The Covid-19 vaccine

2 mins read

This advice applies across the UK.

The coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine is as an injection into the upper arm that protects against the Covid-19 virus. It’s usually provided to eligible groups on the NHS in spring and early winter.

What is the Covid-19 vaccine?

The coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine is as an injection into the upper arm that protects against the Covid-19 virus. It’s usually provided to eligible groups on the NHS in spring and early winter.

The Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It will give you and your children the best protection against coronavirus.

They vaccine can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them. Side effects are usually mild and should not last longer than a week. They include: a sore arm from the injection, feeling tired, headache, feeling achy or feeling or being sick. Find out more about Covid-19 vaccines side effects, ingredients and safety (NHS).

Eligibility

Children (as well as some older adults) who are aged six months and over and have a weakened immune system are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.

See the full eligibility list on the NHS website.

Getting the vaccine

You should receive a letter from your child’s GP inviting you to arrange their vaccine if they’re eligible.

If you don’t, talk to your child’s GP.

After the vaccine

Protection from any vaccine takes time to build up. In general, the older you are the longer it takes. Protection takes at least two weeks to build in younger people and at least three weeks in older people before you can expect to have a good antibody response. 

There is a small chance your child might still get coronavirus even if they have the vaccine. No vaccine offers 100% protection against any disease.

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