Covid-19 vaccine

The Covid-19 vaccine helps to make us all safer. It has been proved safe and effective by independent experts, and is the best way to protect people from coronavirus and save thousands of lives.

Research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill if you get flu and Covid at the same time. Don’t delay having your flu vaccine this year. Get a free flu jab 

How to get vaccinated

You can get your vaccine or booster in one of the following ways:

  1. Book online
  2. Call for free on 119
  3. Walk-in appointments at some local pharmaciespop-up clinics or walk-in vaccine sites

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

Vaccines and booster jabs

You will be offered an autumn booster if you:

  • aged 50 or over
  • pregnant
  • aged 5 and over and at high risk from COVID-19 due to a health condition or a weakened immune system
  • aged 5 and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • aged 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
  • living or working in a care home for older people
  • a frontline health and social care worker

You can have your seasonal booster (autumn booster) if it's been at least 3 months since you had your previous dose.

If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, you should have them as soon as possible.

If you have a severely weakened immune system you should get an additional primary dose before you get a booster.

For more information about 1st, 2nd or booster jabs and how to book see Book or manage a coronavirus vaccination - NHS.

1st and 2nd dose vaccines are being offered to people who are 5 years and over. 

A guide for parents of children aged 5 to 11 years - GOV.UK.

See Book or manage a coronavirus vaccination - NHS or call 119 to book an appointment. You can also check the NHS Walk-In Finder to see where you can go for a vaccination without needing to book. 

If you have you received your Covid-19 vaccine abroad you need to get the details added to your NHS record. You can book an appointment to tell the NHS, or you can attend one of our pop up clinics. Find out more about this service and what you will need to bring, see Did you have your Covid-19 vaccination overseas?

Where can I get vaccinated?

Pop-up vaccination clinics in the borough

Charing Cross Hospital or Hammersmith Hospital

Your local pharmacy

Find a walk-in coronavirus vaccination site near you - NHS

Vaccination pop-up clinics

Covid vaccines are no longer being administered at 145 King Street in Hammersmith.

Walk-in Covid booster appointments are available on our vaccine buses at:

The Community Hub
1a Aisgill Avenue, Gibbs Green Estate, W14 9NF
No walk-in clinic sessions currently scheduled.
Google Map showing location of Gibbs Green Estate Community Hub

Normand Park
Bramber Road, W14 9PB
No walk-in clinic sessions currently scheduled.
Google Map showing location of Normand Park

Our Lady of Fatima Church
Commonwealth Avenue, W12 7QR
No walk-in clinic sessions currently scheduled.
Google Map showing location of Our Lady of Fatima Church

Ravenscourt Park
Paddenswick Road, W6 0UA
No walk-in clinic sessions currently scheduled.
Google Map showing location of Ravenscourt Park

Please do not attend if you have any symptoms.

Find walk in clinics near you with further details on opening times, which age groups can use a site and which doses they offer before visiting.

Hospital vaccination clinics

Charing Cross Hospital - Book online
Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF
Charing Cross Hospital Vaccination Clinic map

Hammersmith Hospital - Book online
Du Cane Road , London, W12 0HS
Hammersmith Hospital Vaccination Clinic map

Pharmacies in H&F offering Covid vaccines

Greenlight Pharmacy

228-230 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, W12 7JD
Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS 
or walk in Monday to Friday during pharmacy’s opening hours.
020 8743 1320 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Hamlins Pharmacy

Unit 2 Cranford Court, Bloemfontein Road, W12 7DA (next to Park View Centre)
Booking only - Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS

Hammersmith Pharmacy

109 Fulham Palace Road, W6 8JA
Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
or walk in Monday to Friday during pharmacy’s opening hours.

