The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines help to build up your immunity to the virus, so your body will fight it off more easily if it affects you. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. Some people may still get coronavirus despite having a vaccine, but any illness should be less severe.
A variety of coronavirus vaccines are available. You’ll be offered the most suitable one for your condition or age.
For a limited number of people, the vaccine you receive will depend on clinical reasons. For example, severe allergy.
There are very few people who should not have the vaccine.
The vaccines should not be given to people who have had a confirmed severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
If you’ve had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine, you should discuss this with your health professional. It’s important that you tell the person giving you the vaccines if you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to anything.
If you are receiving any medicines, treatment or therapy at a hospital or specialist clinic, tell the person giving you the vaccine.
Coronavirus vaccines can be given at the same time as most other vaccinations. Most people will be able to get their flu and coronavirus vaccine at the same appointment.
A coronavirus vaccine reduces the chance of your suffering from severe illness or dying from coronavirus.
Protection from the vaccine usually starts two weeks after you’ve had it. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. You might still get coronavirus, but your symptoms are likely to be milder.
It’s important to keep up to date with the coronavirus vaccines you’re offered. Your level of protection against coronavirus may fade over time. NHS Scotland recommends you come forward every time you are invited to keep your protection topped up.
You no longer need to wait for a specific amount of time after confirmed COVID-19 infection to have your vaccine. However, if you’re unwell, wait until you’ve recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.
Read the patient information leaflets for the coronavirus vaccines
Last updated:
03 July 2023