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Frequently Asked Questions and Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Booster Vaccine FAQs

Who can get a COVID vaccination this spring?

Following JCVI guidance, the following groups of people will be offered a booster this spring:

  • adults aged 75 and over
  • residents in a care home for older adults
  • people aged 5 and over who have a weakened immune system.

Why do I need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Vaccinations are being offer to those as greatest risk this spring to help them to maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if they catch COVID-19.

When can I get a spring vaccination?

You can book an appointment from 5 April, with the first appointments to take place on 17 April. They will be on offer until 30 June, and 29 June is the last day that you can book.

How will I be invited for a spring vaccination?

If you’re eligible for a vaccination this spring, you will receive a text message, email, NHS App message or letter from the NHS when it’s your turn to come forward. You do not need to wait for an invite though.

Which vaccine will I be given?

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 1 that gives protection from multiple types of COVID-19.

You cannot usually choose which vaccine you have.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccines

The Sanofi and GSK (VidPrevtyn Beta) COVID-19 vaccine contains an oil derived from sharks. This vaccine is being offered as the seasonal booster dose to those aged 75 and over.

The other COVID-19 vaccines offered by the NHS do not contain animal products, including egg.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the UK, including their ingredients:

Will I need the same type of vaccine as I had before?

No, all COVID-19 vaccines you’ll be offered are highly effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine. 

Will I be offered an autumn/winter vaccination this year?

The JCVI has not yet issued its final advice on 2023 autumn/winter vaccinations. When these are available, they are likely to be offered to people who are at increased risk from COVID, for example due to their age or a health condition.

If you become eligible for an autumn/winter vaccination later this year, the NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to come forward. Please wait to be contacted by the NHS about this.

Can you still catch Covid-19 after having the vaccine?

The Covid-19 booster will reduce the chance of you becoming severely unwell from Covid-19 this spring and summer. It may take a few days for your body to build up some extra protection from the booster. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. Some people may still get Covid-19 despite having a vaccination, but any infection should be less severe.

If you have not had all your vaccinations

If you have not yet had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine (or a third dose for those with a weakened immune system) you should have them as soon as possible. If you are eligible and you have missed an earlier booster, you should have a dose this spring to catch up. You will not need another dose during the summer.

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Autumn Booster Vaccine FAQs

Who can get the COVID-19 autumn booster?

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that you can have a seasonal booster dose (autumn booster) of the COVID-19 vaccine if you are:

· aged 50 or over

· pregnant

· aged 5 to 49 and at high risk due to a health condition

· aged 5 to 49 and at high risk because of a weakened immune system

· aged 5 to 49 and live with someone who has a weakened immune system

· aged 16 to 49 and are a carer

· living or working in a care home for older people

· a frontline health and social care worker

Why do I need an autumn booster?

More than 94% of people in England have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – saving lives, helping tens of thousands to stay out of hospital, and enabling us to return to lives we knew before the pandemic began. However, the virus is still with us and is still making people very ill.

The JCVI has stated that winter will remain the season when the threat from COVID-19 is greatest for individuals and communities. Viruses like COVID-19 spread much more easily in winter when we socialise indoors, so it’s important that everyone eligible tops up their protection with an autumn booster.

The aim is to protect the whole population and protect those at greatest risk from the virus against severe COVID-19 disease over winter. As well as protecting you and the people around you, vaccination also helps the NHS to take care of others by avoiding unnecessary hospital visits. This allows time and resources to be used elsewhere in winter.

Where will I receive my vaccine?

Once invited, you can find your nearest vaccination site when you book using the National Booking Service or by calling 119. Alternatively, you can find a walk-in vaccination site near you. You are most likely to be offered your vaccine at a community pharmacy or at a local GP practice.

Do I need to show evidence that I have a weakened immune system?

If you’re aged under 50, it can help if you bring your invitation, an NHS letter describing your condition or treatment, or a repeat prescription slip or medicine box with a recent date and your name on it. If you don’t have any of these things, you should still be able to get vaccinated, but you may need to speak to a healthcare professional first.

People I live with would like to get a further dose. Are they eligible?

Yes. Any household contacts aged 5 years and over can get the COVID-19 vaccine this autumn if they live with someone with a weakened immune system. Household contacts are people who share living accommodation on most days.

They are not required to bring evidence to their vaccination appointment, but it could help to bring a copy of the NHS invitation sent to the person they live with who has a weakened immune system.

Which autumn booster vaccination will I be given?

Bivalent vaccines will be offered during the autumn campaign. These vaccines target both Omicron and the original strain of COVID-19.

