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COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Most people infected with the virus will have mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing treatment. It can be more serious in older people and those with certain health conditions, such as having a weakened immune system. If these people catch the virus, they can become seriously ill and might need medical care or hospitalisation.
Some common symptoms of COVID-19 include a continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, aches and pains, a headache, tiredness and weakness. More information about COVID-19 is available from Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19 | GOV.WALES (external site).
Having the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the virus. Over time, viruses can change and your levels of protection can reduce. Getting vaccinated will help you have less severe symptoms and get better faster.
Vaccinations save lives and they are an effective way to protect yourself from getting seriously ill. Vaccines for COVID-19 help protect you against the current types of COVID-19 viruses. Just like flu, the current type can change, so having a spring dose is the best way to protect yourself from getting seriously ill.
In Wales, we follow advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the use of different vaccines as part of vaccination programmes. You will be offered the most appropriate vaccine, which may be the same or different from the vaccines you have had before. You can find further information and see the patient information leaflet for current COVID-19 vaccines at medicines.org.uk/emc (external site). Enter ‘COVID-19’ in the search box.
All medicines and vaccines have passed strict safety standards for use in the UK and are very safe. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are responsible for approving the use of medicines, including vaccines, and monitoring their safety. They have approved several vaccines for use in the UK as safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. As with all medicines and vaccines, any reports of side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are closely monitored and reviewed.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine below. We will update this page regularly, when new information is available.