Vaccination
The NHS has information about the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine.
There is an easy read version (NHS and Public Health England).
Page contents
The vaccine
Over 13 million people have been given the vaccine in the UK and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are very rare.
You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine.
The vaccines approved for use in the UK meet strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
There is no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility.
There is no material of foetal or animal origin in either vaccine, including meat derivatives, porcine products or gelatine.
How the vaccination programme will work
The vaccination programme will be organised in phases. There are nine priority groups for vaccination.
GOV.UK has information on who these groups are and in which order they will be vaccinated.
Vaccination appointments
You can book a vaccination appointment if you:
- are aged 64 or over
- have previously received a letter saying you are at high risk (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- are an eligible frontline health worker
- are an eligible frontline social care worker
- are eligible for Carer’s Allowance – find out more about Carer’s Allowance on GOV.UK
Book your appointment on the NHS website.
You cannot choose which vaccination you get.
If you are not eligible yet, wait to be contacted. The NHS will let you know when it is your turn to have the vaccine. Do not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.
Vaccination sites
The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s Healthier Together website has a list of vaccination sites.
People who work in social care
People with hands-on roles in social care who have been offered their Covid-19 vaccination include:
- care home staff
- personal assistants for individuals receiving Direct Payments
- carers in supported living or extra care housing settings
- day centre staff
- domiciliary care workers
If you or your staff have not been invited to get vaccinated, you can use the National Booking Service or contact the council at vaccinebooking@southglos.gov.uk
Other things that can help
- Covid-19 vaccination information for older adults: multiple language versions
- The British Islamic Medical Association on COVID-19 vaccination statement and position
- Healthier Together FAQs