COVID-19 NHS Vaccination Centre sign, Bolton, greater Manchester, England, UK, BL1

What happens at your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointment When it's your turn to have the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, you'll get a letter, phone call, email or text inviting you for an appointment. Everyone aged 5 (on or before 31 August 2022) and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, are also being offered a booster dose. You may be invited to have your vaccinations at: a hospital your GP surgery a vaccination centre a pharmacy What happens on the day What to bring You'll need to bring: a face covering, unless you cannot wear one for a health or disability reason your booking reference numbers if your appointment is at a vaccination centre If you need a carer you can bring them with you on the day. What happens at the appointment Your appointment should last for around 30 to 45 minutes. You'll be asked some questions about your medical history. It's important to tell the staff giving you the vaccination if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction or you are pregnant. If your appointment is at a vaccination centre, you'll be asked for your booking reference numbers. You will then be given an injection of the vaccine into your upper arm. All places that offer COVID-19 vaccinations will help keep you safe from COVID-19. There will be regular cleaning and social distancing in waiting areas. After the vaccination You may be asked to wait for 15 minutes after having the vaccination. This is in the unlikely event you have a serious reaction to the vaccine. Research has found it's very rare to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes. The team are trained to deal with reactions and treat them immediately. You will also be given a leaflet about what to expect after your vaccination to take home with you.