COVID-19 vaccine information

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 1st and 2nd vaccine doses are available for:

Everyone aged 5 (on or before 31 August 2022) and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose.

Children who turned 5 on or after 1 September 2022 can only get a 1st and 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they’re either:

• at high risk due to a health condition or because of a weakened immune system
• living with someone who has a weakened immune system

If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose yet, you're still eligible and can get them anytime until 30 June 2023, when the option to get a 1st or 2nd dose ends for most.

COVID-19 spring booster dose

The NHS should contact those who are eligible for the spring seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Seasonal boosters are being offered to those:

• aged 75 or over (you will need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023);
• living in a care home for older adults;
• aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system.

Those eligible can get a seasonal booster dose by:

• booking online
• going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.

Additional primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Those aged 5 or over who have a severely weakened immune system when they had their first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, may be offered an additional primary dose (3rd dose) before any booster doses. The NHS should contact those eligible.

More information on the vaccination programme can be found on the Sussex Health and Care website.

How and where can I get my vaccine?

Appointments can be booked online or by calling 119.

Frequently asked questions

If you would like to know more about the vaccination programme, there are regularly updated FAQs on the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website, to address common questions and queries.

I need help to get to my vaccine appointment

East Sussex residents who have no means to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment will be able to book a free return journey to help them attend.

To book free travel please book your vaccination appointment first and then call 07871 603 235 to speak to a travel coordinator. The booking service is available between 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Once you are through to a travel coordinator you will be asked the following questions: 

• Do you have access to transport to attend your vaccine appointment?
• Do you have a family member, friend or carer who can help with transport? They do not have to be in your bubble as per government guidelines.
  If both of these options are not available the travel coordinator will arrange transport for you, including any additional needs such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles.

All transport providers have signed up to a COVID-19 safety policy to ensure that all precautions are in place for a safe journey.

Hastings HEART are also offering free transport for people struggling to get to vaccination centres. HEART volunteer drivers are all vaccinated themselves and are trained in cleaning their vehicles to make them as safe as possible for people to travel in. To request vaccination transport visit the Hastings HEART website and fill in a simple help request form or call 01424 235290 and request a call-back. Messages are picked up throughout the day and HEART aims to respond to everyone requesting help within 24hrs.

If you need to take public transport to your vaccine appointment, then the latest Hastings bus timetable can be found on Stagecoach's website.