Healthside Pharmacy

90 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7PD
Booking only - Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
020 7603 2763 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Kanari Pharmacy

682-684 Fulham Road, SW6 5SA
Booking only - Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
020 7736 1500 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Lime Grove Pharmacy

66 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HA.
Walk in or book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
020 8743 6186 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Marcus Jones Pharmacy

96 Old Oak Common Lane, Acton, W3 7DA
Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
or walk in Monday to Friday during pharmacy’s opening hours.
020 8743 3674 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Oza Chemist

9 Fulham Broadway, SW6 1AA
Booking only - Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
020 7385 9156 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Parmay Pharmacy

Unit 4, 160 North End Road, West Kensington, W14 9PR
Booking only - Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
020 7381 4376 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Windwood Chemist

96 Askew Road, W12 9BL
Booking only - Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination - NHS
020 8743 3562 (general enquiries – call 119 to book a vaccine)

Image 2
Image caption: Image 2: Map of pharmacies and hospitals in H&F offering Covid vaccine and booster

Further information and frequently asked questions

The Covid-19 vaccine will give you good protection from coronavirus but there is a chance you might still get or spread coronavirus even if you have the vaccine. To reduce the spread of coronavirus in the community, please continue to follow government guidelines even after you have been vaccinated.

  • Covid-19 booster and flu jab

    Which vaccinations should I have?

    Older people, or those with a health condition are at higher risk from Covid-19 or flu. Both are serious illnesses. Having both the Covid-19 booster vaccine and flu jab is the best way to protect yourself.

    I’ve had 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, why do I need a booster?

    The Covid-19 booster will help improve your longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from the virus.

    Will the flu jab give me flu?

    No, the flu jab cannot give you the flu. It is an inactivated vaccine, which means it does not contain any of the live flu virus.

    Can I have both flu and coronavirus vaccines at the same time?

    Yes, If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.

    Is it still safe to get the flu jab if I’ve had Covid-19?

    If you've had Covid-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

    I’m pregnant, will the flu jab or booster vaccine harm me or my baby?

    No it won’t. Having both the flu and Covid-19 vaccine will help protect you and your baby. It's safe to have the vaccines at any stage of pregnancy.

  • Covid-19 vaccination - FAQs for students in higher education

    How will students be invited for the Covid-19 vaccination? 

    Students registered with a GP can book their appointment at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy run site or at some GP run sites through the National Booking Service website or by phoning 119. 

    Those who are registered with a GP will also receive an invitation to be vaccinated from their GP practice. 

    Some vaccination centres and pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations. Find a walk-in coronavirus vaccination site.

    How can students access their second dose if they are in a different location to where they had their first dose?

    The NHS have published FAQs on second doses in general here.

    In general, you should return to the place you had your first dose to have the second dose.

    However, it is appropriate for students to receive their second dose in a different location to their first dose due to their circumstances. The National Booking Service has an option to book or re-arrange the second vaccination appointment at a different location to the first appointment.

    If a student had a first dose in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, but is in England at the time of their second dose, they should either book a second dose through the National Booking Service (if they are registered with a GP in England and therefore have an English NHS number), or register with a GP in England and book an appointment that way. Or the student can approach a local GP and ask to be vaccinated as an unregistered patient.

    Can students due to start a health or social care placement be vaccinated before their placement starts?

    Anyone who starts working in the NHS or in social care and has not been vaccinated should be offered the vaccination through occupational health departments or be aware of where they can access the vaccination through their employer.

    The second dose should not be brought forward in these circumstances.

    What if a student is eligible for their first dose in England, but will be abroad for their second dose (eg overseas placement)?

    The student should contact the health service in the country where they are resident at the time the second dose is due.

    How can students obtain a Covid vaccine certificate?

    There is information on GOV.UK about Covid vaccine certification.

    Where can students find more information?

    Students can visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination for more information about the Covid-19 vaccination.

    Are international students eligible for the vaccination?

    Anybody aged 16 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

    Do international students need to pay for the vaccine?

    Nobody in England has to pay for the Covid-19 vaccination. The Covid-19 vaccination is free of charge and does not count as the kind of care that requires payment.

    International students or anyone seeing requests for payment should report this activity to their university institution and to Action Fraud.

    More information on Covid-19 vaccine scams is on the Action Fraud website.

    Do international students need to be registered with a GP to get a vaccination?

    While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, individuals can request to book Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.

    How does an international student get an NHS number?

    International students can approach their local GP practice, saying they would like to register for the purposes of receiving the vaccine.

    Are any dependents of international students also eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination?

    Anyone in England is eligible for the vaccine if they fall within the current eligibility criteria set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and should come forward once it is their turn.

    How does an international student get a vaccine?

    International students should be encouraged to register with a GP and get an NHS number.

    An NHS number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service. You can also find an NHS number using this tool.

