Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against Covid-19.
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
The vaccination programme offers the following vaccines until 30 June 2023:
· 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 5 (by 31 August 2022) or over
· The spring booster 2023
If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose yet, you should get them as soon as possible.
The following groups are eligible for the spring booster 2023:
· people aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2023)
· residents in a care home for older adults
· those aged 5 and over with a weakened immune system
In England, the autumn booster 2022 campaign and the first booster offer closed on 12 February 2023.
Children who turned 5 on or after 1 September 2022 can only get the Covid-19 vaccine if they are:
· either at high risk due to a health condition or because of a weakened immune system
· or living with someone who has a weakened immune system
The NHS writes to all those who are eligible to remind them they can get the vaccine, including the spring booster 2023.
Where to get the vaccine
Eligible people 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.
Care home vaccinations of the spring booster 2023 started on 3 February.
Please visit the Wokingham Directoryand search “Covid-19 vaccination” for an up-to-date listing of local vaccination centres setup with the support of Wokingham Borough Council.
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.
You do not need to be registered with a GP or show your immigration status to get the vaccine.
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 spring booster 2023
· 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 children aged 5 to 11 years
· For young people aged 12 to 17 years
· For schools and parents
· British Sign Language resources
· Easy Read leaflets
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
Videos
The NHS has produced the following videos:
· Covid-19 and getting vaccinated
· Tackle disinformation about Covid-19 vaccines
· 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
