Frequently asked questions: Covid-19, booster and flu vaccines

Published on: Thursday 2 December 2021
  • What is it about the unvaccinated that makes them more at risk of passing on the virus?

For people that are vaccinated, their bodies can process the virus without becoming infected or developing symptoms. This reduces the likelihood of passing it onto others. This video explains the science behind this.

Covid-19 and booster vaccine

  • I'm eligible for the booster vaccine but haven't heard anything from my GP, how can I get this?

You don't need to wait for an invitation from the NHS to get your booster vaccine. We encourage everyone to call 119 or go to www.nhs.uk five months after there second jab to book their appointment. Currently, you can have the booster vaccine from six months after your second jab, this will soon change to three months.

  • Is it safe to take a booster jab if you have had the flu vaccine?

Yes it is safe. If you are offered both vaccines, it is also safe to have them at the same time.

  • How long will the booster jab offer protection?

We don’t fully know, but we do know that the protection from the first two vaccinations is not as good after six months, so you need to have a booster.

  • Can I still take a booster jab if I haven’t taken my flu jab?

Yes, you can have the booster jab without taking the flu jab but we don't recommend this. The flu vaccination is important because more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill. Flu kills 11,000 people a year.

  • Will the booster jab protect me from flu and vice versa? Or are these two separate jabs?

No, you need both jabs.

  • Can I still take the booster jab if I haven’t got my second vaccine?

No. You should have your second vaccine and then the booster jab six (soon three) months after that.

  • I still haven't had my second jab of the Covid-19 vaccine, what should I do?

If you have not had a second vaccine please book an appointment eight weeks after your first. For ages 12-17, they should have the second jab 12 weeks after the first vaccine.

Flu vaccine

  • People who get the flu jab still get the flu why?

The flu jab protects against the most common strains of flu but there are other strains. So, whilst you are protected against the most common strains, there is a small chance you may come into contact with another strain. Having the flu jab significantly reduces your risk of getting flu.

  • Will the flu vaccine also protect me against Covid-19?

No. Both flu and Covid-19 are very serious illnesses, you need both jabs.

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