COVID-19

You may be at increased risk from COVID-19 if you or your child have a health condition, such as:

• a long-term lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma (if you need steroid tablets) or cystic fibrosis
• a long-term heart condition, such as congenital heart disease or chronic heart failure
• a long-term condition of the kidney, liver or digestive system
• a long-term problem with the brain or nerves, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, an inherited condition, or autism
• severe or multiple learning disabilities (or being on the learning disability register), such as Down's syndrome
• diabetes or another hormone disorder, such as Addison's disease
• a weakened immune system, due to a medical treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy), a condition (such as leukaemia), a genetic condition or from having an organ or bone marrow transplant
• problems with the spleen, having no spleen or having a condition that can affect the spleen (such as sickle cell disease)
• a serious genetic condition that affects multiple systems in the body, such as mitochondrial disease
• being pregnant (all stages)
• living in a long-stay nursing and residential care home as a younger adult

This list is a summary and does not cover everything. There are other health conditions and treatments that may mean you or your child are at increased risk from COVID-19.

You should be told if you or your child are at increased risk from COVID-19. If you're unsure, speak to a pharmacist, GP or your specialist for advice.

You may be at increased risk from COVID-19 if you have a health condition, such as:

• a long-term lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma (if you need steroid tablets) or cystic fibrosis
• a long-term heart condition, such as congenital heart disease, chronic heart failure or atrial fibrillation
• long term kidney disease (CKD) stage 3, 4 or 5
• a severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis
• a long-term problem with the brain or nerves, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington's disease, myasthenia gravis, or a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• severe or multiple learning disabilities (or being on the learning disability register), such as Down's syndrome
• diabetes or another hormone disorder, such as Addison's disease
• a weakened immune system, due to a medical treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy), a condition (such as leukaemia), or from having an organ or bone marrow transplant
• problems with the spleen, having no spleen or having a condition that can affect the spleen (such as sickle cell disease)
• living with severe obesity (having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
• a severe mental health condition, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• being pregnant (all stages)
• living in a long-stay nursing and residential care home as a younger adult.

This list is a summary and does not cover everything. There are other health conditions and treatments that may mean you're at increased risk from COVID-19.

You should be told if you have an increased risk from COVID-19. If you're unsure, speak to a pharmacist, GP or your specialist for advice.

To find your nearest pharmacy site offering walk-in appointments please visit the NHS walk-in finder.

 

 

Council Offices - East Northamptonshire House
Cedar Drive, Thrapston, NN14 4LZ 
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – ages 65+ and 18+ with underlying health conditions

• Wednesday 6 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm 
• COVID-19 vaccines children's clinic for ages 5+ (with underlying health conditions) from 3pm to 4pm

 

Council Offices - Swanspool House 
Doddington Road, Wellingborough, NN8 1BP  
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – ages 65+ and 18+ with underlying health conditions

• Thursday 7 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm 
• COVID-19 vaccines children's clinic for ages 5+ (with underlying health conditions) from 3pm to 4pm

 

Daylight Centre in Wellingborough 
10 High Street Place, Wellingborough, NN8 4HP  
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – ages 65+ and 18+ with underlying health conditions

• Wednesday 13 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm 
• COVID-19 vaccines children's clinic for ages 5+ (with underlying health conditions) from 3pm to 4pm

 

Glamis Hall Day Centre in Wellingborough 
Goldsmith Road, Wellingborough, NN8 3RU 
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – ages 65+ and 18+ with underlying health conditions

• Tuesday 12 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm 
• COVID-19 vaccines children's clinic for ages 5+ (with underlying health conditions) from 3pm to 4pm

 

Old Stratford Community Hall
Deanshanger Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes MK19 6NL 
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – for ages 65+ and all eligible groups (ages 5+ COVID-19 and ages 18+ flu jabs)

• Wednesday 6 December, 9am to 4pm 

 

Parklands Community Centre
Devon Way, Northampton, NN6 7ET  
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – for ages 65+ and all eligible groups (ages 5+ COVID-19 and ages 18+ flu jabs)

• Friday 8 December, 9am to 5pm 

 

Tesco Superstore Daventry car park
15 New Street, Daventry, NN11 4BT
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – for ages 65+ and all eligible groups (ages 5+ COVID-19 and ages 18+ flu jabs)

• Thursday 7 December, 9am to 5pm 

 

The Tithe Barn in Wellingborough 
Tithe Barn Road, Wellingborough, NN8 1BZ (entrance via Morrisons)  
Autumn COVID-19 and flu jabs – ages 65+ and 18+ with underlying health conditions

• Monday 11 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm 
• COVID-19 vaccines children's clinic for ages 5+ (with underlying health conditions) from 3pm to 4pm

To find out more about COVID-19 vaccination visit the NHS website.

