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Prevent Notice Act

COVID-19 Vaccination

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus.

The vaccine rollout is being managed by the NHS.
What's on this page:

    Key facts about the vaccine

    • The vaccine is safe and effective and has been thoroughly tested.

    • You will need 2 injections, taken 8 to 12 weeks apart.

    • The vaccine rollout is managed by the NHS, not the council.

    • Even if you've had the vaccine, you'll still need to follow current safety guidance

    • Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended (two) doses of that vaccine.

    • If eligible, you can book a vaccine on the NHS website (aged 18 or over or turn 18 in the next three months)

    • The vaccine is now available to people 16 or over (if you are 16 or 17, please wait for the NHS to contact you, alternatively some walk-in sites will be available)

    • If not eligible, you must wait to be contacted by the NHS

    • You cannot pay privately for a vaccine.

    Young people aged 16 or 17

    Wondering when you can get your vaccine?

    If you turn 18 in the next three months, you can now book your appointment via the NHS website Book a vaccine appointment

    It’s quick and easy, so get your vaccine if you can and know that you are keeping you and your loved ones safe.

    You can also get your jab at a walk-in clinic or at the vaccine bus without an appointment

    Remember to:

    • book two appointments for two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
    • get the 2nd dose 8 to 12 weeks after getting your 1st dose.

    If you've had your 1st dose at a walk-in centre, you can book your 2nd dose on the NHS website. You'll need to wait 24 hours after your 1st dose before you can book.

    If you've had a positive COVID-19 test, you should wait four weeks (28 days) from the date you had the test before you book an appointment.

    Not quite old enough?

    If you are aged 16 or 17 you can get your 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine – but the NHS will contact you when it's your turn. You'll be invited to a local NHS service such as a GP surgery. You cannot currently book your appointment online.

    Please note: Some walk-in sites in the region are offering jabs to those aged 16 and 17 and more will be opening in coming weeks.

    Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination sites

    COVID-19 vaccine information

    Who can get the vaccine

    You can book you vaccine on the NHS website now if any of the following apply:

    • you're aged 18 or turn 18 in the next three months
    • you're at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)
    • you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
    • you have a learning disability
    • you're a frontline health or social care worker you get a Carer's Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority or your GP record shows you're a carer
    • if you're an eligible unpaid carer but you cannot book an appointment, speak to your GP surgery.

    Read more about who is eligible for a vaccine on the NHS website.

    You must be registered with a GP surgery before you book a vaccine. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.

    Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments

    Be aware of vaccine scams

    Unfortunately, some people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination. Please remember, the vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn.

    The NHS will:

    • NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine - this would result in a charge being applied to your phone bill

    • NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details

    • NEVER arrive announced at a person's home offering a vaccination particularly in exchange for payment.

    Read more from AGE UK about vaccine scams.

    The BBC also has a useful article about current covid scams.

    Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Fertility

    You can still be vaccinated against COVID-19 if:

    • you're pregnant or think you might be
    • you're breastfeeding
    • you're trying for a baby or might get pregnant in the future

    COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Royal College of Midwives and the NHS.

    Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both women and babies, including admission of the woman to intensive care and premature birth of the baby.

    Read the latest advice and Q&A from the Royal College of Midwives here:

    Should I get a vaccine?

    Please remember:

    • the vaccines cannot give you or your baby COVID-19
    • If you are breastfeeding, you cannot pass it to your baby through your breast milk either.
    • There's no need to avoid getting pregnant after being vaccinated and no evidence it would affect your chance of getting pregnant in the future.

    Please speak to your GP, health visitor or your maternity team if you would like more advice. The decision whether to have the vaccination in pregnancy is your choice but it is strongly advised.

    Updated advice from Public Health England

    More information

    Easy read: Vaccination guide - GOV.UK

    Leaflet - A guide for adults - NHS (pdf)

    Read about what will happen at your appointment on the NHS website

    Got symptoms?
    Get tested.

    Register online for a COVID-19 test Call 119 to book a COVID-19 test