Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides information on how unpaid carers are included in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) priority groupings for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Unpaid carers are included in the JCVI’s priority groupings for the COVID-19 vaccinations. Unpaid carers are in priority group six, which is currently in the process of being rolled out.

If you are an unpaid carer who provides regular face-to-face care, you will need to self-register as an unpaid carer to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. To be eligible for vaccination at this stage, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You are 16 to 64 years old;
• You provide face-to-face care and support to one or more family members, friends or neighbours;
• The care you provide is not part of a contract or voluntary work;
• If caring for someone under 18, they are affected by a disability, physical or mental ill-health, developmental condition or substance misuse; and
• You have not already received your first COVID-19 vaccination or vaccination appointment letter.

If all of these statements apply to you, then you need to register as an unpaid carer. You are now able to register online. To self-register, please visit the self-registration website.

If you are unable to register online, you can call the COVID Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

However, if you have already received your vaccination or a letter of appointment, there is no need to register.

If you do not meet this criteria, you should wait until NHS Scotland contacts you to arrange your vaccination appointment when you are eligible. Please do not contact your GP practice or NHS health board for a vaccination before then.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, please visit NHS Inform.

For the latest information and advice on COVID-19 in Scotland, please visit the Scottish Government website.