Get Vaccinated

Am I eligible to use the vaccine service?

At the present time, only certain groups can book using this service. If you do not meet any of the following criteria you may still be eligible for a vaccination at your GP surgery, local pharmacy, or a trust walk-in clinic.

Any under 12-year-old booking requires an adult with parental responsibility to book on their behalf.

• For first or second COVID-19 vaccinations you must be one of the following:
  • you are over 12 years old
  • you are between 5 – 11 years old and either:
    • you have received a letter from your doctor/clinician
    • or you live in a household with an immunosuppressed person who has received a letter from their GP/Trust clinician

• For booster COVID-19 vaccinations you must be one of the following:
  • you are over 16 years old
  • you are over 12 years old and either:
    • you have previously received a letter from your GP/Trust clinician specifically stating that you require a 3^rd primary dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
    • or you have a severe underlying health condition
    • or you live in a household with an immunosuppressed person who has received a letter from their GP/Trust clinician

• For 3^rd primary COVID-19 (not a booster) vaccinations you must be one of the following:
  • you are over 12 years old and have received a letter from your GP/Trust clinician specifically stating that you require a 3^rd primary dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

• For Flu vaccinations you must be one of the following:

you are over 18 years old and a health & social care worker in a Trust in Northern Ireland

What is a front-line health & social care worker?

There are two types of health & social care worker in Northern Ireland:

• Frontline:
  • Staff involved in Direct Patient or Client Care;
  • Other staff in Non-Clinical contact with Patients or Clients;
  • Laboratory or Pathology Staff

• Non-frontline:
  • Any member of staff Not involved in face to face or social contact with Patients or Clients during the performance of their duties.

Watch out for scams

The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are free of charge to eligible individuals on the health service. The health service will never ask for:

• your bank account or card details
• your pin or banking password
• copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips

If you think you have been a victim of fraud or identify theft, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you get a suspicious email send it to the National Cyber Security Centre’s suspicious email reporting service by emailing report@phishing.gov.uk.

If you get a suspicious text, forward it to 7726 and it will be investigated. You can read more about this service by clicking here.

FAQs

What am I booking?

If you are eligible, you will be able to book a single appointment. During booking, you will be able to select from one of the following vaccination options:

• Seasonal flu vaccination only
• COVID-19 booster vaccination only
• Both seasonal Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations

What if I can’t attend my appointment?

If you cannot attend your appointment you should cancel it so we can offer your appointment to another person. You can view and cancel your appointments by logging into the appointment management portal.

What if I am unwell or have COVID-19?

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a mild fever or upper airway infection, like a cold.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, you may be unable to book using this service – you will be asked about specific dates. If you are unsure, you can use the COVID-19 Symptom Checker to determine whether you have COVID-19 symptoms.

On my appointment day, what do I need before I leave?

You must bring photo ID with proof of your age on it, e.g. passport, driving licence, electoral card, or travel pass. Photo identification which has passed its expiration date is acceptable.

If you are a Health and Social Care Worker, you must also bring your valid staff ID.

If you are booking because you have received a formal letter from your GP/Consultant, you must bring this letter with you.

What should I expect when I arrive for my appointment?

You should come alone unless you need assistance.

The vaccination centre staff will check your details.

The nurse or doctor will ask you some questions for your safety before you get a vaccine – you should answer these as accurately as possible.

If you are unable to answer these questions we may be unable to give a vaccine and referral back to your GP will be advised.

If you are providing assistance, you may need to answer these questions for the person getting a vaccine.

After getting the vaccine, you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes before you can leave.

What if my question isn’t listed above?

You can read further information that is not related to this booking service on the NI Direct Website.