Who can get a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

People aged 16 and over

You can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if you’re aged 16 or over.

Children aged 12 to 15

All children aged 12 to 15 can get a 1st dose and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including children who turn 12 on the date of vaccination).

Children at high risk from COVID-19

Some children aged 12 to 15 are considered at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if either:

  • they live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • they have a condition that means they’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19

Conditions that mean they may be at high risk are:

  • a severe problem with the brain or nerves, such as cerebral palsy
  • Down’s syndrome
  • severe or multiple learning disabilities (or they’re on the learning disability register)
  • a condition that means they’re more likely to get infections (such as some genetic conditions or types of cancer)

Those who are considered at high risk will be contacted by a local NHS service such as a GP surgery to arrange their appointments.

People with a weakened immune system

A 3rd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is being offered to people aged 12 and over who had a weakened immune system when they had their first 2 doses.

This includes people who had or have:

  • a blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
  • a weakened immune system due to a treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
  • an organ or bone marrow transplant
  • a condition that means you have a very high risk of getting infections
  • a condition or treatment your specialist advises makes you eligible for a 3rd dose

If you’re eligible for a 3rd dose, the NHS will let you know when and where to have the vaccine.

Find out more about the COVID-19 3rd dose for people with a weakened immune system

Information:

The 3rd dose for people with a weakened immune system is not a booster dose.

Booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

A booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine.

It helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Who can get a COVID-19 booster dose

You can get a booster dose if you had a 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago and:

  • you are aged 18 or over
  • you are aged 16 or over with a health condition that puts you at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
  • you are a frontline health or social care worker
  • you live or work in a care home
  • you are aged 16 or over and are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
  • you are aged 16 or over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.

COVID19 Queries

For any queries please email us at woolpit.covid19queries@nhs.net