COVID-19 vaccine - Having the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine may be offered at your GP surgery, local community pharmacy, vaccination centre, or through a mobile team. If you are housebound or live in a care home and cannot get to a GP surgery or vaccination centre, there are plans in place for a mobile service to bring the service to you. Hospital patients who are due for vaccination may be offered their vaccination in hospital if possible.
You will be advised where to get your vaccine once you receive your appointment. If you can’t attend, please let the booking team know so they can give your appointment to someone else. The team’s contact details are on the appointment letter.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm. For babies under 12 months, the vaccine is given by injection into the thigh.
What are the COVID-19 vaccines currently recommended for use in the UK?
You can see the advice of the JCVI about what vaccines should be used within the UK.
Can I give blood after having the vaccine?
The Welsh blood service have information on whether you can give blood after vaccinations. They currently say: “There is no time deferral after receiving a Covid-19 vaccination or booster.”
Do I need to leave a gap between getting my COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine (for example, a shingles or RSV vaccine)?
COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time, or at any interval between most other vaccines. The healthcare provider administering the vaccine will be able to give you more information.
Make sure you get your vaccines as soon as they are offered to you.
I have not had a COVID-19 vaccination, or I have missed one of my doses. Can I still have the vaccine?
Yes if you are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination you should still receive the vaccine. For most people the primary course now consists of a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Children who are 6 months to 4 years old who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine previously, are offered a two dose primary course. If you have a severely weakened immune system, you may need to have more than a single dose. Speak to your healthcare professional, who will be able to discuss with you the number of doses to have.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination for travel?
COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer offered for travel purposes by the NHS. Foreign travel advice is available.
Page last reviewed: 16th October 2025