COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Vaccination Service | Allied Pharmacies

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against serious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since the start of the UK vaccination programme, COVID-19 vaccines have prevented millions of hospitalisations and saved countless lives.

The NHS continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible groups, typically during spring and autumn campaigns. At Allied Pharmacies, our trained pharmacist vaccinators deliver COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the NHS programme, making it easy and convenient to get vaccinated at a pharmacy near you.

Use the postcode search below to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering COVID-19 vaccination.

What Is the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine currently used in the UK is the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine. According to the NHS, the vaccine is available in formulations suitable for adults, children aged 5 to 11 and children aged 6 months to 4 years.

The vaccine works by teaching the immune system to recognise and fight the virus. It cannot give you COVID-19. The NHS confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

Who Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The NHS offers COVID-19 vaccination to people who are at higher risk of serious illness. According to current NHS guidance, eligible groups include:

• Adults aged 75 and over
• People aged 6 months to 74 with a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment
• Residents of care homes for older adults
• People with blood cancers, organ or bone marrow transplants, HIV, genetic immune disorders or those receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments

The NHS usually contacts eligible individuals directly when vaccination is available. COVID-19 vaccinations are typically offered in spring and early winter each year.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice.

COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule and Booster Doses

The number of COVID-19 vaccine doses you need depends on your age and health status:

• Most eligible people need 1 dose when vaccination is available during a campaign period
• People with severely weakened immune systems may need additional doses as advised by their GP or specialist
• Booster doses are offered during seasonal campaigns to maintain protection, particularly for those most vulnerable to serious illness

Your pharmacist will check your vaccination history and advise on the appropriate dose during your appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine can cause side effects, but the NHS confirms these are usually mild and improve within a week. Common side effects include:

• Soreness or swelling at the injection site
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches and body pains
• Mild flu-like symptoms including feeling hot or shivery

The NHS recommends taking paracetamol if needed to help manage any discomfort. Serious side effects are very rare. The vaccine is confirmed safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

How the COVID-19 Vaccination Service Works

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine at Allied Pharmacies is quick and straightforward.

• Eligibility check — your pharmacist will confirm you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination based on current NHS guidelines
• Consultation — the pharmacist will review your medical history and check for any contraindications
• Vaccination — the vaccine is given as a simple injection in the upper arm. The process takes just a few minutes
• Observation — you will be asked to wait for a short period after your vaccination so the pharmacist can monitor for any immediate reactions
• Vaccination record — your vaccination will be recorded on the national immunisation system and will appear on your NHS COVID Pass

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

The NHS confirms that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and has undergone rigorous testing before being approved for use in the UK. Hundreds of millions of doses have been given worldwide since the vaccination programme began.

Key safety points from the NHS include:

• The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19
• It is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• It is safe for most people with allergies (mild allergic reactions do not prevent vaccination)
• Very rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) have been reported, but most people recovered fully with rest
• The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks for all eligible groups

If you have concerns about the vaccine or your suitability, your pharmacist will be happy to discuss these with you during your appointment.

Why Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Important?

Although COVID-19 is now less severe for most people than during the early stages of the pandemic, it can still cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions. The NHS continues to recommend vaccination for eligible groups because:

• Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19
• Immunity from previous infection and earlier vaccinations can decrease over time, making booster doses important
• New variants of the virus continue to emerge, and updated vaccines provide protection against the most recent strains
• Vaccinating vulnerable people helps protect those around them who may also be at higher risk

Even if you have had COVID-19 before, the NHS recommends getting vaccinated when eligible, as the vaccine strengthens and extends your immune protection.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Other Vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as most other vaccines, including the flu vaccine. During seasonal vaccination campaigns, Allied Pharmacies often offers combined flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments, saving you time and an extra visit.

If you are due other vaccinations such as the pneumococcal vaccine, shingles vaccine or travel vaccines, your pharmacist can advise on the best schedule to ensure you receive all the protection you need.

How to Book Your COVID-19 Vaccine

When the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme is open, eligible individuals will usually be contacted by the NHS directly. However, you can also book your vaccination through the following routes:

• Book online through the NHS vaccination booking service
• Call your nearest Allied Pharmacy to check availability and book an appointment
• Walk in to a participating pharmacy during campaign periods (subject to availability)
• Contact your GP surgery if you have not been contacted but believe you are eligible

At Allied Pharmacies, we make the vaccination process as simple and convenient as possible. Our friendly pharmacy teams are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the vaccine or your eligibility.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies for Your COVID-19 Vaccine?

• Convenient high street locations near you — no need to travel to a vaccination centre
• Trained and experienced pharmacist vaccinators
• NHS-funded service — free of charge for eligible individuals
• Quick appointments with minimal waiting times
• Walk-in availability at selected locations during campaign periods
• Friendly, supportive pharmacy teams to answer your questions

Related Vaccination Services

Allied Pharmacies offers a range of vaccination services to help protect you and your family:

• Seasonal NHS Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations — combined seasonal vaccination service
• NHS Flu Vaccination — free annual flu vaccine for eligible groups
• Chicken Pox Vaccine — private vaccination for children and adults
• HPV Vaccine — protection against human papillomavirus
• Meningitis B Vaccine — private vaccination against meningococcal group B

Visit our full list of pharmacy services to see everything available at your nearest Allied Pharmacy.

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine Near You

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at participating Allied Pharmacies during NHS campaign periods. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy and check current availability.

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness. Our pharmacists are here to help.

For the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and eligibility, visit the NHS COVID-19 vaccine page.