Information for adults
What the COVID-19 vaccine is for
COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you're at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:
- Help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
- Help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
- Help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
- Protect against different types of COVID-19 virus
You may still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have a vaccine, so it's important to follow advice about how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027)
- Are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- Live in a care home for older adults
- Frontline health and social care worker employed by Manx Care, who have direct contact with patients/ clients
Who cannot have the COVID-19 vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can have it, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some people are only offered certain vaccines – for example, if you're under 18 years old.
Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.
Most people with allergies can have the COVID-19 vaccine, including if you've had a mild allergic reaction to a previous dose, such as a rash, swelling, wheezing or hives.
If you've ever had an allergic reaction, tell the healthcare staff at your appointment before you're vaccinated.
If you're at risk of a severe allergic reaction, vaccination staff or your GP may refer you for a further review.
They may advise you to have the COVID-19 vaccine at a specialist clinic or hospital where you can be monitored. This will only happen in rare cases – for example, if you have a history of anaphylaxis.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have, or think you have, COVID-19, contact the Vaccination Service if you have an appointment and wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.
You should also wait if you have a high temperature or feel very unwell with any illness.
If you've recently recovered from COVID-19, there is no need to wait to get the vaccine.
Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine
The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and get better within a week.
They can include:
- A sore arm from the injection
- Feeling tired
- A headache
- Feeling achy
- Mild flu-like symptoms
If you get side effects, rest and take paracetamol to help you feel better.
More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.
The vaccine cannot give you a COVID-19 infection.
COVID-19 vaccine safety
COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
The safety of the vaccines has been extensively reviewed in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The MHRA are continuously monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines and reports of serious side effects are very rare.
Additional vaccines for people with a severely weakened immune system
If you have recently been diagnosed with a health condition which weakens your immune system, if you have commenced treatment or started medication that suppresses your immune system, you may be at increased risk from COVID-19.
Please speak to your Consultant or contact the Vaccination Team. Email vaccinations@gov.im or call +44 1624 822111 or 111 to check your eligibility.
