Covid-19 vaccinations

For some, Covid-19 is unpleasant. But for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women, they can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

In line with expert advice, the NHS is offering Covid-19 vaccines to those at greater risk of serious illness.

Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against Covid-19.

If eligible, you are encouraged to come forward as soon as you can, for the best possible protection. It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with Covid-19 before.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme  is delivered by the NHS, and Wokingham Borough Council is supporting the programme in any practical way we can.

Eligibility

Please visit the Community Directory and search “Covid-19 vaccination” for the latest information.

The NHS writes to all those who are eligible to remind them they can get the vaccine.

Where to get the vaccine

Adults can book in for a Covid-19 vaccine through the NHS app, the NHS website or by calling 119 – you can choose among the locations that offer a vaccine that is suitable for you.

You can also use a walk-in vaccination centre where bookings are not required.

This will show sites where available in Wokingham Borough.

At the vaccination centre

When you visit a vaccination centre, bring your NHS number (or your booking reference number), and wear a face covering if you can.

Flu vaccine

To help yourself stay well in winter, you should also get the flu vaccine. See the NHS website for more details.

Beware of scams

We are aware that some people are receiving suspicious calls, phishing emails and text messages about Covid-19. The vaccine is only available through the NHS and it is free of charge - at no point will you be asked to pay.

The NHS will never:

• Ask you for your bank account or card details  
• Ask you for your PIN or banking password
• Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine or testing
• Ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips
• If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk . Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040  or visiting the Action Fraud website . 

Useful links and guides

• The Government has produced the following resources on Covid-19 vaccinations, and many are available in multiple languages:
•  A guide to the autumn 2023 programme
• Covid-19 vaccination guide for adults
• What to expect after the Covid-19 vaccination
• Covid-19 vaccination for women of childbearing age, currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• For people with a weakened immune system
•  For children aged 6 months to 11 years
•  For young people aged 12 to 17 years
•  British Sign Language resources
• Easy Read leaflets
•  Other documents on the Covid-19 vaccination programme

More information is available on:

•  The NHS website  for advice about Covid-19, including symptoms, testing, vaccination and staying at home
• The Berkshire Public Health website
• The NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board website – see FAQs.

Videos

The NHS has produced the following videos:

• Covid-19 and getting vaccinated
• Information about vaccines: For people with a learning disability and autistic people 

Data

Vaccination data at local and national level can be found on the Gov.uk website

Questions

If you have other questions, please email our Covid-19 vaccine support team on covid.info@wokingham.gov.uk