    It is possible to request to book Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient by approaching a local GP practice. While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, individuals can request to book Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.

    See www.nhs.uk/register for more information on GP registration.

    If an international student is not registered with a GP, will they still be invited for their vaccination?

    Students who are not registered with a GP will not be proactively contacted by a local NHS service. We encourage all students to register with a GP and they can be directed to www.nhs.uk/register for more information.

    However, international students can book their vaccination appointments via the National Booking Service with their NHS number if they have previously received NHS treatment. You can also find an NHS number using this tool.

    What should an international student do if they’ve received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination abroad, and it is not a vaccine that is being offered in England?

    If a person has received a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine overseas that is also available in the UK, they should receive the same vaccine for their second dose. If the vaccine they received for their first dose is not available in the UK, advice on the most similar alternative should be offered (see sections on vaccine interchangeability guidance).

    The student should contact a GP to ensure they receive an appropriate vaccine for their second dose.

    Where can students find more information?

    You can find more information on the vaccine on www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.

    You can find more information on Covid restrictions on the GOV.UK website.

  • Getting your vaccine

    Who can get the Covid-19 vaccine?

    See who can get the vaccine.

    Can I turn up at the vaccination centre without an appointment?

     Find out about walk-in availability at the large vaccination centres.

    You are encouraged to book via the NHS coronavirus vaccination booking page as it will offer an appointment in line with your eligibility and will avoid you being turned away due to lack of availability of vaccines.

    Do I need to know my NHS number to use the booking website or phone line?

    No. It’s easier if you do have your NHS number, but if you don’t, you can still book appointments using other details, provided you are registered with a GP practice. You can find your NHS number on the NHS App or on the NHS find your NHS number web page.

    Why have I not been contacted by anyone about a vaccination?

    If you are aged 12 or over or were on the shielded patient list, then it is likely that you have been contacted by the NHS already. If you haven’t, this could be for a number of reasons, but is most likely to be because you are not registered with a GP or have recently moved, and the NHS therefore don’t have your contact details.

    If you have never registered with a GP or haven’t been to a GP for a number of years, we would recommend speaking with your local practice about registering.

    As well as getting access to Covid-19 vaccines, being registered with a GP also means you are invited to important health checks such as for cancer or heart disease, and can access care easier when you need it.

    More information on registering with a GP is available on the NHS website.

    How do I get an NHS number?

    You may already have an NHS number but just don’t know it. If you don’t know your NHS number, you can find out if you have one and what it is on the NHS website.

    If you don’t have an NHS number this is likely to be because you are not registered with a GP. If this is the case, we would recommend speaking with your local practice about registering.

    As well as getting access to Covid-19 vaccines, being registered with a GP also means you are invited to important health checks such as for cancer or heart disease, and can access care easier when you need it.

    More information on registering with a GP is available on the NHS website. 

    What if I book an appointment through the NHS website or 119 and I need to rearrange it?

    If you need to rearrange an appointment that you booked through the NHS website, you can do this through the ‘manage your appointments’ section on the booking page. Book or manage your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination

    If you booked through 119, you can also ring to rearrange your appointment.

    If you can’t attend your appointment for any reason, please cancel or rearrange it so that the appointment slot can be given to someone else who needs it.

    Can I still book if I previously had an appointment but didn’t attend or cancel it?

    Yes. Only those who have had a vaccination recorded are marked on the system and are therefore unable to book again.

    What do I do if I have an invitation to go to a mass vaccination centre as well as from my GP?

    Please avoid travelling as much as possible and go to your local GP, even if you have already accepted an appointment at a mass vaccination centre. Please cancel that one and go to your GP appointment.

    During national lockdowns, will vaccines still be provided and should I still attend my appointment?

    Yes. Getting the Covid-19 vaccine, or any other vaccine, is an important medical appointment and vaccinations will continue as normal. If you have booked or are offered an appointment, please attend it. The place that you choose to have your vaccine will keep you safe from Covid-19 through a range of measures including cleaning and disinfecting and having social distancing in waiting areas. Please also wear a face covering to your appointment. You should also take the usual steps to minimise your risk as you travel to your appointment.

    How are housebound residents being vaccinated?

    NHS GP hubs, in partnership with NHS community trusts, are going out to the homes of clinically vulnerable and older residents who are unable to attend a GP hub for their covid vaccine.

