The COVID-19 vaccination programme is open to anyone aged 18 and over. There are currently two vaccines being used locally in Oxfordshire:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Oxford/AstraZeneca

The vaccines are allocated nationally and local centres do not have any influence over which they receive. You cannot choose which vaccine you have. When you book, you’ll only be offered appointments for vaccines that are suitable for you.

Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines, but some people are only offered certain vaccines. For example, if you’re pregnant or under 40 you’ll usually only be offered appointments for the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

You should have the same vaccine for both doses, unless you had serious side effects (such as a serious allergic reaction) after your 1st dose. These are very rare reactions and if affected, you will be informed by your GP or hospital clinician, that a different vaccine is necessary for your second dose.

Minor side effects after having any of the vaccinations are common and not a cause for concern. These are usually mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

• a sore arm from the injection
• feeling tired
• a headache
• feeling achy
• feeling or being sick