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

Being double vaccinated still offers the best protection against the Delta variant, first identified in India and now dominant in the UK, according to a new study.

But people who have had both doses can still catch and transmit the disease, so researchers say it is essential that as many people are possible get the jab.

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

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

There are an estimated 1.4 million people in this age group. NHS England says that more than 360,000 have already received the vaccine, including those eligible because of an underlying health condition.

People in this age group don't need parental consent, as they are considered capable of making their own medical treatment decisions.

GPs are also inviting at-risk children aged between 12 and 15, who are clinically vulnerable to Covid or live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus, to get vaccinated. Around 30,000 children in this age group have had the jab.

There are currently no plans to vaccinate healthy children of this age.

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 and Wales, the figure is 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 asked by text or letter to make an appointment through their GP, or they may be able to go directly to a walk-in centre in their area.

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.

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.

The risk of becoming ill from Covid is about 90% lower if you've been jabbed.

People who have had the vaccine can still catch and transmit the disease. A small number may sadly die.

After four or five months, the study suggests you have the same amount of protection whether you had AstraZeneca or Pfizer.

Neither is as effective against Delta as they are against the Alpha variant, which was responsible for most UK infections last winter.

Researchers don't yet have enough data to compare the Moderna jab, but believe it is "almost certainly at least as good as the others".

The study also shows that younger people gain more protection from being vaccinated than older people.

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

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.

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

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.