If you’re eligible for an autumn booster, getting vaccinated in good time ahead of winter when viruses circulate most is more important than the type of vaccine you receive. All of the available vaccines provide good protection against severe illness from COVID-19. Further information is available at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination.

What will I be offered if I’m allergic to COVID-19 mRNA bivalent vaccines?

In rare cases where individuals have severe allergic reactions to mRNA bivalent vaccines, local vaccination services will direct or refer you to specialist clinics where you may be offered Nuvaxovid as an alternative to mRNA vaccines. This will be in exceptional circumstances, where clinically appropriate.

Is it safe to get so many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccination is safe and has been approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which regulates safety, and recommended by the JCVI. The vaccines used by the NHS have been rigorously tested and many millions of doses have been given across the UK and the world, with continued monitoring of safety.

I was previously advised to get an Astra Zeneca vaccine. Where can I get this?

The JCVI has published its advice on which vaccines should be used in this year’s autumn booster programme. Astra Zeneca is not being used from September 2022. Nuvaxovid is a non mRNA vaccine that has been approved for use as an alternative, where clinically appropriate.

Do I need to receive the same type of vaccine or booster as my previous ones?

No, all COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use in the deployment programme are highly effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.

How do I get an autumn booster if I’m unable to leave my home?

If you’re unable to leave your home to get vaccinated and you think you’re eligible for a home vaccination, you should contact your GP practice for support in the first instance.

I’ve had COVID-19. Do I need to wait before having my autumn booster?

If you’ve recently had a confirmed COVID-19 infection, you should try to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. Ideally, you should wait:

· 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 years old or over

· 12 weeks (84 days) if you’re aged 5 to 17 years

· 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old and at greater risk from COVID-19

This starts from the date your symptoms started or from the date of a positive test, whichever was earlier. If you had some symptoms but you are not sure if you had COVID-19, you should still book a for vaccination once your symptoms are better and you can discuss this with a healthcare professional when you attend.

Can I have my flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster in the same appointment?

Yes, if you are eligible to receive these two vaccines, you may be offered both in the same appointment. It is safe to receive both vaccines in the same appointment, but it’s important that you do not wait to try and schedule both vaccinations at the same time as this may not be possible and could delay your protection over winter. Please take up the offer of each vaccine when you are invited, even if they are on different dates.

Please note, if you’re also receiving the shingles vaccine, or if you’ve been referred to a specialist clinic for a Nuvaxovid vaccine, it will not be possible to get your seasonal vaccinations at the same time.

I’m behind on my vaccines. What should I do?

Whether one of your vaccines is overdue or you haven’t had your first yet, please be assured that it isn’t too late. If you’ve not had a 1st or 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, you should make sure you have both as soon as possible. If you have had a severely weakened immune system, you should also get an additional third dose before you get any booster.

You can book an appointment for any dose you’re eligible for at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119, or you can visit a walk-in vaccination site without an appointment – see www.nhs.uk/vaccine-walk-in.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine whilst I’m pregnant?

It’s also safe to have both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine together, and studies show that the antibodies your own body produces in response to COVID-19 vaccination also help with the baby’s own immunity to the virus. COVID-19 vaccines and the flu vaccine can be given on the same day and for people that are eligible for both, there may be opportunities to have both together. We would encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible and get fully protected rather than waiting as it may not always be possible to get them together.

General Covid-19 Vaccine FAQs

What type of vaccine for COVID-19 is currently available?

The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are available. These vaccines have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection, and have been given regulatory approval by the MHRA.

Is the NHS confident the vaccine is safe?

Yes. The NHS will not offer any Covid-19 vaccinations to the public until experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said this vaccine is very safe and highly effective, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.

As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. Vaccines go through several stages of lab tests and clinical trials before they can be approved for use.

There is continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.

Vaccines are designed to prevent people from getting serious infectious diseases. It is much safer for your immune system to learn how to fight illnesses through vaccination than by catching and treating them.

Can you choose which vaccine you have?

Any vaccines that the NHS will provide will have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy, so people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get, it is worth their while.

How long does the vaccine take to become effective?

The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of your suffering from COVID-19 disease. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose of the vaccine.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe

We don’t yet know whether it will stop people from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important that people continue to follow social distancing rules for the time being.

Why is it important to get your Covid-19 vaccination?

Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

The COVID-19 vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services.

Is the vaccine vegan/vegetarian friendly/ suitable for Muslim and Jewish people?

The government websites provide information on the contents of the Pfizer/BioNTechAstraZeneca and Moderna vaccinations. The approved COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any animal products or egg.

If, and when, further vaccines are approved we will publish information about known allergens or ingredients that are important for certain faiths, cultures and beliefs.

How effective are the vaccines?

