Frequently Asked Questions and Information

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccines

You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. For example, this may be due to a health condition or your age. The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.

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 offered to those at greatest risk to help them to maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if they catch COVID-19.

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 pregnant
• if you’re under 18 years old
• in very rare cases if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to one of the common vaccines you may be referred to a specialist clinic for your vaccination, or offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine

Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.

Find out more about pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and COVID-19 vaccination

How well do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

If you’re at increased risk of severe COVID-19, getting a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. The vaccine helps to:

• 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 viruses change, and protection fades over time.

A vaccine helps give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.

Do the vaccines cause side effects?

The COVID-19 vaccines can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccine side effects and safety

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

It’s 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 vaccine ingredients

The Sanofi and GSK (VidPrevtyn Beta) COVID-19 vaccine contains an oil derived from sharks.

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

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the UK, including their ingredients:

• Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine on GOV.UK
• Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine on GOV.UK
• Sanofi and GSK (VidPrevtyn Beta) COVID-19 vaccine on GOV.UK

Read the guide to the use of human and animal products in vaccine on GOV.UK

Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccination

Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

• a sore arm from the injection
• feeling tired
• a headache
• feeling achy
• mild flu-like symptoms
• feeling or being sick

You or your child should rest. You can also take pain relief such as paracetamol to help you feel better.

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine. Find out more information about side effects on the NHS website.

Getting a flu vaccine and a COVID vaccine at the same time

Getting both flu and COVID vaccines in one visit, or co-administration, is common clinical practice and is more convenient for people.

It enables people to get up to date in just one visit without the need for arranging second appointments.

It is suggested that the vaccines are given in each arm – so one in the left and the other in the right.

Studies conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate it is safe to get a flu and COVID vaccine at the same visit. Some people might experience vaccine side effects such as fatigue, headache and muscle pain, but these reactions are typically mild and go away quickly.

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.

Covid Booster Translated Videos

Patient information and leaflets

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)

• To access our series of COVID-19 video content in British Sign Language, please click here
• Important information about the coronavirus – Covid 19
• Coronavirus Cashmachine BSL
• Coronavirus Doorhandle BSL
• Coronavirus Pedestrian 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.