Getting the COVID jab is an important step in protecting yourself and others from the virus and can be given to anyone over the age of 6 months.

At Wilsons, we are able to give vaccines to eligible patients aged 18 or older. If someone younger than 18 requires a vaccine they would need to see their GP.

Those who are eligible for a seasonal COVID vaccine should consult the NHS website for current information on eligibility, but in general COVID vaccines are reserved for:

• Adults aged 75 years and over (including those who will turn 75 by 30 June 2026)
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• Individuals aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system (as defined in the Green Book)

No, unfortunately we don’t get a choice of what vaccines we get sent and they are typically all from the same manufacturer.

Most people can have any of the COVID vaccines and will be offered a vaccine that gives protection from more than one type of COVID.

Some people may be offered certain vaccines if:

• You’re pregnant
• You’re under 18 years old
• In very rare cases if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to one of the common vaccines you may be referred to a specialist clinic for your vaccination, or offered an alternative COVID vaccine

If you’re at increased risk of severe COVID-19, getting a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. The vaccine helps to:

• reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
• reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19
• protect against different strains (variants) of COVID-19

Seasonal vaccines are offered because viruses change, and protection fades over time.

A vaccine helps give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.

Negative side effects after receiving the COVID jab are rare, but to reduce the risk you should let the pharmacy team know if you have had a reaction to a COVID jab in the past.

Like any vaccine the COVID jab can cause side effects, but these are generally mild and short-lived.

Common side effects may include:

• A raised temperature
• Soreness where you were vaccinated
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Feeling tired

If you or your child have had a COVID vaccine and the symptoms are getting worse, you can call 111.

No, it’s not possible to catch the COVID from the COVID vaccine.

If you do get COVID after receiving your jab, it’s likely to be because the vaccination hasn’t become fully effective, or you have picked up a different strain of the virus.

Your appointment will take around 10 minutes.

If you meet the NHS eligible criteria it’s free.