Frequently asked questions

No, all Covid-19 vaccines offered are highly effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.

Vaccines enabled the gradual and safe removal of restrictions on everyday life. Thanks to the Covid-19 vaccine, we were able to get back to doing the things we love.

However, Covid-19 is still out there and there are still people in hospital unwell with the virus.

Many of those that are in hospital are those who have not been vaccinated or have not received a booster.

Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Vaccinations are being offer to those as greatest risk to help them maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if they catch Covid-19.

All Covid-19 vaccines offered in England have been approved for use by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

These vaccines have met the MHRA's strict standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process, and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.

Each of the vaccines are tested on tens of thousands of people across the world. They are tested on both men and women, on people from different ethnic backgrounds, and of all age groups.

You do not need your NHS number to book a vaccine or use a walk-in clinic.

However, if you need to find your NHS number it is a 10 digit number and should be on any letter or document you have received from the NHS, including prescriptions, test results, and hospital referral or appointment letters.

There is an online tool for finding your NHS number if you do not have any information with it on. 

The Vaccination Data Resolution Service (VDRS) is no longer updating vaccination records.

If a patient believes there is missing or incorrect vaccination data on their records, they now need to re-visit the site where they had their vaccination and ask for their record to be updated.

They can also contact the ICB if the site has closed, or it has been more than 365 days since their vaccination.

Email the ICB's Vaccinations Team kmicb.vaccinations@nhs.net

It is a traveller's responsibility to check individual requirements for any vaccine when travelling abroad.

If needed, people in England who have both Covid-19 vaccine doses can demonstrate their vaccination status via the NHS App.

You can find updates and nationally published data on the UK Health Security Agency dashboard.

If I missed the initial invitation can I still get the vaccine?

Yes. The offer of a vaccine remains open to everyone who is eligible regardless of when you were first offered it.

If I have Covid-19, should I come for a vaccine when invited?

No. If you have symptoms, have a positive test or are self-isolating with other members of your household who have the virus, please do not come to a vaccination site.

You will be able to get your vaccine another time.

If you are symptom-free you can have the vaccine.

Where are the walk-in vaccination sites in Kent and Medway?

During the seasonal vaccination programme, vaccines will be available at pharmacies or walk-in clinics. Find a walk-in clinic using your postcode.

If my GP isn't giving the vaccine, where can I get vaccinated?

During the seasonal vaccination programme, if you are unable to have a vaccine at your GP practice, you will need to attend either a pharmacy or walk-in clinics offering the Covid-19 vaccine. 

How do housebound people get the vaccination?

Patients who are recorded by their GP practice as housebound will get a home visit for the vaccine. 

Your GP practice or an alternative provider will contact you to arrange a visit during an active campaign. 

What do I need when I arrive?

When you arrive for your appointment, there will be someone there to explain the next steps, including the pre-screening questions, you will be asked to consent to have the vaccination and you will be called in to have your vaccine.

You will also need to follow any instructions you may have been given when you booked your appointment.

Can I bring a friend or carer?

Please don't bring anyone else with you, unless you have to. You may accompany someone who is having their vaccination, if they cannot attend without your help.

Can I bring children to the appointment?

No, unless your booking is for a family booking and everyone has been booked in for a vaccination, please make every effort to come to your appointment alone.

Can I catch Covid-19 from the vaccine?

No. You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine.

Does the vaccine cause severe side effects?

Most side effects of the Covid-19 vaccination are mild and should not last longer than a week.

For more information on the vaccine side effects, visit the NHS website. 

Information about the vaccine and ingredients

The vaccines available in the UK have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the Independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. The MHRA follows international standards of safety.

The Covid-19 vaccines do not contain egg or animal products.

The vaccines are suitable for people of all faiths.

Find out more about the vaccines.