Quick answer
What is covid-19 vaccine used for?
COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death from coronavirus. Eligibility for NHS boosters changes over time — typically offered to older adults, care home residents, and people with weakened immune systems. Most side effects are mild and last a day or two.
COVID-19 vaccination in the UK
COVID-19 vaccines have prevented millions of hospitalisations and deaths worldwide. In the UK, vaccination is offered through the NHS to eligible groups, with seasonal boosters for those at highest risk. Vaccines do not stop all infections, but they significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, long hospital stays, and death.
Who is eligible
Eligibility for NHS COVID-19 vaccination changes over time based on public health advice. Typically includes:
- adults aged 65 and over
- residents of care homes
- people aged 6 months to 64 in a clinical risk group — including those with weakened immune systems, serious heart or lung disease, diabetes, and obesity (BMI 30+)
- frontline health and social care workers
- pregnant women
Check the current NHS COVID-19 vaccination page for the latest eligibility — seasonal campaigns are announced each autumn/winter.
Book via the NHS app, nhs.uk, or by calling 119.
How the vaccines work
UK-approved vaccines train the immune system to recognise coronavirus spike protein without causing disease:
- mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna) — instruct cells to produce spike protein temporarily
- Protein-based vaccines (Novavax) — contain lab-made spike protein
None contain live coronavirus. You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and resolve within 1 to 2 days:
- sore, heavy arm at injection site
- tiredness and headache
- muscle aches and mild fever
- feeling sick
Paracetamol can ease discomfort — avoid taking it before vaccination unless you routinely need it, as it may slightly reduce immune response.
Rare serious effects include myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), mainly in young men after mRNA vaccines. The risk is low and benefits of vaccination outweigh risks for eligible groups.
Report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Vaccination and pregnancy
COVID-19 infection carries higher risks in pregnancy — including intensive care admission and premature birth. Vaccination is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. Thousands of pregnant women have been vaccinated safely in the UK.
COVID-19 vaccine vs natural infection
Natural infection provides some immunity but at the cost of illness risk — including long COVID, hospitalisation, and death. Vaccination provides protection with a much lower risk profile. Hybrid immunity (vaccination plus infection) offers strong protection but is not a reason to seek infection deliberately.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines together
Both vaccines can be given at the same appointment if you are eligible for both. They protect against different viruses — having both is recommended for at-risk groups.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms
Vaccination does not treat active infection. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, follow NHS guidance on staying home and resting. See our COVID-19 condition guide. Wait until you have recovered before having a scheduled vaccine if acutely unwell — reschedule if needed.
Staying up to date
COVID-19 continues to evolve. Seasonal boosters update protection for vulnerable groups. Even if you have had COVID-19 before, vaccination adds protection — especially against severe outcomes.
Check NHS guidance each autumn for booster eligibility and booking.
Common questions
- Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS?
- Eligibility changes seasonally. Typically includes adults aged 65 and over, care home residents, people with weakened immune systems, and frontline health workers. Check nhs.uk for current booster eligibility — it is updated as guidance evolves.
- Can the COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19?
- No. Approved UK vaccines do not contain live coronavirus and cannot cause COVID-19 infection. You may feel tired or achy for a day or two as your immune system responds — this is normal.
- How often do I need a COVID-19 booster?
- NHS offers seasonal boosters to eligible groups, often aligned with autumn/winter when respiratory viruses peak. Not everyone needs a booster every season — eligibility depends on age, health conditions and current public health advice.
- Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe in pregnancy?
- Yes. COVID-19 illness is more dangerous in pregnancy than vaccination. Pregnant women are offered vaccination and it is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. Discuss with your midwife or GP if you have questions.
- What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
- Very common — sore arm, tiredness, headache, muscle ache, mild fever for 1 to 2 days. Serious side effects such as myocarditis (heart inflammation) are rare and mostly affect young men after mRNA vaccines — benefits outweigh risks for eligible groups.