Unpaid carers who have not yet received a vaccination letter are being told to sign-up for an appointment through a new online portal.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said many who provide care for a friend or relative would have been identified through GP or benefits records.

Those who are not on the system can sign up online to a “simple” system for registering themselves for vaccination from Monday morning.

A phone line has also been set up for those who cannot get online.

Speaking at today’s covid-19 briefing, Ms Freeman said: “If you are an unpaid carer and you haven’t yet received an appointment, please register with the new service.

“The care that you provide - as well as being hugely appreciated - is also very important. And so it’s vital that you get the vaccination – and the protection it provides – as soon as possible.”

All those providing regular face-to-face care aged between 16 and 64 are eligible.

Ms Freeman said appointments were likely to be scheduled for the following week.

Checks will take place to make sure there is no duplication, as letters may be on the way for some and those in receipt of certain benefits will already be on the register.

The Scottish government says it will launch a marketing campaign to promote uptake among this group.

The service can be accessed from Monday on the NHS Inform website - http://nhsinform.scot/carersregister - or by phone on 0800 030 8013.

Margaret Chiwanza, of the Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project, said: “Many of Scotland’s carers will be in touch with a local carer centre but there will be many others who are not in contact with support services.

“It is essential that we reach out to these carers. The self-registration system will provide a single point of contact making it simpler for carers to make an appointment and receive a vaccination. 

“It is vital that all of Scotland’s carers – young carers aged 16-plus, adult and older carers and those from Minority Ethnic backgrounds – are supported to protect and maintain their own health and well-being and that of the people they care for.

“We commend government for taking this very positive step.”

Research published today has suggested that vaccination cuts transmission of the virus by at least 30%.

Public Health Scotland said the figure, which was revealed by looking at virus rates among people living with a vaccinated health and care worker, was likely an underestimate as these relatives and housemates could have been infected from others.

It represents some of the first real world evidence on the vaccines’ effectiveness in reducing – but not stopping – transmission.

Read more: Medics can refer missed patients for vaccine; Online vaccine booking for carers set to launch; Campaigners urge end to carers benefit “cliff edge”

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