The Brain Charity

Coronavirus is a virus which causes COVID-19, a viral infection. It can cause permanent harm, complications, and death. COVID-19 is very dangerous for people with existing conditions, including asthma or heart problems. People with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or cerebral palsy are at higher risk too.

We all need to keep washing our hands, wearing face-masks, and maintaining social distancing. But the best protection is provided by the new coronavirus vaccines – known as ‘the jab’.

The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres. More centres are opening all the time and more groups are being offered the vaccine.

These Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines currently in use in the UK have all been developed more quickly than usual because of the urgency and seriousness of the pandemic. But they have all gone through the usual tests and been approved by official bodies.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been proved to be safe. The real danger is if you don’t have the vaccine. If you have the vaccine, you are much less at risk of catching coronavirus, and much less likely to pass the virus on to other people.

The vaccine is free. You’ll get a letter or call from your GP to make an appointment to have it. If you don’t have a medical exemption, take it up.

Click here for information on how The Brain Charity can support you during the COVID-19 pandemic.