Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is our best protection against the virus. Find answers to common questions about the vaccine and how to get yours.
Quick links
Autumn booster vaccination
Who is eligible for the autumn booster covid vaccination?
- residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers
- all adults aged 50 years and over
- pregnant women
- persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, as set out in the Green Book, chapter 14a, tables 3 and 4 - GOV.UK
- persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers, as set out in the Green Book, chapter 14a, table 3 - GOV.UK
The flu jab may be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccination for those who are eligible for both. Please note that not all venues do this so check before you book.
Mobile vaccination van
You can find your nearest mobile vaccination unit through the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland vaccination service.
How do I book for a covid vaccination?
Go to the Integrated Care Board (LLR) website.
First, second and booster vaccinations
The COVID-19 first and second doses are up to 12 weeks apart.
You can get your booster dose three months after your second vaccination. The booster dose will further increase your level of protection. You should take this when you are eligible. Most people who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine are also eligible for the annual flu vaccine. If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.
Book your first, second or booster vaccine (if eligible):
- Online at NHS.UK
- By calling 119 between 7am and 11pm any day of the week
- Find a drop-in vaccination clinic
- If a suitable slot is not available, phone your GP
Fourth booster dose
The following groups of people will be offered a fourth dose (booster) of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine:
- adults aged 75 and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- people aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems
You will be contacted by your GP surgery or hospital specialist when it's due.
Vaccine safety
The vaccines have been tested on tens of thousands of people around the world. It has been through the same safety trials and approval process as every other vaccine. The process has happened faster because so many scientists worked on it at the same time.
The vaccines contain no animal products, eggs or alcohol. They cannot give you coronavirus and there is no evidence that they cause infertility. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has said that there is “no plausible biological mechanism” by which the vaccine could affect fertility.
Over 15 million people in the UK have already been safely vaccinated.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are considering pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding you can get information on our vaccination and pregnancy page.
Beware of vaccine scams
The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge on the NHS.
The NHS will never ask for:
- your bank account or card details
- your pin or banking password
- copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips
If you think you have been a victim of fraud or identify theft, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.