The following people are eligible for an autumn Covid booster:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and get better within a week.
They can include:
- a sore arm from the injection
- feeling tired
- a headache
- feeling achy
- mild flu-like symptoms
If you or your child get side effects, rest and take paracetamol or paracetamol for children to help you feel better.
More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.
The vaccine cannot give you a COVID-19 infection.
Contact NHS 111 if: You or your child have had a COVID-19 vaccine and:
- have symptoms that are getting worse
- you're worried about your or your child's symptoms
- You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- You or your child have any of these symptoms within a few days of being vaccinated:
- chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest
- severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out
a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)
