Person holding syringe in vial labelled "Vaccine Covid-19"

Everything You Need to Know About the Covid Vaccination

When it’s your turn to have the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, you’ll get a letter, phone call, email or text inviting you for an appointment.

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?

At the current stage of the vaccination programme, the COVID-19 vaccine is being offered to the following groups:

1st and 2nd dose

Those aged 12 years and older are currently eligible to receive a first or second dose.

  • Those under 18 will be offered a second dose 12 weeks after their first dose
  • Those under 18 at high risk from COVID-19 will be offered a second dose eight weeks after their first dose
  • Those over 18 will be offered a second dose eight weeks after their first dose
  • Those with a positive COVID-19 test will need to wait 28 days before getting a second dose

3rd dose

Those aged 18 and over are eligible for a third dose if they are immunocompromised and have a letter from their GP or hospital specialist. This is different from a booster jab.

  • Those under 18 may still be eligible for a third dose – bring your letter to a vaccination site offering third jabs
  • Those with a positive COVID-19 test must wait 28 days before getting their third dose

Booster dose

The booster dose is currently being offered to those aged 18 and over, 16 and over at high risk from COVID-19, and frontline healthcare workers, who have received their 2nd dose.

  • To be eligible for a booster dose, you must have had your second dose more than 61 days ago
  • Those who have received a 3rd dose for a weakened immune system must wait 91 days to receive a booster dose
  • Those with a positive COVID-19 test must wait 28 days before getting their third dose

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