COVID Vaccine Rollout: Progress & Availability
The COVID vaccine rollout has been underway for more than a year in the UK. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and volunteers have been working day (and sometimes night), and have developed a well-oiled machine to get vaccines into arms.
They’ve also learnt a lot about what works and what doesn’t, and medics and scientists now have good understanding of the safest and most effective way to manage the vaccine programme.
Currently you are offered two vaccinations, two months apart, and a booster at least three months later.
We've summarised some of the key things you might like to know about it.
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Who gets a vaccine?
The UK’s approach to vaccine rollout has changed significantly since the beginning. There are no longer priority groups based on age, profession or certain medical conditions. The vaccines are available to anyone in the UK over the age of 12 years old.
As of January 2022, boosters are now available to all those over 16 years old, as long as it’s been at least three months after the second dose. Regardless of which brand of vaccine you have had for the first two, the booster vaccine will be a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna.
What if I don't have an NHS number?
Anyone in the UK can book for vaccination, whether you are a UK citizen, migrant or asylum seeker. It won't affect your immigration status and you won't be reported to the authorities. You do not need an NHS number, but you won't receive a specific invite - if you call 119, they will be able to help book you a vaccine appointment.
If you don't have an NHS number, you won't receive a text to invite you for your first or second dose, as this is linked to your medical records held at your GP surgery. It also means that you won't be able to get a digital vaccine passport, but the 119 team can organise a paper copy to confirm your vaccination status.
You can register at a nearby clinic if you have the relevant identification, and you will therefore get an NHS number personal to you.
Pharmacy Treatments
How do I book a vaccine?
You may be contacted centrally by the NHS or by a local NHS service aligned to your doctor's practice. They may contact you via text, telephone call, email or letter and you may be invited to be vaccinated at your doctor, local vaccination centre or vaccination hub.
Once contacted you will be given instructions of where to go for your vaccine. You will receive this invitation for both doses. Whichever vaccine you have, you will be invited for a second dose 8 weeks after the first. This provides the maximum immune response.
Alternatively, you can book an appointment by calling 119, or asking your doctor where your local vaccine centre is - they will tell you what time to attend without an appointment, or they may fit you in there and then.
Please note that the vaccination is free, if you are contacted by anyone who is charging you for the vaccine this is likely to be fraud and is definitely not the NHS.
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