UPDATED September 2025

As a result of the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme Government guidance has changed regarding COVID-19 and measures have been put in place for living safely with COVID.

There are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. These actions will also help to reduce the spread of other respiratory infections, such as flu, which can spread easily and may cause serious illness in some people.

You may be infected with a respiratory virus such as COVID-19 and not have any symptoms but still pass infection onto others.

The risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is greatest when someone who is infected is physically close to, or sharing an enclosed and/or poorly ventilated space with other people.

When someone with a respiratory viral infection such as COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small particles that contain the virus which causes the infection. These particles can be breathed in or can come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The particles can also land on surfaces and be passed from person to person via touch.

You will not always know whether someone you come into contact with is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections, including COVID-19. They could be strangers (for example people you sit next to on public transport) or people you may have regular contact with (for example friends and work colleagues).

There are simple things you can do in your daily life that will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections and protect those at highest risk. Things you can choose to do are:

1. Get vaccinated
2. Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors.
3. Practise good hygiene: Wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean your surroundings frequently
4. Wear a face covering or a face mask.

Vaccination

Vaccines continue to be our best line of defence.

COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It’s important to top up your protection if you’re eligible.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:

• Help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
• Help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
• Help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
• Protect against different types of COVID-19 virus.

Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine?

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• Are aged 75 or over
• Are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• Live in a care home for older adults.

Visit the NHS website for a list of conditions and treatments that mean you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and information on how to book a vaccination.

What to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination

The government have issued a guide to let you know what to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination.

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. The common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine start within a day and may last for a few days.

These include:

• Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection
• Feeling tired
• Headache, aches and chills

You may also have flu-like symptoms with episodes of shivering and shaking for a day or two. However, a high temperature could also indicate that you have COVID-19 or another infection. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better.

An uncommon side effect is swollen glands in the armpit or neck on the same side as the arm where you had the vaccine. This can last for around 10 days, but if it lasts longer see your doctor.

Flu vaccinations

In addition, the NHS is also offering the flu vaccine to those people who are eligible to more eligible groups.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system.

Visit the NHS website for a list of conditions and treatments that mean you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and information on how to book a vaccination.