We will be offering Spring Covid Vaccines at Battle Health Centre this year. Eligible patients will be sent a text message to book an appointment. Patients without mobile phones will be contacted by telephone.
Eligible patients
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June 2025)
- 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
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
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 this spring.
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 COVID-19 infection.