What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and loss of taste or smell. Some people develop severe illness, particularly older adults, pregnant people, and those with certain long-term health conditions, which can lead to hospital admission or death.
What is the Covid-19 vaccine?
The Covid-19 vaccine helps protect against Covid-19 by teaching your immune system to recognise and fight the virus. The vaccines used in the UK have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and meet strict standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Different Covid-19 vaccines may be used depending on age, health status, and availability. All vaccines offered through the NHS are non-live vaccines and cannot give you Covid-19.
Why should I have the Covid-19 vaccine?
The Covid-19 vaccine:
- Reduces your risk of becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19
- Lowers the risk of hospitalisation and death
- Helps protect vulnerable people
- Contributes to reducing the spread of infection
Booster doses are recommended for some people because protection can decrease over time.
Who is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine in the UK?
Covid-19 vaccination is offered on the NHS to people based on national guidance, which may include:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- People with weakened immune systems
Eligibility may change over time in line with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance.
How is the vaccine given?
The Covid-19 vaccine is given as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
Common side effects
Most side effects are mild to moderate and usually resolve within a few days. These may include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle or joint aches
- Mild fever or chills
Side effects are a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Less common or serious side effects
- Allergic reactions are rare but can occur. Symptoms may include rash, swelling, breathing difficulties, or collapse. Immediate medical attention should be sought if these occur.
- Myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart or its lining) have been reported very rarely, mainly in younger adults, usually after mRNA vaccines. Most cases are mild and recover fully.
Your healthcare professional is trained to recognise and manage rare serious reactions.
Who should not have the Covid-19 vaccine or should delay it?
Please inform the healthcare professional if you:
- Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of a Covid-19 vaccine or any of its ingredients
- Are currently unwell with a high fever (vaccination may be delayed)
- Have had myocarditis or pericarditis after a previous Covid-19 vaccine (specialist advice may be required)
Most people can safely receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Effectiveness
The Covid-19 vaccine does not give 100% protection, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
Consent statement
By agreeing to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, you confirm that:
- You have read and understood the information provided
- You have had the opportunity to ask questions and received satisfactory answers
- You understand the benefits and possible risks of the vaccine
- You consent to the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine
