COVID-19 Vaccines FAQs

Please find below answers to some of the common questions we are asked regarding the coronavirus vaccines.

Who can have a “Spring Booster”?

You will be offered a Spring booster if you are aged 75 and over, live in a care home for older people, or are aged 12 and over and have a weakened immune system. COVID-19 may affect you more seriously if you are in one of these groups. The spring booster is being offered to help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. To book your vaccination click here.

“I have had my fourth dose – do I have to have the spring booster as well?”

No, you do not. If you have had a full course of primary vaccinations (2 or 3 doses) but have not yet received a booster by March 2022 you may be given the spring booster, provided there is at least 3 months from your last dose. If you have already had 4 doses you then an additional dose is not recommended until the autumn campaign.

“I need a ‘Third Primary Dose’ – how do I arrange this?”

If your hospital consultant would like you to have a third primary dose they will need to send us a letter requesting this. We will then supply you with a CCG letter that you can present at any walk-in vaccination centre.

“I need a ‘Fourth Dose’ – how do I arrange this?”

If your hospital consultant would like you to have a fourth dose, you can either use your existing third primary dose letter or the hospital will need to send us a letter requesting a fourth dose. We will then supply you with a CCG letter that you can present at any walk-in vaccination centre.

“I am housebound – when will I get my booster?”

You should by now have had your booster. If you haven’t, please let us know as soon as possible.

“What is happening with the vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds?”

5 to 11 year olds can be booked in to have their vaccination via the National Booking Service. Please note that we will not be vaccinating this cohort of patients, and so politely request that you do not contact us about these vaccinations.  

“When can I book my COVID booster?”

You can book your booster 2 months from the date of your second vaccination, for administration three months (91 days) from your second vaccination.

You can book your booster via the National Booking System website. More appointments are added every day so if you can’t see a convenient local service at the time of trying, please try later in the day or the next day. All of the vaccination services are working at pace to increase the number of appointments they can offer. 

“I haven’t had any vaccines yet – is it too late to start the course?”

No, it is never to late too start. You can book online via the National Booking Service or go to a walk in centre. Please remember to indicate which dose you want so that it is recorded correctly on the national database – you will be recalled when your next dose is due.

“How do I get a digital NHS COVID Pass?”

There are 2 ways you can get your digital pass – download and use the NHS App or online NHS COVID Pass service. Click here for further information. A digital COVID Pass is valid for 30 days. The 30-day period refreshes and starts again each time you log in.

“My child needs a COVID Pass – how do I get one?”

The NHS COVID Pass service is now available to 12-15 year olds, accessible via nhs.uk for those aged 12 and over, and the NHS App for those aged 13 and over.

Children do not need to contact GP surgeries to get an NHS login to generate a COVID Pass via the NHS App.

Children will be able to access their digital NHS COVID Pass but it will withhold their other medical data.

Children under 18 do not have to demonstrate their COVID-19 status for entry to domestic events or venues in England.

“I have recovered from Coronavirus – will this show on my COVID Pass?” 

If you have an NHS COVID Pass for travel based on a positive PCR test, the 30-day period will refresh for up to 180 days after you have taken the test. Click here for further information.

“How do I get a Recovery Letter / Certificate for travel?”

If you are aged 16 years old or over and have had one or more COVID-19 vaccination aboard approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), you can book an appointment at a vaccination site to show evidence of your vaccinations and request an update on your record.

“My COVID-19 vaccination details are incorrect / missing – how can I get this rectified?”

If you have had your vaccinations in England but there is an error on your vaccination record or if you have an incomplete record, please call 119 and ask to be referred to the Vaccine Data Resolution Service (VDRS).  When ringing please:

• Select option 1 (“England”) then

• Select option 4 (“To report an issue with your vaccination record”)

The call agents will take some details from you and make an electronic referral into the VDRS service.

The VDRS team will aim to contact you within 21 days. The number they will call you from is 01869 817119. They will make 3 attempts to contact you and if unsuccessful you will then have to start the process again.

Alternatively, you can access this service here. 

“I had a bad reaction to a particular type of vaccine – can I have a different one as my booster?”

You can, but you would need to let us know and we will then query this with our local Clinical Commissioning Group. You do need to have a genuine medical reason, and it cannot just be personal choice. 

“I don’t want to keep receiving any reminders/letters about getting my Covid-19 injections – how can I stop getting these?”

You can request that you do not receive any further reminders about Covid-19 vaccinations by clicking here and following the instructions.