We are deeply disappointed by the Scottish Government’s recent decision not to include unpaid carers as an eligible group for the COVID-19 vaccine in Scotland.

While frontline health and care professionals in Scotland will receive the vaccine, unpaid carers – who often provide the same level of care – remain unprotected, further deepening the perception that unpaid care is undervalued in our society.

The decision to exclude carers from accessing the COVID-19 vaccine has profound implications for the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers, as well as for the vulnerable people they care for.

By joining our campaign, you can help amplify our voices and ensure that the Scottish Government recognises the crucial role of unpaid carers.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Share your story: Personal stories highlight the importance of protecting unpaid carers.
• Use our hashtags: Spread the message on social media with #ProtectUnpaidCarers
• Write to your MSP: Let them know how this decision affects you and ask them to support our cause. You can find a letter on the Coalition of Carers in Scotland website.
• Sign our joint letter to the First Minister asking him to reconsider and to extend eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to unpaid carers. You can add your name to the letter using this form.