The MHRA have said these vaccines are highly effective, but to get full protection people need to come back for the second dose – this is really important.

Full protection kicks in around a week or two after that second dose, which is why it’s also important that when you do get invited, you act on that and get yourself booked in as soon as possible. Even those who have received a vaccine still need to follow social distancing and other guidance.

How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine works by making a protein from the virus that is important for creating protection.

The protein works in the same way they do for other vaccines by stimulating the immune system to make antibodies and cells to fight the infection.

Should people who have had Covid-19 get vaccinated?

Yes, the MHRA have looked at this and decided that getting vaccinated is just as important for those who have already had Covid-19 as it is for those who haven’t.

Do I need to leave a space between having the flu vaccine and having the Covid vaccination?

The COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine can be given on the same day and for people that are eligible for both, there may be opportunities to have both together. We would encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible and get fully protected rather than waiting as it may not always be possible to get them together.

Can children have the vaccine?

You can find out more information on vaccinations for children aged 5-15 on the NHS website.

I am worried as I don’t like needles and there are side effects. 

It’s a very simple and quick injection given in the upper arm which should only take a few minutes in total. Afterwards you might have mild side effects such as a sore arm, feeling tired, a head ache or feeling achy. 

If you are worried or have any concerns, trained staff will be available at the vaccination sites to help put you at ease and answer your questions. 

Who cannot receive the vaccine?

The vaccines are currently being offered to people aged five and over.

There are very few individuals who cannot receive the Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Where there is doubt, rather than withholding vaccination, appropriate advice should be sought from the relevant specialist, or from the local immunisation or health protection team.

The vaccines do not contain living organisms and are safe for people with disorders of the immune system. These people may not respond so well to the vaccine.

The vaccine should not be given to those who have had a previous systemic allergic reaction (including immediate-onset anaphylaxis) to:

  • a previous dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine
  • any component (excipient) of the COVID-19 vaccine e.g. polyethylene glycol

A very small number of individuals have experienced anaphylaxis when vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Following close national surveillance, the MHRA is no longer advising that individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to any vaccine, medicine or food do not get the vaccine. Anyone with a previous history of allergic reactions to the ingredients of the vaccine should not receive it, but those with any other allergies (such as a food allergy) can now have the vaccine.

Do I have to have my second dose and booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccination?

Yes – it’s really important you finish your course of the Covid-19 vaccination. The Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MRHA) have said vaccines are highly effective but to get the best protection possible, people need to come back for their second dose and then a further booster dose.

What is the difference between a booster vaccination and the 3rd dose? 

A third dose is specifically for people who are immunosuppressed, it is not a booster, but a third dose, which is given 56 days after their second dose to ensure they receive the same protection given by two doses for those with normal immune systems. 

These people should then go on to also receive a booster dose (their 4th dose), 3 months after their third dose. 

People who are not immunosuppressed should have 2 doses and then have a booster dose, 3 months after their second dose. 

How can I prove my vaccination status?

You can prove your vaccination status on your NHS app, or if you don’t have access to technology you can request a letter.

Details on this are here.

My vaccination details are incorrect or not complete, what can I do?

If a member of the public believes they have missing or incorrect COVID-19 vaccination data, please call 119.

Where can I see local and national statistics on vaccine uptake and the current COVID-19 infection rates?

National and local statistics on the COVID-19 vaccinations can be accessed here: Statistics » COVID-19 Vaccinations (england.nhs.uk)

When will I receive my second dose?

You can have your second dose after 8 weeks (56 days).

Who is funding the entire vaccination programme and who is liable for compensation if any long term side effects are experienced?

The Government is funding the vaccination programme via the NHS. Please visit the Government website for further information on liability.

I have heard there is a new variant- will this vaccine help protect me? 

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get serious COVID-19 or be admitted to hospital or die from it  The vaccine is given in two doses followed by a booster dose. Once you have had all three vaccines you will be as protected as possible from current and future variants. 

Do I need to wait for an invite before I book my appointment?

No. If you are eligible, you can book your appointment straight away or go to one of our walk-in clinics.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

I haven’t been called for a vaccine yet – have I missed my chance for an appointment?

No, absolutely not. We want to get everyone vaccinated who is eligible.

If you are eligible, you can book online via the NHS website or call 119. You can also walk into selected sites for your first or second dose. Find out about walk-in clinics here.

Who should I contact if my question has not been answered?

The NHS ICB is working closely with the local councils during the pandemic.  Nottinghamshire County Council is supporting us with managing requests for information and assistance related to the vaccine rollout so if you have any questions that are not answered by the information here please email enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk or call 0300 500 80 80.

