Covid-19 vaccination

Timing of your vaccination

You should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at the highest risk being prioritised. You should receive your vaccine at least 3 months after your last dose.

For housebound patients only (age 75+ or immunosuppressed):

If you or someone you care for is housebound, either your GP surgery or NHS Somerset Foundation Trust will be in contact between April - June to arrange a home visit.

Please make sure your GP has you listed as “Housebound” and that your contact details are correct. This helps the vaccination team arrange your home appointment.

Visits may not be at the start of the campaign, as housebound vaccinations are scheduled over time, but you will be contacted before 30 June 2026.

Please don’t worry if you receive a reminder from NHS England. It’s normal to receive a national reminder from NHS England before we contact you – this does not mean you have been missed. Thank you for your patience.

There are different ways to arrange a COVID-19 vaccination:

• Booking online at www.nhs.uk/get-vaccination

•Using the 119 service (translators available)

•You can also use text phone 18001 119 or the NHS British Sign Language service here. 

• Finding your nearest walk-in site at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in – you do not need to make an appointment but check opening times and which age groups they vaccinate before attending

• Through your care home for older adults

• You may be contacted by a local NHS service if they are offering COVID vaccinations, such as your GP surgery OR NHS Somerset Foundation Trust.

Household contacts of people with a weakened immune system are not eligible. People in other clinical risk groups who do not fall into the above categories are also not eligible.

For the spring 2026 vaccine, JCVI is prioritising groups most vulnerable to serious outcomes from COVID-19 including those aged 75 or over, living in older adult care homes, and those who are immunosuppressed. These individuals are at highest risk of severe COVID-19.

Carers can use proxy access to view a loved one’s vaccination record or manage appointments via the NHS App or GP online services. This can be set up through the GP practice. 

You may have a weakened immune system if you:

• have or had blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
• had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
• have HIV
• have a genetic disorder affecting your immune system  (such as deficiencies of IRAK4 or NEMO, complement disorder, severe combined immunodeficiency)
• are having or recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy.
• take steroid medicines, depending on your dosage
• are having immunosuppressive treatment.

This list is a summary and does not cover everything.

Speak to your pharmacist, GP surgery or specialist if you are not sure.  If your health status has changed and you no longer have a weakened immune system, you may not need the vaccine.

It’s important you top up your protection if you are eligible because it fades over time and
viruses can change. If you are at increased risk of getting severe symptoms, having your
COVID-19 vaccination helps to:

• reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
• reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19
• protect against different types (variants) of COVID-19

It may take a few days for your body to build up the extra protection from the vaccine.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but any infection should be less severe.

There are very few eligible people who should not have a dose this spring. For the small amount of people that have previously experienced a severe reaction to COVID-19 vaccines, please flag this with your healthcare professional during your appointment so they can refer you to an expert allergist. Following clinical assessment, your allergist will recommend the
most appropriate vaccine or alternative care plan tailored for you.

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:

• Soreness, heaviness, or tenderness in the vaccinated arm (typically worst 1-2 days after vaccination)
• Tiredness
• Headache
• General aches or mild flu-like symptoms

These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Rest and paracetamol (following dosage instructions) can help relieve discomfort.

Rare Side Effects

In rare cases, inflammation of the heart (myocarditis or pericarditis) has been reported, particularly in younger men, within days of receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• A fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Report Side Effects

You can report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme:

• Online at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
• By calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
• By downloading the Yellow Card app

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite
having a vaccination, but any infection should be less severe.

You cannot choose which vaccine you have. Please accept the vaccination that is offered to
you.

If you have queries about vaccine types, you can discuss these with the healthcare professional at your appointment.

All COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK have met strict standards of safety and quality and provide an effective immune response.

You can get your COVID-19 vaccination until 30 June 2026. The last day for next day bookings is 29 June.