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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 3 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

    • If eligible, you can book a vaccine online

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

    • You cannot pay privately for a vaccine.

    • The vaccine will be offered more widely as soon as possible.

    Who can get the vaccine

    The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.

    In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres. More centres are opening all the time.

    It's currently being given to:

    • people aged 45 and over

    • people who are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)

    • people who are at moderate risk from coronavirus (clinically vulnerable)

    • people who live or work in care homes

    • health and social care workers

    Read more about the vaccine on the NHS website

    If eligible, you can book your vaccinations online

    You are eligible to book your vaccination appointments online through the NHS if any of the following apply:

    • you are aged 45 or over

    • you have previously received a letter saying you are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)

    • you are a frontline health or social care worker

    You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or a pharmacy that provides COVID-19 vaccinations.

    If eligible, you do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS.

    Do not contact your GP to book appointments

    Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments

    You must be registered with a GP surgery in order to be invited for a vaccine. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.

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

    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.

    More information

    Easy read: Vaccination guide - GOV.UK

    Why do I have to wait to get my vaccine? - GOV.UK

    Leaflet - A guide for adults - NHS (pdf)

    Got symptoms?
    Get tested.

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