This page reflects the latest information about eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19 which can be a serious illness for some people.
On this page, we look at who may be eligible for a vaccine, the vaccine and disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and how to get it.
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID- 19.
COVID-19 vaccination is usually offered on the NHS to people who need extra protection from COVID-19. It is usually offered in spring and early winter to people who are eligible. Recommendations are issued on who should be offered the vaccine each time, so it’s worth checking back to see if it is recommended for you.
The following vaccines are currently available for adults over the age of 18 in the UK:
Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are available for people below the age of 18.
COVID-19 vaccines are generally offered to people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch COVID-19.
This year, not everyone with MS is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. You may be eligible for a vaccine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are:
MS itself does not weaken the immune system. However, some MS treatments, including certain disease modifying therapies (DMTs), can weaken the immune system.
Some disease modifying therapies (DMTs) work by suppressing your immune system (immunosuppression).
DMTS that can affect how your immune system works are:
Stem cell therapy for MS can also affect how your immune system works. This therapy is usually autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT).
If you are taking or having one of these treatments, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.
While some vaccines may not be as effective during treatment with some DMTs, they still help to protect you against serious illness. Viruses change and protection fades over time. It is important that you take any vaccinations that your MS team recommends.
Live vaccines will not be recommended for you if you are being treated with a DMT which suppresses your immune system. The COVID-19 vaccine is not a live vaccine.
Your MS team may recommend that you have any relevant vaccines before you start treatment with a DMT, especially if the DMT is a highly effective one. They will also discuss with you anything else that you need to consider before having a vaccine.
If you recently started treatment with a DMT, it is a good idea to check that your GP or healthcare team knows which DMT you are being treated. This will help them work out if you may be eligible for a vaccine.
We have more information about disease modifying therapies.
How you access the COVID-19 vaccine varies across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. If you are eligible, the NHS will generally contact you.
The NHS has information about getting a vaccine in England including booking a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
In Scotland and Wales, the NHS or your local health board will usually contact you if you are eligible for vaccination. You can find out more about the vaccination programme in Wales and how to contact your local health board. You can also find out more about the vaccination programme in Scotland.
In Northern Ireland, you are advised to know your GP or pharmacist's vaccination arrangement and work with them to get a vaccine. Find out more about the autumn and winter vaccination programme in Northern Ireland.
The safety of COVID-19 vaccines has been extensively reviewed in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). In some cases, for example if you have ever had an allergic reaction, it is important to let your GP, pharmacist or healthcare team know before you get vaccinated so they can work out what is best for you.
The NHS has more information about the COVID-19 vaccine including possible side effects.
We also have more information about vaccination and immunisation.
