Covid: What do under-30s need to know about the vaccine?

Everyone aged 16 and over in the UK can now receive the Covid vaccine.

Until now the UK has stopped short of vaccinating under-18s, except over-12s with underlying conditions, or those living with others at high risk.

Over-16s are now being offered a single dose of the coronavirus vaccine across the UK.

All 16-17-year-olds in England will be offered their jab by 23 August, the government has said.

There are an estimated 1.4 million people in this age group. NHS England says that nearly 16,000 have already received the vaccine.

There are currently no plans to offer the jab to healthy 12-15-year-olds in the UK.

No. When a person reaches 16, they are considered capable of making their own medical treatment decisions - such as whether to receive the vaccine. This can only be overruled in exceptional circumstances.

Under-16s can also consent to their own treatment if they're "believed to have enough intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what's involved". This is known as being Gillick competent.

Otherwise, someone with parental responsibility can consent for them. If a parent refuses consent, the courts could overrule them if it's in the best interests of the child.

More than 47m people - nearly 90% of the adult population - have had their first dose. Almost 41m people (77% of UK adults) have now received two Covid jabs.

Under-30s only became eligible for the vaccine in June.

So far about two-thirds of 18-29-year-olds in England have received at least one jab. In Scotland, the figure is about 70%, and in Wales it's about 75%.

In England adults and those within three months of turning 18 can book a jab either online or by calling 119. You can also visit a walk-in clinic without an appointment. Check your local health providers and social media groups for details.

All 16 and 17-year-olds are being invited by text or letter to make an appointment through their GP, or they can go directly to a walk-in centre.

In Scotland, everyone aged 16 and over can register to get the vaccine on the NHS inform website or by calling 0800 030 8013. Most health boards also have drop-in vaccination clinics.

In Wales, adults should contact their local health board if they have not already been offered a jab. Invites are being sent out to 16 and 17-year-olds.

In Northern Ireland, you can book online or call 0300 200 7813. Walk-in centres are now open to older teenagers.

You can't choose what vaccine you get. It's based on your age and whatever vaccines are available at the time.

If you're under 40 or pregnant you will be offered Pfizer or Moderna.

Under-18s have so far been offered Pfizer. The medicines regulator has now said the Moderna vaccine is safe for use in 12-17-year-olds, so it may also be given to this age group.

Most are mild, completely normal and disappear after a few days.

They happen because the body's defences are reacting to the vaccine, and include:

A very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and you should discuss any allergies you have before vaccination.

There have been reports that a very small number of young people developed inflammation of the heart muscle after receiving the vaccine. However, they would be much more likely to develop the condition from Covid itself.

There's no evidence to suggest you should avoid alcohol altogether, but drinking in large quantities can suppress your immune system.

Some women have experienced unusually heavy, painful or prolonged periods after being jabbed.

This may be because the jab prompts an increase in activity in the immune system, which also plays a role in the menstrual cycle.

Doctors and midwives are urging pregnant women to get a vaccine, to protect themselves and their babies.

Coronavirus can cause serious illness in some women in later pregnancy, and possibly a slightly higher rate of stillbirth.

You are encouraged to discuss any questions you have with your GP or midwife.

If you're planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding you can still get vaccinated, government guidance says.

A recent study suggests vaccination can help improve long Covid symptoms.

The vaccine could be pressing the body's reset button and helping it recover, researchers say.

The risk of becoming ill from Covid is about 90% lower if you've had the vaccine.

It is not perfect, however, which means some people will still get infected. A small number will sadly die.

Covid vaccines are very effective and are saving lives.

Covid vaccines are not compulsory, but everyone is being urged to get jabbed, to protect themselves, their family, friends and wider society.

Younger people are less likely to die from Covid-19. But a fifth of those in hospital in England are now aged 18-34.

Without a jab you may not be able to do certain jobs. And some countries only allow fully vaccinated travellers to enter.

People with both jabs don't have to self-isolate on return to the UK from amber list countries, or if they come into close contact with someone who tests positive.

The government has also said clubbers and people attending some other venues in England will have to be fully vaccinated by the end of September.