COVID-19

You are no longer advised to test routinely for COVID-19, so the provision of free tests has stopped. Limited testing continues only for vulnerable individuals and in high-risk settings.

You could need to test if you:

• have a health condition which means you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments
• work in healthcare or adult social care, depending on your role and whether you have symptoms
• are going into hospital for certain types of treatment

Find out who can get a free NHS test

If you’re eligible for the spring COVID-19 vaccine, you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now.

Vaccination appointments will take place from 13 April 2026.

From 13 April, you may also be able to get vaccinated at:

• a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
• a local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery
• your care home (if you live in a care home)

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

Most people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can have it, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

There are no immigration checks and you do not need an NHS number or GP registration to get treated or vaccinated for COVID-19.

You do not need an NHS number or GP registration to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and you are still entitled to a free vaccination without them. You can go to a walk-in vaccination centre or contact a GP practice and ask to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient.

You will never be forced to have the COVID-19 vaccine and it does not affect your asylum or refugee status.

You can find out more on the government's COVID-19: Migrant’s health guide

The issue of pork ingredients in some vaccines has raised concerns among some groups, including Muslim, Jewish, vegetarian and vegan communities.

You can read the guidance here to provide information about vaccines that contain this product and the alternatives that may be available.

• If you are eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine based on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations, it is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and flu and COVID-19 viruses change each year.

• The vaccines give you additional protection to that gained from previous infections. If you have had recent COVID-19 you will still get extra protection from the vaccine.​​​​

• The COVID-19 vaccine is given to top up the protection in those at higher risk from severe COVID-19 illness to help prevent people being hospitalised or dying from COVID-19

• During the pandemic, COVID-19 disproportionately affected those in older age groups, residents in care homes for older adults, and those with certain underlying health conditions, particularly those who are severely immunosuppressed which is why we vaccinate them regularly to ‘top up’ their protection.

The COVID-19 vaccine programme aims to reduce the number of people that get seriously ill and reduce the spread of the viruses.

The government decide which groups will be eligible for free vaccines on the NHS. Their decision is based on the independent advice of clinical experts in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who review the latest clinical evidence and data.

COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

The safety of the vaccines has been extensively reviewed in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The MHRA are continuously monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines and reports of serious side effects are very rare.

More information about vaccine safety

Why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect yourself

If you think you’ve already had COVID-19, once you’ve recovered you should still get the vaccination as this is still be best way to protect you, your family, friends and the NHS from future COVID-19 infection.

Plus you will be helping others who may have a medical condition and be immunosuppressed. 

Most people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can have it, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some people are only offered certain vaccines – for example, if you're under 18 years old.

Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.

Most people with allergies can have the COVID-19 vaccine, including if you've had a mild allergic reaction to a previous dose, such as a rash, swelling, wheezing or hives.

If you've ever had an allergic reaction, tell the healthcare staff at your appointment before you're vaccinated.

If you're at risk of a severe allergic reaction, vaccination staff or your GP may refer you to an expert allergist or specialist to assess your risk.

They may advise you to have the COVID-19 vaccine at a specialist clinic or hospital where you can be monitored. This will only happen in rare cases – for example, if you have a history of anaphylaxis.

No.

All COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use by the NHS are effective and provide a strong booster response.

When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.

The COVID-19 Pass system for travel closed on 4 December 2023.

A record of a COVID-19 vaccination is not now routinely being applied to NHS app records.

• If this changes in future COVID-19 programmes, then widespread information will be provided in the media and through the NHS.

• There are no longer any UK domestic requirements to demonstrate vaccination status, and no countries require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of entry.

• If you still want to have proof of your vaccination, please refer to your GP who will have a record of this in your patient record, even though you may have had the vaccination at a walk-in centre or pharmacy. It may take 2-3 weeks for the details to be transferred to your GP patient record, and some GPs may charge for a letter of proof.

You can also search for individual country travel requirements about vaccinations on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice website here (non-NHS): Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​​​​