COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It’s important to top up your protection.
If you're at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, getting a COVID-19 vaccine can:
- help to reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
- help you to recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
- help to reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
- protect against different strains of COVID-19
Find out more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including if you're eligible and how to get it
There is a chance you might still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have a vaccine, so it's important to follow advice about how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.
Which COVID-19 vaccine will I get?
There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines. You will be offered a vaccine that is suitable for you. You cannot choose which COVID-19 vaccine you have.
Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example if you're under 18 years old.
Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.
Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccines used by the NHS:
Read the guide to the use of human and animal products in vaccines on GOV.UK
Vaccine types offered by the NHS this spring do not contain any animal products, including egg.
COVID-19 vaccine safety
The safety of the vaccines has been extensively reviewed in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The MHRA are continuously monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines and reports of serious side effects are very rare.
Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccination
Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:
- a sore arm from the injection
- feeling tired
- a headache
- feeling achy
- mild flu-like symptoms
If you have any side effects, you or your child should rest. You can also take pain relief such as paracetamol or paracetamol for children to help you or your child feel better.
Read about what to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination on GOV.UK
Urgent advice: Contact 111 if:
You or your child have had a COVID-19 vaccine and:
- have symptoms that are getting worse
- you're worried about your or your child's symptoms
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Very rare side effects of COVID-19 vaccination
Allergic reactions
Most people with allergies (including food or penicillin allergies) can be vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you've ever had an allergic reaction, tell the healthcare staff at your appointment before you're vaccinated.
If you have a common allergy
If you've had a mild allergic reaction before, such as a rash, swelling, wheezing or hives, you’ll be able to get your COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre, pharmacy or participating GP surgery.
Staff giving the vaccine are trained to help you manage any allergies or side effects.
If you have a severe allergy
If you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction, vaccination staff or your GP may refer you to a specialist clinic for your vaccination.
This will only happen in rare cases, for example if you have a history of anaphylaxis.
An expert allergist or specialist will assess your risk and may advise you to have your COVID-19 vaccination in hospital where you can be monitored.
Heart inflammation (myocarditis)
There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.
Find out more about myocarditis and COVID-19 vaccines on the British Heart Foundation website
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You or your child have any of these symptoms within a few days of being vaccinated:
- chest pain or feeling of tightness in the chest
- severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out
- a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)
More information
Read more about vaccine effectiveness statistics on the Office of National Statistics website
Read the monitoring reports of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination on GOV.UK