Information on COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read guide
Updated 11 September 2025
Applies to England
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What is COVID-19 or coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a virus which can make you feel poorly.
Coronavirus can make older people, and people who have a health condition that makes their immune system weak, more poorly.
Coronavirus can make you have a cough, a fever (a high temperature), a headache and other symptoms that make you feel very unwell.
It is really important to keep ourselves and others safe from coronavirus. Coronavirus is sometimes called COVID-19.
One way we can keep ourselves safer and healthier this winter is by having our coronavirus and flu vaccines to help stop us getting very poorly.
About the vaccine
Some people will be offered a coronavirus vaccine. This vaccine can stop you from becoming very poorly if you do get coronavirus.
Who should have the coronavirus vaccines
The people who will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine are:
- people who are 75 years old or older
- older adults who live in care homes
- registered carers
- people who have immunosuppression – this means they could get more poorly if they got coronavirus
Why is a COVID-19 vaccine important?
The protection from the coronavirus vaccines doesn’t last forever in your body, so it is important to get your spring or autumn vaccine to help keep you safe for longer.
When should you have a COVID-19 vaccine?
If you are in one of the groups above, you will be called by your doctor to have another dose of coronavirus vaccine at the right time for you. This is usually in the spring and the autumn.
The vaccine will help to keep you safe.
Your doctor might suggest that you get your flu vaccine at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine. This is safe to do.
What type of COVID-19 vaccine will I be offered?
You will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine made my Pfizer.
You will be given the vaccine that is right for you.
Some things you might feel after your vaccine
After having the vaccine you might:
- have a painful or heavy feeling in the arm where you had your vaccine for 2 or 3 days
- have a headache
- find that your muscles hurt or you are feeling tired
- feel like you have the flu
If this happens you should rest and take paracetamol if you can. Check with someone if you are not sure and always make sure you follow the information on the box.
You may feel hot or cold, but this should not last more than 2 or 3 days.
If you feel very hot or cold and poorly for more than a few days and have other coronavirus symptoms stay at home.
Some people might need to have a test to check if they have coronavirus.
Speak to your GP or NHS 111 if you need support with a coronavirus test or the vaccine.
Call 999 in the case of an emergency.
A few people have had problems with their hearts after having the Pfizer vaccine.
This has mostly happened in young men in the first week after their vaccine.
Most people felt better after resting and having some simple treatments.
You should ring 999, if:
- you are finding breathing difficult
- you have chest pain, or your heart is beating in a different way from usual after you have had your vaccine
Is there anyone who should not have a coronavirus vaccine?
It is safe for most people to have the coronavirus vaccine.
If you were very poorly after having your other coronavirus vaccines, you should talk to your doctor.
Can you still catch coronavirus after having the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t stop everyone from getting coronavirus, but if you do get it, it should stop you becoming very poorly.
It may also take a few days for your body to get some protection from the vaccine.
How to have your COVID-19 vaccination
To book your vaccines speak to your doctor to book an appointment and tell them about any reasonable adjustments you may need.
If you want to get your vaccines at your local pharmacy or at your GP practice, call 119 or book online at NHS.UK.
After you have had the vaccination, you may be offered another COVID-19 vaccine next year.
Further information
Visit the NHS website for more information about the coronavirus vaccination and booking service.
The ‘What to expect after COVID-19 vaccination’ information leaflet tells you more about what to expect after your vaccine and possible side effects. You can read it online, download it or get it sent to you.
You can phone this number and ask for a paper copy of the easy-read ‘What to expect’ leaflet: 0300 123 1002
The Yellow Card website is where you can report any other symptoms you get after having the vaccine. You might want to ask someone to help you with this.