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Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will have mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing treatment. However, some people can become seriously ill and need medical care.
Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory disease (long-term breathing problems) are more likely to develop serious illness.
Some common symptoms of COVID-19 include a new, 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).
COVID-19 vaccines help protect against the current main types of COVID-19 viruses.
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 a number of vaccines for use in the UK as safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
In Wales, we follow advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the use of different vaccine products as part of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
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.
If you receive a call that you think is a scam, end the call by hanging up immediately.
If you are concerned or suspicious about an email you have received, please forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk so these scams can be identified and stopped. More information can be found at Avoid and report internet scams and phishing - GOV.UK (external site)
If you are concerned or suspicious about a text message you have received, please forward the text message to the number 7726 (which spells out SPAM on a telephone keypad). This is free of charge.
When you forward the suspicious message, you will receive a reply asking for the number which sent you the text. Action Fraud will follow this up with your mobile phone provider.
If you think you are a victim of fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk (external site)
Please make sure your GP has your up-to-date contact details so you can be contacted to have the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as appropriate.
Scammers often make contact by email, phone calls, text messages or social media posts. They may even call at your door and may ask you for money.
There have been reports of scams relating to the COVID-19 vaccine. In Wales, COVID-19 vaccines will only be available through your NHS local health board.
Remember
The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details – the vaccine is free.
The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.
NHS staff will never arrive unannounced at your home to give you the COVID-19 vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or payslips.
If you receive a call, text message or email claiming to be a COVID-19 vaccine booking line asking for your bank details or for money, this is a scam. Never give your bank details over the phone or email to an unknown source or to anyone who cannot confirm their identity to you.
There is more information on spotting fraud and scams at www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-for-raising-awareness-about-vaccine-fraud (external site)