Seasonal vaccinations

How do I access a vaccine if I have a weakened immune system or a condition that makes me clinically appropriate?

If you're eligible, you can book a vaccination during the autumn vaccination programme, either via your GP practice, by booking an appointment through the National Booking Service, or by calling 119.

How do I access vaccines following cancer treatment if I need to start again?

If you're eligible, you can book a vaccination during the autumn vaccination programme, either via your GP practice, by booking an appointment through the National Booking Service, or by calling 119.

Do I need to speak to my GP if I think I'm eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination because of a health condition?

Yes, or a hospital consultant. There are a small number of clinical conditions that make a patient eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and your clinician can advise. 

I’m housebound, how do I access a vaccination?

 
All GP practices have a provider in place to vaccinate housebound patients. It will either be the GP practice or another provider if the practice is not delivering vaccinations.

If the GP practice is not vaccinating its own patients, it will have shared a list of eligible housebound patients to its provider. The provider, either a community pharmacy or local GP federation, will contact patients directly. 

I am temporarily housebound. Will I be on the list for a vaccination?

 
All patients marked as housebound by their GP practice will be contacted to receive their vaccination. Practices update their lists and notify providers when patients are added. If you, or a loved one, is concerned, please contact your GP practice.

How will children access a COVID-19 vaccine?

 
If your child is aged 5 and over

A small number of community pharmacies across Surrey and Sussex will offer vaccinations to this group. Their clinics will be available through the National Booking Service, and patients can book online or by calling 119.

If your child is aged between 6 months to 4 years

Vaccination is available through the GP practice.

Where are vaccinations available for vulnerable children under 12 who are unable to book through the app, GP practice or community pharmacy?

 
Appointments will be available at several sites across Surrey and Sussex. Appointments for these clinics will be added to the National Booking Service (NBS).

Patients should check the NBS online or call 119 for an appointment if they are not contacted through a local booking service. More appointments will be added regularly, so if there is nothing available in a specific area, patients should keep checking.

What vaccines are available?

The vaccine currently available for adults is Spikevax (XFG). 

The vaccine available for people under 18 will be either Comirnaty 30 (XFG) or Comirnaty 10 (XFG), depending on age.

Can I choose a specific vaccine?

Unfortunately, patients cannot choose which vaccine they receive. Patients are given the vaccine available at the site at the time of their appointment.

Is there access to a non-mRNA vaccine?

There are no non-mRNA vaccines available, a decision made by NHS England. 

Individuals with previous allergic reactions to Covid-19 vaccines, or a history of anaphylaxis to other medicines and vaccines, will be managed in line with the advice in Table 5 of the Covid-19 Green Book chapter. Those with an mRNA vaccine allergy will be referred to an expert allergist or another appropriate specialist. Where vaccination is indicated following an individual clinical assessment, it will take place in a hospital setting under clinical supervision.

I can’t find a certain site for a vaccine on the National Booking Service

A small number of sites in Surrey and Sussex do not use the National Booking Service. Instead, they invite their own registered patients through local booking services, including text messages, letters and phone calls.

I have started a course of treatment that means I need a COVID-19 vaccination. How can I get vaccinated?

If you've been advised that you need a course of COVID-19 vaccinations following treatment, you can book your first appointment through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.

If you require additional doses, these will be arranged at the appropriate time based on your individual circumstances and clinical guidance.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible, speak to your GP practice or healthcare team for advice.