Pharmacy2U are proud to support the NHS in vaccinating the nation against COVID-19

This article has been medically approved by Superintendent Pharmacist Phil Day, MRPharmS (IPresc) - GPhC Reg No: 2043558

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has altered all of our lives but thanks to the hard work of medical experts across the world, vaccines are now available.

As a trusted NHS service, supporting over half a million patients to manage their repeat prescriptions, Pharmacy2U are proud to be assisting the NHS in their mission to get the nation vaccinated against COVID-19. They have set up vaccination clinics across England to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone eligible, on behalf of the NHS.

How the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination service works at Pharmacy2U clinics

The COVID-19 vaccine is given as an injection, similar to the flu vaccine, and is given in 2 doses. The 2nd dose is given 11 to 12 weeks after your 1st dose.

The NHS will invite you to book your vaccination

The NHS will contact you when you're eligible to book your COVID-19 vaccine and you’ll be directed to the national booking system, where you can choose your preferred location, dates and times for both of your vaccination appointments.

If you’ve selected a Pharmacy2U location, come to our vaccination clinic

On your appointment date, arrive at your chosen vaccination clinic and you’ll be greeted by one of our team. Don’t forget to wear a facemask and if you bring your invitation letter with you, this will help us to check you in quickly on the day.

Come to our vaccine centre for your appointment

If you’re driving, you’ll be asked to wait around 15 minutes before leaving. Following your vaccination, we’ll provide you with the necessary aftercare information.

How long will my appointment take?

Your appointment will take 30 - 45 minutes.

Who’s eligible for a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine?

Currently, the NHS is providing the vaccine to the following groups who are most at risk from coronavirus:

The NHS is inviting patients for a vaccination. Find out when you’ll be eligible for the vaccine here.

How to book an appointment?

The NHS will notify you when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. You’ll then be directed to the national booking system to choose where you’d like to have your vaccination. The NHS, GP’s, pharmacies and other healthcare teams are working hard to make as many locations as possible available, to support the nationwide rollout of the vaccine.

Pharmacy2U have a number of clinics across the country that you can choose from and we’ll be setting up more in the coming weeks.

You must book an appointment through the NHS national booking system in order to use this service.

How effective is the Covid-19 vaccine?

The two vaccines currently available in the UK have an efficacy of between 70% and 90% at preventing COVID-19 symptoms, when measured three weeks after the first injection is administered; however, they are also between 95% and 100% effective at preventing severe symptoms and hospitalisation.

Both vaccines require two doses. After the second dose of the vaccine, the efficacy increases further, and the duration of its effect is also increased. However, while the vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 symptoms, it is not yet known if it also stops you from spreading the virus to other people, so it’s still important to follow social distancing guidance, and cover your nose and mouth in places where you are near other people.

How safe is the Coronavirus vaccine?

Any vaccine that is approved goes through several clinical trials and safety checks that all licensed medicines must go through. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) is the Government’s medicines safety agency who ensure the safety of medicines and vaccines. Find out more about the safety of the vaccine here.