COVID-19 vaccine

What the COVID-19 vaccine is for

COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It’s important to top up your protection if you’re eligible.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:

• help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms

• help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19

• help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19

• protect against different types of COVID-19 virus

Who should have 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 in spring if you:

• are aged 75 or over

• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment

• live in a care home for older adults

Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination shots

The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and get better within a week.

They can include:

• a sore arm from the injection

• feeling tired

• a headache

• feeling achy

• mild flu-like symptoms

If you or your child gets side effects, rest and take paracetamol or paracetamol for children to help you feel better.

More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.

We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.