COVID-19 vaccinations in North Central London

Everyone aged 12 and over can now get a COVID-19 vaccination. Most under 18s only need one dose.

How to get your vaccine depends on which dose of vaccine you are due to receive, and your age.

If you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test, you will need to wait four weeks (28 days) before getting vaccinated, starting from the date you had the test.

Getting your first dose

If you are aged 16 or over you can either:

Use the NHS online booking service. You need to register with a GP to use the online booking service; you do not need proof of address or immigration status.
Call 119, free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.
Visit a walk-in clinic. You do not need an appointment. You do not need to be registered with a GP or provide proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number. Find a walk-in vaccination clinic in North Central London.

If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user you can go online, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS BSL interpreter service.

If you are aged 12-15, you do not need to book an appointment. You, and your parent or guardian, will get a letter with information about when your vaccine will be offered. Most children will be given their vaccine at school. Read more about vaccines for 12-15 year olds.

Getting your second dose

If you are aged 17 years and nine months or older, it is important to get two doses of vaccine to give you the most protection against COVID-19. After having your first dose, you need to wait eight weeks before having your second dose.

Most under 18s only need one dose of vaccine. If you are within three months of your 18^th birthday, you will be able to book an appointment for your second dose.

If you are aged 12 – 17 years and have a health condition that puts you at increased risk from COVID-19, or if you live with someone who is immunosuppressed, you are eligible for a second dose. You should speak to your GP to book this.

Read more information about vaccines for clinically vulnerable children.

To book your second dose appointment you can:

Use the NHS online booking service. You need to register with a GP to use the online booking service; you do not need proof of address or immigration status.
Call 119, free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.
Visit a walk-in centre. You do not need an appointment. You do not need to be registered with a GP or provide proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

Find a walk-in vaccination clinic in North Central London.

Getting your third dose

Some individuals who have weakened immune systems due to underlying health conditions or medical treatment may require a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, to strengthen their immune response.

The third dose should be given ideally at least eight weeks after the second dose, but the timing could be impacted by your medicine or treatment plan, so should be discussed with your GP or specialist.

To book your third dose, speak to your GP or specialist. If your care is currently under a consultant in a hospital, it is possible that they may arrange it for you.

Getting your booster dose

Booster vaccine doses are available for people on this list who have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll be offered a booster dose six months after you had your second vaccine dose.

You can use the NHS national booking system online to book your booster if you are a frontline health or social care worker.

You can also book your booster dose online if you have been contacted by the NHS and you are either:

aged 50 and over
aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19

If you are not a frontline health or social care worker, please wait to be contacted by the NHS before booking your booster dose.

If you cannot use the NHS website, you can phone 119 free of charge.

Some people may be contacted by their GP, to book a booster dose at their surgery.

Alternatively, selected vaccination centres are offering walk-in boosters, with no appointment needed. This list of walk-in clinics is updated daily.

Please do not attend a walk-in clinic or book a vaccination slot unless it has been at least six months since your second dose of the vaccine.

What happens at the vaccination clinic?

You’ll need to bring:

a face covering, unless you cannot wear one for a health or disability reason
your booking reference number if you have an appointment.

If you need a carer you can bring them with you on the day.

You’ll be asked some questions about your medical history. It’s important to tell the staff giving you the vaccination if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction. You can also ask any questions you have about the vaccine, its safety or whether it is suitable for you and your individual circumstances. You are not under any obligation to be vaccinated following this conversation if you would prefer not to.

If you decide to go ahead with the vaccine, you will be given an injection into your upper arm.

All places that offer COVID-19 vaccinations will help keep you safe from COVID-19. There will be regular cleaning and social distancing in waiting areas.

I am unable to leave my house – how will I be vaccinated?

If you are unable to get to a vaccination centre and would like to be vaccinated, please contact your GP.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are currently available?

There are three vaccines currently available in the UK:

Pfizer
AstraZeneca
Moderna

Current recommendations are that those aged 39 and under should be offered Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Our list of vaccination clinics and opening times shows which vaccine is being offered where. If you book on the national booking system either online or by calling 119, you will be offered an appointment with a vaccine appropriate for your age group.

To find out more about the vaccines approved in the UK, see:

Do I need to pay for the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is free. Our staff will never ask for, or accept, cash for vaccines, never ask for your banking details or identity documents, and will never come around to your house unannounced.

If you receive a phone call about vaccines that you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house, report it to the police online or by calling 101.