How to get your vaccine:

Where can I get a vaccine in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire?

We are delivering the vaccine in Hospital Hubs, Vaccination Centres, pharmacies and GPs across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

You can view all the sites here.

What happens at your appointment?

When you arrive at the site to be vaccinated, you will need to ensure that you are wearing a face mask. Social distancing will also be in place. Questions will be asked about your medical history and it is important that you inform staff if you are pregnant or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction in the past. The vaccine will be given as an injection into your upper arm by a trained professional.

What if I have Covid-19 symptoms?

You should not attend your appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fit and well. Vaccination should also be delayed until 4 weeks after a positive COVID test.

What happens after I have had the vaccine?

You will require two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination to ensure best protection. Like all medications, vaccinations can also have potential side effects. To read more about potential side effects, the effectiveness of the vaccine, guidance on what to do if you are unwell for your second dose of vaccine and information on whether you can spread the virus to others after the vaccine can be found on the government website. You can report suspected side effects also on the online Coronavirus Yellow Card Reporting website.

How will those who cannot leave home be vaccinated?

Housebound residents will receive a Covid-19 vaccine within their own home or place of residence. A special ‘mobile team’ of vaccinators are delivering the service to housebound residents. Those who are housebound will have been identified by their registered GP.

Do I need my NHS number to have a vaccine?

No, you do not need to provide your NHS number at the vaccination site. However, if you do know your number it will make the process quicker at the site.

Can I bring my children or family member to my vaccination appointment?

If you cannot avoid bringing your children or other family member then please let the staff at the entrance know so that we can make the appropriate arrangements to keep everyone safe.

How can I offer support with the vaccination programme?

This FAQ page can also be shared widely with your communities to help address any concerns around the COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you are interested in other roles, you can visit the Sherwood Forest Hospital Website for different paid opportunities to support with the vaccination roll out.

What is the COVID-19 vaccination toolkit?

The COVID-19 vaccination toolkit is produced by NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide community representatives with important updated information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme. To subscribe to this toolkit, please email nnccg.team.engagement@nhs.net

How can I complain if I am unhappy with the service?

If a patient, or someone on their behalf, is unhappy with the care received at one of the vaccination centres we would ask that they talk directly to the staff involved at the time. However, if this is not possible, or if they feel staff have been unable help, or they remain dissatisfied they can contact the Sherwood Forest Hospital’s Patient Experience Team:

Telephone: 01623 672222, Monday – Friday, between 9am – 5pm
Email: sfh-tr.pet@nhs.net

Why are there no appointments showing as available?

Please check back daily, we are releasing appointments every day and do have enough vaccine for everybody.

You can also walk-in to many of our site without an appointment. Details are here.

Can I book for a family member or friend?

Yes – you can book an appointment for someone else. To book an appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

I missed my appointment

Don’t worry if you missed your appointment, you can still get your vaccine. Go to one of our walk-in appointments, or book online or by calling 119.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

I had side effects after my first vaccine and now I don’t want the second dose 

If you are unsure or would like to speak to someone, there are clinicians on site to speak to and discuss any questions you may have. 

It’s really important you get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. The Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MRHA) have said vaccines are highly effective but to get the best protection possible, people need to come back for their second dose.  

Information about booster vaccinations

Why is the COVID-19 booster programme needed?

The booster vaccine is important as it provides people with the best possible protection from the virus and any future variants.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccine?

Independent experts, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), have said that all adults aged 16 and over will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

The JCVI advises that the booster vaccine dose should be offered three months after completion of your second dose.

Is there anyone that shouldn’t have the booster vaccine?

There are very few people in the eligible groups who should not have a booster.  If you have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine you should discuss this with your doctor.

What type of vaccine will the COVID-19 booster be? What if it’s different to the one I have had?

You cannot usually choose which vaccine you have. If you book online, you’ll only be offered appointments for vaccines that are suitable for you.

Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines, but some people are only offered certain vaccines.

For example:

  • if you’re pregnant or under 40 you’ll usually be offered appointments for the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines
  • if you’re under 18, you’ll only be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine

You should have the same vaccine for both your 1st and 2nd doses, unless you had serious side effects (such as a serious allergic reaction) after your 1st dose.

Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine.

This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccine you had for your first 2 doses.

Will there be any side effects from the booster vaccine?

As with your previous dose the common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines used in the UK, and include: 

  • having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine 
  • feeling tired 
  • headache 
  • general aches, or mild flu like symptoms

You can rest and take paracetamol (follow the dose advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better. Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for 2 to 3 days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection.

Although a fever can occur within a day or 2 of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test. Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111.

