People who provide vital face-to-face care and support for others who haven’t already been given an appointment are now being invited to self-register for the COVID-19 vaccine.

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 substance misuse. Many don’t see what they do as providing care, it’s just what they do.

You can check if you are eligible for the vaccine as a carer by using the self-registration at https://nhsinform.scot/carersregister or by calling the Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. If eligible, you can then self-register as a carer to get your vaccination.

1. People who provide vital face-to-face care and support for others who haven’t already been given an appointment are now being invited to self-register for the COVID-19 vaccine.

2. If you are aged 16 and over and provide face-to-face care for a friend, family member or neighbour it may be time for you to roll up your sleeve for the COVID-19 vaccination.

3. That care could be due to old age, physical or mental illness, disability or for an addiction.

4. The type of care could be anything from the practicalities of 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.

5. It could also be emotional support to someone such as a partner, friend or family member with a long-term health condition.