Covid Vaccination Service
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It's usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from COVID-19.
Sharoe Green Pharmacy
272 Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9HD
What the COVID-19 vaccine is for
COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you're at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:
help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
protect against different types of COVID-19 virus
You may still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have a vaccine, so it's important to follow advice about how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027)
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
How to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2026.
From 1 October 2026, you may also be able to get vaccinated at:
a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
a local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery
your care home (if you live in a care home for older adults)
You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.
How the COVID-19 vaccine is given
The COVID-19 vaccine is given as an injection.
Most people only need 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when it's available.
Extra doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
Some people need an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have a health condition or treatment that severely weakens their immune system. For example, if they have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy.
Your GP or specialist will assess your risk and tell you if you need an extra dose of the vaccine.
They will advise you on when to get vaccinated based on your treatment plan, and help you find a local appointment.
Speak to your GP or specialist for more information.
If your GP or specialist cannot arrange an appointment for you, you can contact your local NHS COVID-19 vaccination service.
Find local COVID-19 vaccination contacts on the NHS England website
Having the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
In winter, you can have the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine or RSV vaccine.
Who cannot have the COVID-19 vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can have it, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some people are only offered certain vaccines – for example, if you're under 18 years old.
Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.
Most people with allergies can have the COVID-19 vaccine, including if you've had a mild allergic reaction to a previous dose, such as a rash, swelling, wheezing or hives.
If you've ever had an allergic reaction, tell the healthcare staff at your appointment before you're vaccinated.
If you're at risk of a severe allergic reaction, vaccination staff or your GP may refer you to an expert allergist or specialist to assess your risk.
They may advise you to have the COVID-19 vaccine at a specialist clinic or hospital where you can be monitored. This will only happen in rare cases – for example, if you have a history of anaphylaxis.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have, or think you have, COVID-19, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.
You should also wait if you have a high temperature or feel very unwell with any illness.
If you've recently recovered from COVID-19, there is no need to wait to get the vaccine.
Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine
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.