What changes are happening from 14 December 2023? 

As the seasonal programme begins to wind down, you will not be able to book a COVID-19 or flu vaccination online (via the NHS website), via the NHS App or by calling 119 after Thursday 14 December and the last online appointment will be on Friday 15 December.

After online bookings have closed there will be fewer sites offering COVID-19 vaccines and you may have to travel further to participating pharmacies or walk-in sites. The Northamptonshire mobile vaccination service will still be available for drop-ins into the new year, visiting various locations across West and North Northamptonshire. You can view the latest locations for this service on this website page under 'Drop-in clinics at other community venues'.

When is the seasonal vaccination programme ending? 

After 31 January, the COVID-19 vaccine offer will close. In most cases, you will have to wait until a future seasonal campaign. If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, you may be able to get vaccinated sooner, but only if your clinician advises it. You will still be able to get your flu vaccine until 31 March, but you are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Why should I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have good safety records and are an effective way to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19 viruses.

While flu and COVID-19 can be unpleasant, for some it can be very dangerous and even life threatening, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. For them, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse.  Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still get very ill or die from COVID-19. 

Children aged under 5 have one of the highest hospitalisation rates for flu. Last year over 6,000 under 5s in England were hospitalised by flu, and many more needed care in accident and emergency. The vaccine reduces a child’s chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds. 

Having your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will reduce your risk of serious illness and help you recover more quickly if you catch the viruses. Getting the vaccines while pregnant helps to protect you and your baby from complications if you catch these viruses. The vaccines have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives and they give you better protection than any immunity gained from previous infections. They also help protect your family and other people in your community, by helping to stop diseases spreading.

In winter, flu and COVID-19 spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Getting these vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe and ‘get winter strong’. The new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant presents a greater risk now, which is why we are encouraging all eligible people to get their vaccines as soon as they can.
 

When should I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter as we spend more time indoors. Catching both viruses over winter increases the risk of serious illness even further. The new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant presents a greater risk now, which is why we are encouraging all eligible people to get their vaccines as soon as they can.

The NHS is offering the flu vaccine to children from September to protect them and help prevent the spread of the virus. This is because children are more likely to pass this onto others including elderly or vulnerable relatives. 

Eligible adults will be able to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from 18 September but some people may be offered a vaccination sooner by GP practices and other local NHS services. Care homes and those that are housebound are being offered the vaccine from 11 September. 
 

If I have had a flu or COVID-19 vaccine before, do I need to get it again?

If you are eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine based on the JCVI recommendations, it is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and flu and COVID-19 viruses change each year. 

The vaccines give you additional protection to that gained from previous infections. If you have had recent COVID-19 you will still get extra protection from the vaccine, but you will need to wait 4 weeks before getting vaccinated.

Could I still get flu and COVID-19 after having the vaccines?

Like all medicines, no vaccine is 100% guarantee of not catching the virus – some people may still get flu or COVID-19 despite getting vaccinated but this should be less severe with milder symptoms. It may take a few days for your body to build up protection from the vaccines. Having your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will reduce your risk of serious illness and may help you recover more quickly if you catch the viruses.

Why do I keep needing to have further doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is given to top up the protection in those at higher risk from severe COVID-19 illness to help prevent people being hospitalised or dying from COVID-19 during colder months. During the pandemic, COVID-19 disproportionately affected those in older age groups, residents in care homes for older adults, and those with certain underlying health conditions, particularly those who are severely immunosuppressed which is why we vaccinate them regularly to ‘top up’ their protection.

How is it decided who is eligible to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines for free on the NHS each year?

The flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes aim to reduce the number of people that get seriously ill and reduce the spread of the viruses. The government decide which groups will be eligible for free vaccines on the NHS. Their decision is based on the independent advice of clinical experts in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who review the latest clinical evidence and data.

Which COVID-19 vaccine will I be offered?

The NHS is offering different COVID-19 vaccines in line with the advice of scientists on JCVI. All COVID-19 vaccines have been tested in line with rigorous standards and found to give good protection against the virus.

Can I have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?

The JCVI has advised that, for most people, it is fine to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Where possible, we encourage you to get both vaccines in the same appointment to ensure you are protected against both viruses.

