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COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination is effective and the safest way to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccines

You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine if you're at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. For example, this may be due to a health condition or your age. The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.

COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months to 4 years old

Children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 can get a 1st and 2nd COVID-19 vaccine. They can then get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccination through their GP surgery.

Which COVID-19 vaccine will I get?

There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in Northern Ireland. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines and will be offered a vaccine that gives protection from more than one type of COVID-19.

You cannot choose which vaccine you have.

Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example:

  • if you're pregnant
  • if you're under 18 years old
  • in very rare cases if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to one of the common vaccines you may be referred to a specialist clinic for your vaccination, or offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine

Please note: children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.

Vaccine safety

All COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Northern Ireland have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). They must go through all clinical trials and safety checks other licensed medicines go through.

Find out more including if you're eligible for vaccination and how to get it