NHS England COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccination Service
What is COVID?
COVID-19 is a respiratory tract disease, mainly spread through respiratory droplets, aerosols and direct contact with other people. There are multiple symptoms of COVID-19. These can include:
•a high temperature or shivering
•a new, continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than one hour or having three or more episodes of coughing in 24 hours)
•a sore throat
•a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste
Most people recover from their first symptoms within a few days or weeks, making a full recovery within 12 weeks, however, some people can become more seriously ill and their symptoms can last longer than this.
Information on booking & receiving the vaccine
Like with some other vaccinations, levels of protection may decline over time. Booster doses help boost the body’s immune response and provide protection against the illness that the vaccination is for. A booster dose of COVID-19, therefore, helps to prevent someone from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if they catch COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the NHS website.
Who is eligible for the NHS COVID vaccination?
The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.
You may be offered a seasonal vaccine if you are:
- are aged 65 years or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
- aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk
- live in a care home for older adults
- a frontline health or social care worker
- aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer
- aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system
To find out more about the COVID-19 booster or to book an appointment or find your local walk-in site, visit the NHS website.
How do I book an appointment?
Boots will support NHS England to deliver the COVID-19 booster vaccinations and will be offering these at special vaccination hubs that are located in some of our pharmacy stores. To book your seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the NHS booking system.
What should I know before getting the vaccine?
A pharmacy team member will check your details and ask you some questions before you get your vaccination to check whether it’s suitable for you – you should answer these as accurately as possible. If you are attending the pharmacy with someone who is unable to answer these questions, you will need to answer for them. If you are unable to answer, we will be unable to provide the vaccination and you will be advised to contact your GP.
What happens after getting the vaccine?
You may be asked to wait for 15 minutes after your vaccination before you can leave the vaccination hub.
