The COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against COVID-19.
Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Only children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 can currently get a COVID-19 vaccine.
You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine in autumn 2024 if you're at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. This may be due to a health condition, or your age. If your NHS record suggests you may be eligible, we will contact you.
If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, we may advise you to get a COVID-19 vaccine sooner. If you are unsure if you are eligible for the vaccine, please contact us.
To find out more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine click here.
Which COVID-19 vaccine will I get?
There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines and will be offered a vaccine that gives protection from more than one type of COVID-19.
You cannot choose which vaccine you have.
Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example:
- If you're 65 years old and over
- If you're pregnant
- If you're aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, because of a health condition or treatment that you are receiving
- If you live in a care home for older adults
Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.
How well do the COVID-19 vaccines work?
Research has shown the vaccine helps:
- Reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- Reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19
- Protect against different strains (variants) of COVID-19
Seasonal vaccines are offered because protection fades over time.
A vaccine helps give you protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.
There is a chance you might still get or spread COVID-19, even if you have a vaccine, so it's important to follow advice about how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19. For more information click here.