COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. The vaccine is offered for free on the NHS to people at increased risk of getting seriously unwell from COVID-19.

If you are eligible, it is important to have all vaccines offered by the NHS as COVID-19 viruses change and protection fades over time. This will provide you with the best protection.

Who should have the vaccine

You are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 years and over
• Are pregnant 
• Are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously unwell from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment – see the NHS website for details of eligible conditions
• Live in a care home for older adults

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine and who should have it is available on the NHS website. 

How to get it

If you are eligible, you can:

• Book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App - you need to book before 20 December
• Visit a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site 
• Contact your GP surgery 

If you live in a care home, you may be able to get your vaccine directly from your care home.

You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.

You may also be offered a flu vaccination in the same appointment, if you are eligible.