NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

Where can I get vaccinated?

Covid-19 Autumn boosters are now available, if you are:

• over the age of 65+
• over the age of 12+ and from a clinical risk category (18+ at the mobile bus)
• a carer
• a frontline health and care worker
• the household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed

Find more information on the Autumn booster vaccination on GOV.UK

Flu vaccines are now available if you are:

• over the age of 65
• over the age of 18 and have a long term medical condition, or are
• pregnant
• a carer
• a frontline health and care worker
• the household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed

Find out more on the flu and Covid winter vaccination combination on NHS.UK or book an appointment online for your flu vaccination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have you been vaccinated abroad?

If you have been vaccinated abroad you can also update your NHS records by visiting: Covid 19 Vaccinations outside England

Who can currently get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Everyone aged 5 and over can get the Covid-19 vaccine.

When will I need a Covid-19 vaccine pass?

You may need to use the Covid-19 pass if you are travelling to countries who require proof of vaccination. 

You can access your NHS COVID Pass through:

• the NHS App
• NHS.UK
• a letter that you can obtain on NHS.UK or by calling 119

Find out more here. 

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccination is safe for everyone and is our best way out of this pandemic. The NHS only offers vaccinations to the public once independent experts have signed it off as being safe.

Why the Covid-19 Vaccine is safe and effective for everyone

This video message for Brent residents, recorded by our Deputy Director of Public Health Dr John Licorish, responds to some of the most frequently asked questions by residents across the borough.

How has it been possible to develop it so quickly?

There are three main reasons. One, while this coronavirus is a new virus, work was already underway to produce vaccines against the coronaviruses which cause SARS and MERS – two other highly contagious and deadly viruses. Two, there has been an unprecedented level of cooperation between academics and the pharmaceutical industry around the world. Thirdly, a huge financial investment by governments around the world, including the UK.

How effective is the vaccine?

After having both doses of the vaccine, most people will be protected against coronavirus. It takes a few weeks after getting the second dose for it to work. So it’s important to still continue social distancing and following the guidelines to keep us all safe.

Is the vaccine as effective for Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups?

Yes, it works the same way – and has the same effectiveness – among all ethnic groups.

Can Muslims have the vaccine under Islamic law?

Yes, after discussion with experts, the British Islamic Medical Association encourages individuals to take the COVID vaccine as advised by their GP.

Does the vaccine include pork or other animal products?

No, there is no material of animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects, such as a sore arm, feeling tired or a headache are mild and usually last a day or two at most. It’s very rare for anyone to have a serious reaction to the vaccine. All staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with and treat any reactions straight away.

If I am unsure, should I attend or book my vaccination appointment?

Attending doesn’t mean that you have to accept the vaccine. It gives you a chance to learn more, to talk through any concerns you might have, and then make your own decision.

For detailed answers to all questions about the COVID vaccine, including how housebound residents will be vaccinated and when second doses will be given, please visit the NHS North West London website

Registering with a GP surgery

Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery for free. You do not need proof of address or immigration status. Overseas visitors to England, including anyone living in the UK without permission, will not be charged for vaccination for COVID-19. Immigration checks are not needed to receive the vaccination.

You can usually register online or by phone.

Find out more and register with a GP surgery

Staying safe and avoiding scams

COVID-19 vaccine will always be free in the UK and delivered by the NHS. Patients will be sent a letter by the NHS call/recall service informing them of their eligibility, and receive a call from Primary Care Networks, offering the choice of booking at a GP-led vaccination centre or using the national booking service.

Remember, the vaccine is free of charge:

• The NHS will never ask you for your bank account, card details, PIN or banking password.
• The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad when on the phone
• The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
• The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.

For more information and advice, please visit Action Fraud

BBC Asian Network is helping people in the South Asian community to spot potential scams. There are advice videos in five South Asian languages:

• Watch in Urdu
  
• Watch in Punjabi
• Watch in Sylheti
• Watch in Tamil
• Watch in Gujarati

Vaccine information and resources

If you have any questions about the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, please speak to a trusted person, such as your GP, or visit the NHS website.

You might also find the following information and resources helpful:

NHS Leaflets

• Guide for older adults
• Guide for healthcare workers (.pdf, 617.6kB)
• Guide for social care workers (.pdf, 573.7kB)
• What to expect (.pdf, 551.8kB)

Community Webinars

In February 2021 we held a series of four community webinars, attended by thousands of residents. Each webinar saw presentations from local faith leaders, community voices and public health experts - who also answered questions from residents.

The following videos answer key concerns in less than one minute:

• Why vaccinations are a vital part of ending the COVID-19 pandemic - Dr Donald Palmer, Brent GP
• Why most faiths have no problem with vaccination - Reverend Alton Bell, Senior Pastor at Wembley Family Church
• Why the Hindu community shouldn't be concerned about the COVID-19 vaccine - Dr Rakesh Patel, Brent GP Registrar
• It's perfectly safe to have the COVID-19 vaccine if you're breastfeeding - Dr Ketana Halai, Brent GP
• Why the COVID-19 vaccine isn't a repetition of Thalidomide - Darshna Patel, Pharmacist in Brent
• Why everyone should get the COVID-19 vaccine - Dr Rakesh Patel, a Brent GP Registrar
• The impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing, long-term conditions - Dr Joan St John, Brent GP
• No evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine will affect the fertility of men or women - Dr Ketana Halai, Brent GP
• Why the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for all Brent residents - Dr Ketana Halai, Brent GP
• The vaccine is safe, effective and it does save lives - Dr Aayesha Hassan, immunologist living in Brent
• Why taking the COVID-19 vaccine doesn't impact the Ramadan fast - Dr John Licorish, Brent Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health
• What does God say about taking the vaccine? - Dr Musharraf Hussain al-Azhari, Chief Executive of the Karimia Institute
• What the Quran tells us about taking a vaccine - Dr Musharraf Hussain al-Azhari, Chief Executive of the Karimia Institute
• What are the common side effects of the vaccine? - Dr Ketana Halai, Brent GP

Watch the webinars in full in our webcast library

Black Healthcare Group Factsheet

The Black Healthcare Group UK (BHG) has produced a factsheet to answer many of the common questions being raised by the community. The BHG was formed to address issues and concerns in relation to COVID-19 vaccination in the black community and consists of Dr Donald Palmer, Associate Professor of Immunology, Dr Jacqueline McLeod GP and Terence Channer LLB Healthcare Solicitor.

Download the BHG Factsheet (.pdf, 844.4kB)

Why I chose to get the COVID Vaccine

In this video, frontline care manager, Yvonne Olasunkanmi explains what it was like to get the vaccine, why getting it was so important to her and encourages other Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents across the borough to get the vaccine when they are invited.