 22,000 people in Falkirk who care for a friend, family member or neighbour.

There are an estimated 700,000 people in Scotland who care for a friend, family member or neighbour.There are an estimated 700,000 people in Scotland who care for a friend, family member or neighbour.
There are an estimated 700,000 people in Scotland who care for a friend, family member or neighbour.

The care they provide could be anything from domestic tasks such as regularly helping with the shopping, picking up prescriptions or preparing meals, to personal care such as helping them to wash and dress. It could also be emotional support to someone such as a partner, friend or family member with a long-term health condition.

Many may not realise they are eligible to receive the vaccine now as part of group six on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list.

Carers who receive relevant benefits should have already received a letter with details of their appointment, but all eligible unpaid carers are being encouraged to self-register - when they do, they will be advised if they are already scheduled for an appointment so there is no duplication.

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Jillian Taylor, operational lead for NHS Forth Valley’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, commented: “Carers play a crucial role in the community and we recognise that the events of the past year have put more pressure than ever before on those who provide care and support for others.

"You may not consider yourself a carer, but if you provide vital face-to-face care to anyone, be it family, friend or neighbour, then you could be eligible to receive the vaccine now.

"Getting the vaccine reduces your risk of COVID and supports you to keep well and in turn, ensure those you care for are safe.

“We are hugely thankful to our carer community and urge them to protect themselves by registering for the vaccine now.”

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You can check online at nhsinform.scot/carersregister or call Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

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