UNPAID Carers across Dumfries and Galloway are being encouraged to self-register to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
People aged 16 to 64 who provide vital face-to-face care and support for others and have not already had their first vaccine dose or appointment letter are being invited to register – with the launch this week of a self-registration service.
This service will check the person’s eligibility and register them, ether online or over the phone.
Julie White is Chief Officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, and she said: “Carers play a crucial role within our communities.
“You may not consider yourself a Carer, but if you provide vital face-to-face care to anyone – whether that’s family, a friend or neighbour – then you are now eligible to receive the vaccine.
“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.”
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.
There are an estimated 700,000 people in Scotland who care for a friend, family member or neighbour affected by a disability, physical or mental ill health, frailty or a substance misuse. Many of these people may not realise they are eligible to receive the vaccine now as part of group 6 on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list.
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.
Health Minister Jeane Freeman said: “Scotland has very many people who provide vital care and support for family and friends who don’t necessarily see themselves as unpaid carers, it’s just what they do.
“The care they provide is vitally important to all of us and in the national vaccination programme they are prioritised. By getting the vaccine those caring for others can protect themselves while they look after and protect others.”
Anyone can check if they are eligible by using the website self-registration at nhsinform.scot/carersregister or by calling the Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Getting the vaccine reduces the risk of COVID-19 and helps ensure that a Carer can continue to support the individuals that they care for.
