COVID Vaccinations
Autumn Boosters for people living with HIV
All people living with HIV are eligible for a Seasonal Autumn Booster 3 months after their last vaccination.
If it is more than 3 months since your last COVID vaccination, or you are not up to date with your vaccine schedule (see below) you can book your Autumn booster in the following ways:
- The national online booking system if you are registered with a GP
- Call 119 free of charge to book your vaccination
- Alternatively, you can attend a walk-in centre near where you live
It is unlikely that you need to show proof of vaccine eligibility If you have had a COVID vaccination before, if you are 50years of age or over, or you have had a letter showing your eligibility previously. If necessary, you can show a link to this website.
If you experience difficulty receiving your next vaccination due to questions about your eligibility, please contact the Lawson Unit who can provide a letter if it is necessary.
How many COVID Vaccinations do people living with HIV need?
The majority of people living with HIV will now need a total of 5 vaccination doses (2 primary doses, 1 booster, 1 Spring booster and now 1 Autumn booster). You can book your Autumn booster 3 months after having your last COVID -19 vaccination.
Additional protection for people living with HIV with reduced immunity
There are a small number of people living with HIV who are particularly vulnerable to becoming unwell with COVID – these are people with a CD4 count of < 200, those not on antiretrovirals and those with a detectable viral load. These individuals are recommended to have a total of 6 doses of COVID vaccine (3 primary doses, 1 booster, 1 Spring booster and now 1 Autumn booster). You will have previously been contacted by the clinic if you fall into this vaccination group. You can book your Autumn booster 3 months after having your last COVID -19 vaccination.
Additional protection for other health conditions
Please note that some people living with HIV may be eligible for a total of 6 vaccine doses due to other health conditions that mean they are more vulnerable to becoming unwell with COVID. These people will have been previously contacted by their GP or other specialist service.
We advise all people living with HIV to be vaccinated for COVID-19. If you are concerned about the safety or effectiveness of vaccines, you can get more information here.
