Offered in spring and winter to people at an increased risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus.
Winter COVID-19 vaccinations have now ended.
NHS Scotland will contact you in spring 2026 if you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Please wait to be contacted.
It’s important to take up the vaccine every time you’re offered. Even if your health condition is well managed, you’re still at increased risk.
Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that spreads easily through the air when people cough or sneeze. It can also spread when people touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
Coronavirus can be serious. Older adults and people with a weakened immune system are more at risk of complications and need extra protection.
Coronavirus can be serious. If you’re being offered the free COVID-19 vaccine, you are more at risk of coronavirus-related complications and need extra protection, even if you feel healthy or have a health condition that is mild or well managed.
If you do get coronavirus and have been vaccinated, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. This will reduce your risk of complications or needing treatment in hospital.
Millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Scotland since its introduction in December 2020, and many more have been given worldwide.
The COVID-19 vaccine will be given as an injection in the upper arm.
The vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. People who are also eligible for the flu vaccine will be able to get the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same appointment during winter.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective and direct way of protecting against serious illness from coronavirus if you are older or have a weakened immune system. The vaccine reduces your risk of getting seriously ill and needing to go to hospital with coronavirus.
It’s important to get the COVID-19 vaccine every time it’s offered to you to help keep your protection topped up.
The vaccine works by teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from coronavirus. Once you get the vaccine, it takes a few weeks for your body to build up protection.
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you coronavirus.
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and efficacy before they’re allowed to be used. Once they’re in use, the safety and effectiveness of vaccines continues to be carefully monitored.
Speak to your vaccinator if you have any questions or concerns.
For adults and children aged 12 years and older
Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty® KP.2). Dose: 30 micrograms
For children aged 5 to 11years
Pfizer BioNTech paediatric COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty® 10 LP.8.1). Dose: 10 micrograms
For children aged 6 months to 4 years
Pfizer BioNTech infant COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty® 3 LP.8.1). Dose: 3 micrograms
The COVID-19 vaccine is offered in spring and winter to people at an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. This includes:
People who have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment are at higher risk from coronavirus. This includes:
For example:
Including, but not limited to:
Adults who require long term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions including, but not limited to:
Adults with a history of haematological malignancy, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Children undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Solid organ transplant recipients.
Bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients.
Genetic disorders affecting the immune system, for example:
Children with haematological malignancy, including leukaemia and lymphoma.
Children receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy.
Children treated with or likely to be treated with high or moderate dose corticosteroids.
Children receiving any dose of non-biological oral immune modulating drugs, for example:
Children with auto-immune diseases who may require long term immunosuppressive treatments.
Children who are about to receive planned immunosuppressive therapy should be considered for vaccination before starting therapy.
Read more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 11 years
If you feel your condition does not appear on the list or you have been newly diagnosed and haven’t received any NHS communications yet, please talk to the clinician that manages your condition. They may be able to refer you to your NHS Board for vaccination if appropriate.
Some people are no longer eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Data shows that most people have had contact with the virus, been vaccinated against it or both. This means that immunity has increased in the population and that COVID-19 has become milder for many people.
This year, the COVID-19 vaccine is not being offered to:
Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccine can cause side effects. They are usually mild and not everyone gets them. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease.
Side effects may include:
Side effects should normally only last a few days. Even if you’ve had side effects after a previous dose, it’s recommended you get all the doses you’re eligible for, unless your side effect was severe. If you have any questions, speak to your health professional or vaccinator.
You can rest and take paracetamol (follow the dose advice in the packaging) to help make yourself feel better.
Do not give medicines that contain aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
If your side effects seem to get worse or if you’re concerned, phone NHS 24 free on 111 and tell them about your vaccination. This is so they can assess you properly.
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme.
This can be done by:
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111. If you have any concerns, trust your instincts.
A common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine 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 health professional. If you’re due for breast screening (a mammogram) a few weeks after the vaccine, tell them you have had the COVID-19 vaccine when you attend.
Cases of inflammation of the heart (called myocarditis or pericarditis) have been reported very rarely after the adult dose of coronavirus vaccines, particularly after the second dose. These very rare cases have been seen mostly in younger men and usually within 14 days of vaccination. Most of the people affected have felt better and recovered quickly following rest and simple treatments. However, some cases have needed urgent hospital care or have been fatal.
You should seek medical advice urgently if, after vaccination, you experience:
Phone your GP or NHS 24 on 111.
There are very few people who cannot have the vaccine. If you’ve had a confirmed severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of the vaccine ingredients, or a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your health professional.
Let your vaccinator know if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to anything.
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