Can I get the Covid vaccine if I have a cold? What to do if you are ill or have the flu when getting the Covid jab - and how to book

With flu season now in full swing, the UK Health Security Agency has reported a rise in calls to 111 about colds and flu while GPs have seen an increase in patients seeking help with respiratory tract infections.

If you are taken ill with cold or flu symptoms just before you are scheduled to get the next dose of your Covid-19 vaccine, what does that mean for your jab?

This is everything you need to know about getting the Covid-19 vaccine when ill.

Can I get the jab if I am ill?

If you are sure that you do not have Covid-19 and are well enough to leave your home, you can still attend your appointment even if you have a cold.

With only mild symptoms you should be fine to get your vaccine, but if you are ill with a high temperature or fever, the NHS advises that you wait until you are better and take a test to check if it is Covid-19.

If you are unsure whether or not you should attend your vaccine appointment, please speak to your GP before booking an appointment.

Do not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a coronavirus test or unsure if you are well enough.

You can rearrange your appointment using the NHS online booking system if necessary.

When should I get the vaccine?

It was initially suggested that people receive both doses of the vaccine at around 12 weeks apart.

However in September advice changed and people can now receive their second vaccine just 8 weeks after their first dose.

Experts have said that there are no benefits to receiving the second vaccine any sooner than 8 weeks.

It was also announced earlier this week that anyone over the age of 18 can receive their booster jab at one of the many walk-in centres across the city.

Find your nearest walk-in centre.

Where can I get the vaccine?

There are a few vaccination centres offering walk-in or bookable appointments for vaccinations in Leeds.

You can get your first vaccine at any time, and some clinics are offering a second vaccine if you can prove that it has been at least 8 weeks since your first jab.

Please note that the NHS is advising people to book their vaccination appointments instead of using walk-in centres in order to minimise queuing and speed up the vaccination programme.

If you are in the listed demographics for the third dose or 'vaccine booster' you can also book in for an appointment.

The following are the current demographics being offered the booster:

People aged 40 and over

People who live and work in care homes

Frontline health and social care workers

People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19

People aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19

People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

Find the full list of centres offering vaccinations on our website.

You can book in for your vaccine using the NHS online booking system.

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