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How you can get the covid vaccine if you’re not signed up to a GP surgery

Photo credit: Aliaksandr Barysenka / EyeEm - Getty Images
Photo credit: Aliaksandr Barysenka / EyeEm - Getty Images

All information is correct at the time of writing. For ongoing updates about coronavirus, visit the gov.uk website.

From the start of the coronavirus pandemic, experts told us time and again that the solution was in the hands of scientists working on immunisation to protect populations against the illness. Now, over a year since the first UK lockdown, with the rollout of COVID vaccines in full-swing, that’s been proven to be true.

Currently, in the UK, case numbers are under control, meaning that the NHS isn’t at risk of being overwhelmed and death rates are much lower than we’ve previously seen. A key reason for this is the NHS’ vaccine rollout, which has immunised the majority of older people and those in other vulnerable groups, and is now working to give jabs to those in their 30s.

Over 54,000,000 people in the UK have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, with over 18,000,000 within that number being protected with two doses.

Currently, you are eligible to receive a vaccine through the NHS if:

  • you're aged 38 or over

  • you'll turn 38 before 1 July 2021

  • you're at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)

  • you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)

  • you have a learning disability

  • you're a frontline health or social care worker

  • you get a Carer's Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority or your GP record shows you're a carer

When you are eligible, you will be contacted to book an appointment, and this can happen in various ways including via letter, text or over the phone.

Alternatively, it is possible to book online through the NHS’ website, if you are eligible. One caveat stated on the website is that in order to use this online booking service, you must be registered with a GP surgery.

That’s not to say, though, that you can only receive the jab if you’re registered with a GP, although the NHS encourages everyone to sign up with a local general practice. People who aren't registered will be contacted to book a vaccine when eligible.

Photo credit: retales botijero - Getty Images
Photo credit: retales botijero - Getty Images

An NHS spokesperson said:Even if people are not registered with a GP they will still be contacted when the vaccine is available to them through a national booking service and using NHS numbers.”

The NHS’ National booking service, which handles queries related to COVID vaccines, is available to call on 119 and further information can be found on the NHS website, including guidance on how to register with a GP.

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