If you had serious side effects after any previous dose you may be advised to avoid or delay further vaccination. You should discuss this with your doctor or specialist.

Can you still catch COVID-19 after having the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. It may take a few days for your body to build up some protection from the booster.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time?

The COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine can be given on the same day and for people that are eligible for both, there may be opportunities to have both together. We would encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible and get fully protected rather than waiting as it may not always be possible to get them together.

I haven’t yet had the COVID-19 vaccination, can I still get my first jabs? 

Everyone that is eligible that hasn’t already had their first or second COVID-19 vaccination is still be able to get vaccinated.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

Can I get the booster if I am pregnant? 

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking about trying for a baby then you can safely receive the Covid-19 vaccination. You can find out more on the NHS website.

Third dose of vaccine for patients who are immunocompromised

Who is currently eligible for a third primary dose of the vaccine?

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that a third primary dose of the vaccine should be offered to people aged 12 years and over who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose. Such patients may not mount a full response to vaccination and therefore may be less protected than the wider population. 

What vaccine will be given?

The JCVI advises that for those aged 18 and older, either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines should be administered for the third primary dose. For those aged 12 to 17 years, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should be offered, unless contraindicated.

How will patients be contacted about the third primary dose?

NHSE/I has asked all specialists working in hospitals as well as all GP practices to identify individuals they care for who are eligible under the JCVI’s definition. Letters are being sent from specialist teams or GPs to invite those eligible to receive their vaccine. 

What should a patient do if they are not contacted but think they are eligible?

If a person believes they are eligible for this third primary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but have not been contacted by the specialist team from the hospital, they can contact their GP or hospital consultant to discuss eligibility and provision of an appropriate letter. 

Where can a patient book and have their vaccine?

People who are eligible can book using the information provided in their letter. People must bring their eligibility letter to the vaccination site to receive this third primary dose. Alternatively, you can book on the NHS website.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

Will patients be eligible for a booster dose following the third primary dose, if so, when?

Patients will be eligible for a booster dose six months after their third primary dose. A third primary dose is an extra dose for those who may not have generated a full immune response to the first 2 doses. In contrast, a booster dose is a later dose to extend the duration of protection from the primary course of vaccinations.

Vaccination and clinically vulnerable people

Who is classed as clinically vulnerable?

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) states that the Clinically Vulnerable (Cohort 6) includes ‘all individuals aged 16 years to 65 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality’.

This includes:

  • Chronic respiratory disease
  • Chronic heart disease and vascular disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic neurological disease, including severe or profound learning disability
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Immunosuppression
  • Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
  • Morbid obesity
  • Severe mental illness.

Cohort 6 also includes:

  • Those who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
  • Residents in a long term residential facility, including those with learning disabilities.

How do I book an appointment?

You can book your Covid-19 vaccination appointment by visiting nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.

Is Clinically Vulnerable different to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable?

Yes, people classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people have been asked to shield in the first and second waves of Covid-19 and include those with many risk factors such as cancer or renal failure requiring specialist care.

I am aged 16 or 17 – what vaccine can I have?

Due to age restrictions we must offer 16 and 17 year olds the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This is in line with the instructions laid down by the Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

These citizens will be offered a separate booking slot at a hospital site that uses Pfizer only.

Will I need to attend my appointment with a letter?

No, but we ask that everyone observes the guidance when booking their appointment.

Who can I talk to as I believe I have been forgotten?

All adults aged 18 and over are able to book their vaccine.

If you are concerned, contact 0115 883 4640. The bookings desk will take your name, and ensure you are logged and recorded within our system. In all cases the bookings team will ensure an appointment is made.

Can I book for a family member or friend?

Yes if they are eligible, please use nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.

I live in a long term residential facility – how do I get my jab?

You do not need to do anything. All residents in a long term residential facility, including those with learning disabilities, will be visited by our ‘roving team’ of vaccinators. This is the same set up that we carried out for care home residents. The roving team will be in touch to book in your date for vaccinations.

Who can I talk to if I have any questions or concerns?

We are working closely with the local councils during the pandemic. The County Council are supporting us with managing requests for information and assistance related to the vaccine rollout so if you have any questions that are not answered by the information here please contact enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk or call 0300 500 80 80.

Patient information and leaflets

Vaccination information – translated

Wash your hands

Braille versions of this information are available on request through contacting the Engagement Team at: nnccg.team.engagement@nhs.net or calling or texting 07385 360071.

British Sign Language (BSL)

Covid 19 vaccination and staying safe …. in under 5 minutes… its easy

A short film to support people with a learning disability and autistic people to get the Covid-19 vaccination, busting the myths, showing how easy it is to get your vaccination and top tips for staying safe.

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