If this is not possible, we encourage you to get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than waiting to get both at the same time. If you receive both vaccines in one appointment but originally booked two, please do cancel the other appointment so that it becomes available for someone else.

Are the vaccines safe?

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record, and their side effects are generally mild and do not last for more than a few days. Your safety will always come first and there are rigorous safety standards that have to be met through the approval process. 

As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the official UK regulator are globally recognised for requiring the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for medicines and vaccines. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process. Each of the vaccines are tested on tens of thousands of people across the world. They are tested on both men and women, on people from different ethnic backgrounds, and of all age groups.

Like any other vaccine or medicine, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are being continuously monitored for safety – the effected benefits of the vaccines far outweigh risk in the majority of patients. You and your healthcare professional can report any suspected side effects through the tried and trusted Yellow Card Scheme.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It's usually much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you..

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record. All adult flu and COVID-19 vaccines are given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.

Are there any side effects from the vaccines?

Millions of adults and children around the world have had a COVID-19 vaccine and it gives you the best protection against COVID-19.

Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

The safety of the vaccines has been extensively reviewed in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The MHRA are continuously monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines and reports of serious side effects are very rare.

Find out more about the MHRA on GOV.UK

Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccination

Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

• a sore arm from the injection
• feeling tired
• a headache
• feeling achy
• mild flu-like symptoms
• feeling or being sick

You or your child should rest. You can also take pain relief such as paracetamol to help you feel better.

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine.

CONTACT 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.

Report a side effect

Report a vaccine side effect on the COVID-19 Yellow Card website

Very rare side effects of COVID-19 vaccination

Allergic reactions

Most people with allergies (including food or penicillin allergies) can be vaccinated against COVID-19.

If you've ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis), tell healthcare staff before you're vaccinated. They may ask what you're allergic to.

If you've had a mild allergic reaction before, such as a rash, wheezing or hives, you are likely to get a common COVID-19 vaccine. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

If you are at risk of a serious allergic reaction, they may refer you to a specialist clinic for your vaccination, or to have an alternative COVID-19 vaccine.

Heart inflammation (myocarditis)

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.

Find out more about myocarditis and COVID-19 vaccines on the British Heart Foundation website

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 feeling of tightness in the chest
• shortness of breath
• a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)

Can I have the vaccine if I feel unwell?

If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.

Should I get the vaccines if I think I have already had flu or COVID-19?

If you think you’ve already had flu or COVID-19, once you’ve recovered you should still get the vaccines as they will still help protect you.

Is there anyone that shouldn’t get the vaccines?

Almost everybody can have the vaccines, but you should not be vaccinated if you have ever had a serious allergy (eg. anaphylaxis) to any of the flu or COVID-19 vaccines, or any of their ingredients – you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are allergic to eggs you may not be able to have certain types of flu vaccine – check with your immuniser. If you have a fever, the vaccination may be delayed until you are better.

I’ve only just had my first or second COVID-19 vaccine, can I have the autumn booster jab?

No, the JCVI advises that the booster vaccine should be offered no earlier than three months after completion of the primary vaccine course.

I haven’t yet had the COVID-19 vaccination, can I still get my first jabs?

Only children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 can currently get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Since the end of the spring 2023 COVID-19 campaign, the primary course of COVID-19 vaccine became a targeted offer to those at higher risk and only during seasonal campaigns. This means during this autumn winter programme, those eligible for the primary course COVID-19 vaccination will be the same as those eligible for the seasonal vaccine.

The main exception to this would be unvaccinated individuals aged five years and above who become or have recently become severely immunosuppressed. These individuals should be considered for primary vaccination, regardless of the time of year. Clinical judgement should be used to decide on the best timing to commence vaccination.

Do I need to receive the same type of vaccine or booster as my previous ones?

No, all COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use by the NHS are effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.

What type of flu vaccine will I be given?

For adults, there are several types of flu vaccine depending upon your age.

• adults are offered an injectable vaccine. There are different types, including low-egg and egg-free ones
• adults aged 65 years and over – the most common flu vaccine contains an extra ingredient to help your immune system make a stronger response to the vaccine

Most children over the age of 2 are offered a nasal spray vaccine – this is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose. Those aged under 2 and a small number of children due to pre-existing medical conditions or treatments cannot have the nasal spray and are offered protection through an injected vaccine instead.

What type of COVID-19 vaccine will I be given?

There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines and will be offered a vaccine that gives protection from more than one type of COVID-19. You cannot choose which vaccine you have.

Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example:

• if you're pregnant
• if you're under 18 years old
• if you're 75 years old or over
• 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 an alternative COVID-19 vaccine.

Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.

Find out more about pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and COVID-19 vaccination

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccines are offered to those at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 – this may be due to a health condition or age. JCVI has recommended that the following groups should be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter:

• residents and staff in a care home for older adults
• people that are pregnant
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• frontline health and social care workers
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 chapter of the Green book
• persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts, as defined in the Green book, of people with immunosuppression
• persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers, as defined in the Green book

 

Which health conditions make me eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination?

The COVID-19 vaccine is offered to those with a serious health condition. Those that can get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a health condition are broadly similar to those that can get a flu vaccine including:

• respiratory conditions, ie poorly controlled asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
• diabetes
• heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
• being very overweight – a BMI of 40 or above
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as hepatitis
• neurological conditions, ie Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
• a learning disability
• those with a severe mental illness
• problems with your spleen, eg sickle cell
• a weakened immune system as the result of conditions ie HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy

A full list of clinical risk groups is included in tables 3 and 4 in Chapter 14a of the Green Book.

Will I be invited to get my winter vaccines?

You may be invited to get your winter vaccines by the NHS nationally or by your GP practice through a letter, text or email. If you receive an invitation from the NHS and have already been vaccinated this season, do not worry, sometimes there is a delay in the information flowing through and you do not need to do anything.

How can I book my winter vaccines?

From 18 September, to get your COVID-19 vaccination:

• Book online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
• Use the NHS App
• Call 119 if you don’t have online access, to book at one of the same sites

Which children can get the flu and seasonal COVID-19 vaccines?

The flu vaccine is offered to most children including all aged 2 and 3 years old, school aged children from reception to year 11 and those aged 6 months to 17 years old with certain health conditions.

 

Children aged 5 years and over with certain health conditions, those aged 12 and over that are household contacts of people with immunosuppression and carers aged 16 and over will be able to get the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 4 years are managed at a local level. Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.

How well do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

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.

Read more about vaccine effectiveness statistics on the Office of National Statistics website

How do I book my child’s winter vaccination?

If your child is eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to book this online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or via the NHS App.

If your child is aged 2 or 3 years old or if they are aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions you can book a flu vaccination appointment at their GP practice.

If your child is of school age, you do not need to book an appointment for them to get a flu vaccination. They will be vaccinated in schools or community clinics through the school aged immunisation service. Parents should wait to be invited and complete the necessary consent documentation accordingly. If your child is in a clinical risk group please contact your GP practice if you would like your child to receive the flu vaccine earlier in the season.

Should I get the flu and seasonal COVID-19 vaccines whilst I’m pregnant?

If you’re pregnant you're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19.

There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

If you have flu or COVID-19 while you're pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, it increases the need for admission to intensive care for mum and baby and may even lead to stillbirth or death. If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, the symptoms are likely to be more serious.

Getting your winter vaccines is the safest and most effective way for women to protect themselves and their baby against flu and COVID-19 and it also reduces the risk of having a stillbirth. The antibodies your body produces in response to the vaccine can also give your baby protection against flu and COVID-19 which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

It's safe to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. It's also safe for women who are breastfeeding to have the vaccines. There's no evidence flu and COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of having a miscarriage, pre-term birth or other complications in your pregnancy. It's strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 ahead of winter to protect you and your baby.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time whilst pregnant?

It’s safe to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. You may be offered them at the same time or you may be offered, or to decide to have them, separately. Where possible, we encourage you to get both vaccines in the same appointment to save you time and ensure you are protected against both viruses. If this is not possible, we encourage you to get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than waiting to get both at the same time. If you receive both vaccines in one appointment but originally booked two, please do cancel the other appointment so that it becomes available for someone else.

 

To find out more about the COVID-19 vaccinations visit the NHS website

Useful guides:

• A guide to the COVID-19 autumn programme
• COVID-19 vaccination: autumn programme resources (including translated and accessible versions) 
• COVID-19 vaccination: at-risk children aged 6 months to 11 years
• COVID-19 vaccination guides for adults
• COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
• COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children 6 months to 11 years
• COVID-19 vaccination: women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• COVID-19 vaccination: for people with a weakened immune system

The Post Covid Assessment Service supports people who have had a Covid infection, whether they have been diagnosed or not, and are experiencing an ongoing health issues as a result of their illness.

The service is led by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) and you can access their information and referral information on their Post Covid Assessment website page.