Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus.

For the latest information on how to get your vaccine or to find dates for a pop-up vaccination clinic near you, visit the Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine

The NHS is currently offering two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 5 and over.

People with a weakened immune system, including children aged 5 and over, are being offered a 3rd dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. This is also known as a 3rd primary dose, and is offered before any booster doses.

A booster dose of the vaccination is being offered to people aged 16 and over who have had their second dose more than three months ago, plus at-risk children aged 12-15 years old. 

Spring boosters were offered to people aged 75 years and over, plus people aged 12 years old and over with a weakened immune system. An autumn booster is being now being offered to some people, including those aged 50 years or over, or those at higher risk or who are pregnant, and frontline health and social care workers.

From 4 April 2022, children aged 5-11 years old with no underlying health conditions became eligible to get their first vaccination. 

In Leicestershire the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, vaccination centres and pharmacies either as appointments or drop-in clinics.

The Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) website contains venue details and availability, and guidance on how to book a vaccination.

    Booking

    You will be invited to book your second dose eight weeks after your first vaccination.

    182 days after your second vaccination, you will become eligible for a booster vaccination and will be invited to book your booster vaccination.

    You can get your vaccination and booster dose:

    Advice for children aged 12 – 15 year-olds and their parents or guardians

    Two doses of COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to children aged 12–15. This includes children who turn 12 on the date of the vaccination.

    This will be subject to parental consent, and parents or guardians will receive a letter or email containing information about the vaccine and when it will be offered.

    A set of COVID-19 vaccination resources are available on GOV.UK in a variety of languages, Braille and Easy Read. These resources are to help children, young people and their parents or guardians to make a decision about whether to get vaccinated.

    Third dose

    If you are severely immunosuppressed, you may be offered a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and will be contacted by your GP or hospital. Read the full guidance on third dose and eligibility.

    Booster doses and spring boosters

    Boosters

    Booster vaccinations are being offered to people in the UK who received their second COVID-19 vaccination more than three months ago.

    Eligible groups for a booster vaccination include:

    If you are eligible for a booster vaccination, you can book an appointment online.

    Spring boosters

    Spring 2022 boosters were offered to certain groups of people to maintain their level of protection against coronavirus.

    Autumn boosters

    Eligible groups for the autumn 2022 booster include:

    • residents in care homes for older adults
    • staff working in care homes for older adults
    • frontline health and social care workers
    • all adults aged 50 years and over
    • persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, as set out in the Green Book
    • persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
    • persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers, as set out in the Green Book.

    People are advised to wait six months since their previous dose to get maximum protection from the spring booster.

    You'll usually be contacted by the NHS, inviting you to book when it is due.

    The appointment dates you'll be offered start from three months (91 days) after your previous dose, but booking an appointment around six months after your previous dose is preferable.

    COVID-19 vaccine side effects

    Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. 

    Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and shouldn't last longer than a week, such as:

    • a sore arm where the needle went in
    • feeling tired
    • a headache
    • feeling achy
    • feeling or being sick

    For more information on side effects after the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the NHS website

    Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting site

    You can report suspected side effects to the COVID-19 vaccines to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency through the Yellow Card reporting site

    The Yellow Card Scheme is available to report suspected side effects from all medicines including vaccines, prescribed or over the counter drugs, herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies, all medical devices available on the UK market and reports of safety concerns associated with e-cigarette products.

    Further information 

    Information about the vaccine, including its safety and effectiveness and how it provides the best available protection from COVID-19: