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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus vaccines

COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities. The vaccine reduces your risk of catching COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill.

Some foreign travel is not possible without the vaccine or expensive testing.

COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and effective. They give you the best protection against COVID-19. If you're eligible, you can book your COVID-19 vaccine via the NHS website.

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Everyone aged 5 and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Those aged 5 to 12 must book an appointment at a vaccination centre.

People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose.

People aged 12 and over who had a severely weakened immune system when they had their first 2 doses, will be offered a 3rd dose.

People aged 50 and over will be offered an autumn booster. For some people this will be their fifth dose.

Gaps between doses

Those aged 16 to 17 must have waited 12 weeks between first and second doses.

Those aged 18+ must have waited 8 weeks between first and second doses.

Boosters available for 18+ when the second dose was at least three months ago.

If you've had a positive COVID-19 test

If you've had a positive COVID-19 test, you need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to:

  • wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18 years old or over
  • wait 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12 to 17 years old
  • wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 12 to 17 years old and at high-risk from COVID-19.

This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms.