How many doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine am I eligible for
Everybody aged 5 and over (on 31 August 2022) is eligible for 2 doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The number of additional doses they may be eligible for depends on their age and if they have any additional risk factors.
What are additional risk factors?
Additional risk factors are:
- having an eligible health condition
- living with someone with a weakened immune system
- having a severely weakened immune system
Self-help guide
People aged 18 and over
People aged 18 and over are eligible for 2 doses of the coronavirus vaccine plus a booster dose. They'll be offered their second dose of the vaccine from 8 weeks after their first dose. The booster dose will then be offered at least 12 weeks after the second dose.
Some people with additional risk factors are eligible for additional doses (third primary dose and winter booster dose). The third primary dose will be offered 8 weeks after the second dose. The winter dose will then be offered at least 12 weeks after any previous dose.
If an adult aged 18 or over and has recently had a confirmed coronavirus infection, they should wait 4 weeks from date of test or first symptoms (whichever is earlier) to get the vaccine.
People aged 16 to 17
People aged 16 to 17 are eligible for 2 doses of the coronavirus vaccine plus a booster dose. They'll be offered their second dose of the vaccine from 12 weeks after their first dose. The booster dose will then be offered at least 12 weeks after the second dose.
Some people with additional risk factors are eligible for additional doses (third primary dose and winter booster dose). The third primary dose will be offered 8 weeks after the second dose. The winter dose will then be offered at least 12 weeks after any previous dose.
If a young person aged 16 to 17 has recently had a confirmed coronavirus infection, they should wait 12 weeks from date of test or first symptoms (whichever is earlier) to get the vaccine. If they have additional risk factors or live with someone who has a weakened immune system, they can have their vaccine from 4 weeks from date of test or first symptoms.
Children and young people aged 5 to 15
Read about the coronavirus vaccine for children and young people aged 5 to 15
Third primary dose
A third primary dose of the coronavirus vaccine is being offered to people with a severely weakened immune system. This third primary dose is an extra ‘top-up’ dose to help increase the level of protection for people who may not have generated a full immune response to the first 2 doses and might be less protected than the wider population.
A third primary dose is different from a booster dose. A booster dose is an additional dose to extend the duration of protection from previous doses.
If you've never received a coronavirus vaccine or a blue invitation letter
If you've never received a coronavirus vaccine or a blue invitation letter, and you're 16 or over, you can register online for an appointment. This allows NHS Scotland to send you alerts and information digitally rather than through the post. You need to be registered with a GP practice to use this service. If you aren't, you can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Use the coronavirus vaccine registration service
If you're under 16, you should phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
If you don’t have a GP practice
You can still get your coronavirus vaccination even if you aren’t registered with a GP practice or don’t have a Community Health Index (CHI) number.
You should phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 and they'll help you.
How do I know if I’m at risk?
Some people who have additional risk factors are eligible for additional doses.
Last updated:
23 September 2022