Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccinations in our Frequently Asked Questions below.
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I have never had a COVID-19 vaccination, can I still get one?
If you meet the eligibility criteria during seasonal campaigns, you will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
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I’ve become newly severely immunosuppressed – should I have a vaccination?
You should approach your hospital consultant who will be able to advise you on the best time to have the vaccination and make a referral to the appropriate service if a vaccination is required.
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I’m not at increased risk. Why have I received an invitation?
NHS England uses GP surgery and hospital records to decide who is eligible for a vaccination. Unfortunately, some people may be incorrectly identified because information on their medical record is inaccurate or out-of-date. Further information can be found here NHS England » Who to contact if you have an enquiry about a vaccination invitation
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How can I find out what is on my medical record?
You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal/ health information held about you on NHS systems. Please contact your GP surgery in the first instance. If your GP surgery can’t help, please get in touch with the NHS England Customer Contact Centre: NHS England » Contact NHS England
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I do not respond well to vaccines. Why is it important to continue to get vaccinated?
If you have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment, COVID-19 may affect you more seriously.
Even though you might not develop full immunity, you may continue to develop some cellular immunity, so even a limited response to a further dose should help to reduce your risk of being severely ill or admitted to hospital if you catch COVID-19. Repeated vaccinations will gradually improve and maintain your level of antibodies and enhance the other parts of your immune system that protect you from COVID-19 infection.
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Do I need to tell anyone if I have suffered any side effects after the vaccination?
You can report any suspected side effect using the Coronavirus Yellow Card safety scheme. Official MHRA side effect and adverse incident reporting site for coronavirus treatments and vaccines | Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Can I choose what vaccine I have?
You won’t be able to choose which vaccine you have. However, any vaccines that the NHS provides will have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy. You will only be given a vaccine that’s recommended for you based on your age, any underlying health conditions, and whether or not you’re pregnant.
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Who is classed as a housebound patient?
A patient is deemed to be housebound when they are unable to leave their home environment through physical and/or psychological illness. An individual will not be eligible for a home visit if they are able to leave their home environment on their own or with minimal assistance to visit public or social recreational public services (including shopping). Some patients may not be housebound permanently but rather are housebound temporarily as a consequence of an episode of illness.
If you think you’re eligible for a home vaccination, you should contact your GP practice for support in the first instance.
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Will I be vaccinated at home if I cannot make it to the Local Vaccination Service near me due to transport issues or location?
You will only be vaccinated at home if you have been considered housebound by your GP.
The Lincolnshire Transport Helpline provides information and advice on a wide range of transport options including community car schemes and CallConnect. The helpline can be contacted on 0345 456 4474 or by https://lincsbus.info/accessing-lincolnshire-transport/transport-helpline/. The helpline operates from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am – 4pm on Saturday.
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I’ve had COVID-19. Do I need to wait before having my seasonal COVID-19 vaccine?
If you have COVID-19, or think you might, please wait until you’ve recovered before getting vaccinated. You should also wait if you have a fever or feel particularly unwell with any illness. If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, there is no need to delay getting vaccinated.
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Can I have other vaccinations at the same time as my Covid-19 vaccination?
Yes, if you are eligible for other vaccinations these may be offered at the same time, for instance flu, shingles or pneumococcal.
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I am travelling abroad, do I need a proof of covid vaccination?
Other countries have their own COVID-19 rules, Before you travel you should check the ‘entry requirements’ section of foreign travel advice for all countries you will visit or travel through. Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The covid vaccination is not currently licensed for use as a travel vaccination, therefore unless you meet the current eligibility criteria for the vaccination you will not be able to receive it. Information on other travel vaccinations can be found here Travel vaccinations - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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Can I still get an NHS COVID pass for travel purposes?
The NHS COVID Pass service has closed. There are no longer any domestic requirements to demonstrate vaccination status, and no countries require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of entry.
If you use the NHS App you will be able to see your vaccination history. Further help is also available from NHS.uk getting help page.
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How do I opt out of receiving national covid vaccination invites?
You can use the national online portal to choose if you want to receive letters, texts, emails, NHS App notifications, or calls from the NHS to book a vaccination. This can also be used to check your current invitation preference. Choose your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination invitation preference - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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I’ve had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy. Do I need to be revaccinated?
Yes, if you’ve had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy, you should be offered COVID-19 re-vaccination. Following stem cell transplants or CAR-T therapy, any protective antibodies from exposure or vaccination prior to transplantation are likely to be lost and it’s unclear whether the recipient acquires the donor’s immunity. Therefore, any previous COVID-19 vaccination is to be discounted.
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Does the vaccine contain animal products?
One of the COVID-19 vaccines (manufactured by Sanofi) contains an oil derived from fish. No other COVID-19 vaccines offered by the NHS contain animal products, including egg. Vaccines only contain ingredients that are essential to make them safe and effective. Any ingredients with potential to cause harm (eg, allergy) are listed even if present in such small amounts.
Further information can be found here Guide to the use of human and animal products in vaccines - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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I’m pregnant OR in a clinical risk group. How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine sooner if my midwife or clinician has advised me to?
COVID-19 vaccines are now only being offered seasonally. You should still have some protection against severe COVID from your previous doses or from an earlier COVID infection. If you’re eligible, the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.
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Does the vaccine affect fertility?
There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility. Claims of any effect of COVID-19 vaccination on fertility are speculative and not supported by any data. There is no biologically plausible mechanism by which current vaccines would cause any impact on women’s fertility. More information can be found here Coronavirus (COVID-19), infection and pregnancy FAQs | RCOG and Covid 19 - British Fertility Society | BFS
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I’ve had COVID-19 vaccinations outside of England. How can I get my record updated?
The international service has now closed. You don’t need to provide evidence to the NHS of any COVID-19 vaccinations you or your child have had outside of England. If you become eligible for a further COVID-19 vaccination, the NHS contact you even if your vaccination record hasn’t been updated with COVID-19 vaccinations you had outside of England. If you need proof of vaccination for travel or for any other purpose, you can use the original documents from the country that provided the vaccination.