understanding the Coronavirus vaccine

Covid-19 vaccines: what you need to know

The Covid vaccination programme is a sign of hope to many. But, with so much information (and misinformation) available online it can be difficult to get to the facts.

On this page you can:

Learn about Coronavirus vaccines

Learn about Covid boosters

Read about Covid vaccine experiences

Learn quick Covid vaccine facts

Download translated vaccine facts

Book a Covid vaccine appointment UK

Read Covid-19 vaccine FAQs

Join the conversation. If one thing deserves extra care and consideration, it’s your health. Take your time to read, and seek reliable sources to help you and your loved ones make informed decisions.

About Covid-19 vaccines

Covid-19 vaccines in the UK are continually monitored and have been given regulatory approval for supply by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), following a thorough and rigorous assessment for safety and effectiveness.

Other vaccines are in wide use across the globe, but will only be available in the UK if they are required and once they have been thoroughly tested.

Learn more about Covid-19 vaccines.

Learn more about Covid boosters.

Got a question?

Do I need a Covid booster vaccine?

How do the Covid vaccines work?

Are the Covid vaccines safe?

What are the Covid vaccine ingredients?

Is the Covid vaccine safe when pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do Covid vaccines affect fertility?

About Covid vaccine side effects

Learn more about Covid-19 vaccines on our Coronavirus vaccine FAQ page.

Coronavirus vaccine facts

Together with measures to stop viruses spreading - like social distancing - vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from Covid-19.

If you, or someone you know is worried about taking the Covid vaccine, join the conversation, seek reliable sources and learn the facts from medical professionals like Dr Karan. Share our quick facts below to help make informed decisions.

Learn more about what's in the Covid vaccine (ingredients).

Download Coronavirus facts

If you’re interested in more facts and information about the Covid-19 vaccines please download our PDF document.

Download in Albanian

Download in Armenian

Download in Lithuanian

If you're undecided about getting the Covid-19 vaccine, read more about vaccine experiences.

How to register with a GP and book a Covid vaccine appointment?

Everyone in England, regardless of their immigration status, can get access to a Covid-19 vaccine.

In this video, produced in partnership with Doctors of the World, we share key information on how to register with a GP and book a Covid-19 vaccine.

You can also watch this video in:

Simplified Chinese

Vaccine history

Vaccines have been used to fight against infectious diseases since the 18th century, and The British Red Cross has been supporting vaccine programmes for generations.

Our online exhibition explores the key moments in vaccination history, the role of the Red Cross, and how the smallpox vaccine led to the global eradication of the disease.

Find out more about the history of vaccines.