COVID-19 vaccines
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you if you’re more at risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus.
You will be eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster vaccine in 2024 if any of the following apply:
- you’re aged 65 or over
- you live in a care home for older adults
- you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- you’re a frontline NHS, social care, or care home worker.
The NHS has the latest information about how to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Who is higher risk?
You’re considered higher risk if you have certain lung conditions or are having certain treatments.
If you think you’re high risk, speak to your GP, nurse or healthcare professional.
Common questions about COVID-19 vaccines
Here are some questions that people with lung conditions might have about COVID-19 vaccines. The NHS has more information about why it's important to get a COVID-19 vaccine every year, and the safety and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
As with any vaccine, we know people sometimes worry about safety. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people with lung conditions. The COVID-19 vaccines given on the NHS have all met strict safety and quality standards.
It’s safe to have the flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine and COVID- 19 vaccine at the same time.
If you’re an older adult, you’re unlikely to be offered the RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu or COVID-19 vaccine. This is because there is some evidence that this can make vaccines less effective.
If you’re pregnant, it’s safe to have your RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu or COVID-19 vaccine.
Most people with allergies can be vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you've ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis), tell the person vaccinating you. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them straight away. For advice about your allergies, speak to your GP, nurse or a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
If you take a blood thinner like warfarin it is safe for you to have the COVID-19 vaccine, but you should tell the person vaccinating you.
If you have severe asthma and are treated with biologics (known as mAbs, or monoclonal antibodies), it’s safe for you to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but talk to your specialist about the best time to get it. If possible, you shouldn’t have your vaccine and your asthma biologic on the same day.
Good hygiene
There are simple things you can do to reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.
Do
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth with the bend of your elbow. This helps to reduce the spread of germs.
- Throw away used tissues as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. If this is not available, use a hand sanitiser gel.
- Let fresh air in regularly. Virus particles can build up inside a room, so opening a door or window can help to get rid of virus particles.
- Clean the surfaces where you live regularly.
- Quit smoking. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viral infections, including coronavirus.
Should I wear a face mask?
Face masks or coverings can reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are worn correctly. You might want to wear a face mask when:
- you’re meeting someone who is at higher risk from COVID-19
- you’re meeting people in crowded spaces
- other viruses are circulating, for example in winter
- you're in shops, on public transport, or in other indoor places.
It’s safe for people with lung conditions to wear face masks or coverings. When worn properly, a face mask does not reduce a person’s oxygen supply or cause a build-up of carbon dioxide.
Get support
Call or WhatsApp our Helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.