Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and Stirling MP Alyn Smith have backed calls from NHS Forth Valley, encouraging those across the area who provide unpaid care to come forward for their Covid-19 vaccination.
People aged 16 to 64 in the Forth Valley area 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 for their COVID-19 vaccination.
A national self-registration service has been launched this week to enable people aged 16 and over to check their eligibility and register, online at nhsinform.scot/carersregister or by calling the national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 if unable to get online, for the vaccine as an unpaid carer.
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.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:
‘Thousands of people across Forth Valley are likely carrying out care responsibilities, even if they don’t classify themselves as carers. Domestic tasks such as regularly helping with shopping, picking up prescriptions, to personal care such as helping friends, family neighbours or loved ones dress and look after themselves all fall under this definition.
‘Getting vaccinated protects you and those who you look after, in turn keeping you well and able to continue assisting. I’d urge unpaid carers in Stirling to look for more information online and get themselves vaccinated if they can. And I thank them, for all their extraordinary hard work in our community.’
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘Unpaid carers are the often overlooked heroes in our communities. They give up their time to help their friends, family or neighbours live their lives with a bit more comfort and dignity. I warmly welcome this concerted effort to make sure carers in our community are vaccinated against Covid-19; by keeping well themselves they can continue making their valuable contribution that we all rely on.
‘There’s a wealth of support out there for unpaid carers too, I’d urge anyone interested in finding out more to visit: www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/support-for-unpaid-carers.’