    A housebound resident is one who has the majority of their care delivered in their home. However, many are able to travel with support and where that is possible, vaccinations are being given at GP vaccination hubs.

    For those unable to leave home, NHS staff will be taking the vaccine to them in a cool box. Only one person will enter the house and they will stay no longer than necessary. Residents will be asked in advance to open windows and keep other members of the household at a suitable distance.

  • How safe and effective are the vaccines?

    How safe are the Covid-19 vaccines?

    Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection, and have been given regulatory approval by the MHRA.

    Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. The UK has some of the highest safety standards in the world.

    Other vaccines are being developed. They will only be available on the NHS once they have been thoroughly tested to make sure they are safe and effective.

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

    Does the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine cause blood clots?

    Please see:

    How is the Covid-19 vaccine given?

    How effective is the Covid-19 vaccine?

    The 1st dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should give you good protection from coronavirus. But you need to have 2 doses of the vaccine and the booster to give you longer lasting protection.

    There is a chance you might still get or spread coronavirus even if you have the vaccine.

    This means it is important to:

    • continue to follow social distancing guidance
    • if you can, wear something that covers your nose and mouth in places where it's hard to stay away from other people
       

    The Covid-19 vaccine will reduce the chance of you suffering from the Covid-19 disease. It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions after vaccination to avoid infection. Some people may still get Covid-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

    Will the vaccines work with the new strains?

    There is no evidence currently that the new strains will be resistant to the vaccines we have, so we are continuing to vaccinate people as normal. Scientists are looking now in detail at the characteristics of the virus in relation to the vaccines. Viruses, such as the winter flu virus, often branch into different strains but these small variations rarely render vaccines ineffective.  

    Covid-19 vaccine side effects

    How common are serious side effects after vaccination? - YouTube

    Most side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

    • a sore arm where the needle went in
    • feeling tired
    • a headache
    • feeling achy.
       

    You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to. If you have a high temperature you may have coronavirus or another infection.

    If your symptoms get worse or you are worried, call 111.

    For more information about side effects of the vaccine see:

    Covid-19 vaccine ingredients

    The Covid-19 vaccine does not contain any animal products or egg.

    What about the allergic reactions that have been reported?

    It’s very rare for anyone to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine (anaphylaxis). If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

    Can I catch Covid-19 from the vaccine?

    You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught Covid-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, visit the NHS website.

    Can I give Covid-19 to anyone, after I have had the vaccine?

    The vaccine cannot give you the Covid-19 infection, but it will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus. So, it is important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you. To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to:

    • practice social distancing
    • wear a face mask
    • wash your hands carefully and frequently
    • follow the current government guidance for your local area.
  • Having your second Covid-19 vaccine

    When will I have my second vaccine?

    A m​​​​​​inimum of 8 weeks is required between jabs.

    It is important that you have both doses of your vaccine to ensure you have the maximum level of protection from coronavirus.

    If you booked your first appointment through your local GP, pharmacy or hospital hub, you may have been able to book your second appointment at the same time. If not, you will be contacted by text, by call or by letter closer to the 12-week deadline to make an appointment.

    If you booked your first vaccine through the online booking systems, you should have been able to book your appointment for your second vaccine as well. You can view and change the date of your second appointment through the NHS coronavirus vaccination booking page.

    Can I go to a different vaccination centre for my second dose?

    Yes. If you have booked both doses through the NHS booking system and want to re-book your second dose at a different centre, you can view and change the date of your second appointment through the NHS coronavirus vaccination booking page.

    If you had your first dose through your GP surgery or hospital hub, you can let them know if there is a reason why you need to have your second dose somewhere else.

    There are pop up clinics and buses in various locations in the borough where you can walk-in to get your first or second jab.  

    For further advice see: Booking your coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination appointments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    What happens if more than the allotted time passes before I have my second vaccine?

    If for any reason you miss having your second vaccine, please make sure you book-in or walk-in to a vaccination facility and have it as soon as possible. 

Covid-19 information videos

Covid-19 vaccination easy-read guides

Further information

Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Hala Abusin from Pharmacy on Wheels in Goldhawk Road, Shepherds Bush, urges you to roll up your sleeve when it's your time for the jab.

Watch Hala's YouTube vaccine message.