What is the COVID-19 vaccine and how do I get it?

Advice and Information - 19 September 2024

Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important.

A close of of a black persons arm as hands wearing blue latex gloves give them an injection

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people who catch COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing special treatment.

However, some people get seriously ill and need medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19

The best way to prevent and slow down the spread of COVID-19 transmission is to be well-informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by:

Keeping your distance from others, one metre where possible
Wearing a properly fitted mask in public spaces, e.g. public transport
Practicing good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Washing your hands regularly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds
Using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser frequently
Getting vaccinated when you can

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk from COVID-19.

You may be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you:

are aged 65 or over
are pregnant
are 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
live in a care home for older adult

Where can I book my vaccine?

If you're eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can:

book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online
in the NHS App – you will need to book your vaccination before 20 December 2024
go to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and only some get them. You should not have the vaccine if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to:

Any of the ingredients in the vaccine
A previous dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine

Severe allergic reactions are rare. If you do react to the vaccine, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine have training to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

I'm pregnant, can I still get the vaccine?

No specific safety concerns concerning pregnancy have been identified with any brand of COVID-19 vaccines.

Pregnant women in the UK should be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

I've had COVID-19. Do I still need to get a booster?

An effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from COVID-19, reduce hospitalisations and save lives. Vaccines are the only way to eradicate the disease.

People who've already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. It's still just as important for those who've already had COVID-19 as it is for those who haven’t.