COVID-19 Vaccine

When to book a COVID-19 vaccine

The NHS offers COVID-19 vaccination to people at higher risk of serious illness, usually during spring and early winter campaigns. Current 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 treatment
• Residents of care homes for older adults
• People with blood cancers, organ or bone marrow transplants, HIV, genetic immune disorders, or those having chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment

The NHS usually contacts eligible people directly. If you are not sure whether you qualify, ask your pharmacist or GP. Even if you have had COVID-19 before, vaccination strengthens and extends your protection.

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

The vaccine currently used in the UK is Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty), available in formulations for adults, children aged 5 to 11 and children aged 6 months to 4 years. It teaches your immune system to recognise and fight the virus, and it cannot give you COVID-19.

Most eligible people need one dose per campaign. People with severely weakened immune systems may need additional doses as advised by their GP or specialist. Your pharmacist will check your vaccination history and advise on the right dose.

Side effects and safety

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

These are usually mild and improve within a week, and paracetamol can help. Serious side effects are very rare. The vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and for most people with allergies. Very rare cases of myocarditis have been reported, with most people recovering fully with rest. The benefits far outweigh the risks for all eligible groups.

What happens at your appointment

• Eligibility check - confirming you qualify under current NHS guidance
• Consultation - reviewing your medical history and checking for contraindications
• Vaccination - a simple injection in the upper arm, taking only a few minutes
• Observation - a short wait so the pharmacist can monitor for any immediate reaction
• Record - logged on the national immunisation system and shown on your NHS COVID Pass

The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as most other vaccines, including flu, and we often run combined appointments during seasonal campaigns.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you

Convenient high street locations, trained pharmacist vaccinators, free for eligible people and walk-in availability at selected branches during campaign periods. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy and check availability.