COVID-19: what are my rights?
Last updated on: 22 February 2024
The government has stated that you will not be asked about your immigration status when accessing a COVID-19 test. Treatment for COVID-19 is exempt from NHS charging regulations.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available free for everyone in the UK, regardless of immigration status.
Everyone aged 5 and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose.
You do not need to prove your identity, your address or your immigration status to access the vaccine; nor do you have to pay. No immigration checks will be carried out when you receive the vaccine.
Visit the Doctors of the World website for more information.
The best way to receive a vaccine is via registration with a GP. However, vaccination cannot be refused for non-registered patients and patients also do not need to have to have an NHS number.
People not registered with a GP can find more information on london.gov.uk.
Non-GP registered patients can access vaccination through a walk-in service. Please visit the vaccine website for your local area for further details.
More information can be found in the government’s Migrant Health Guide and in a regular vaccine access briefing produced by Doctors of the World.
When you are vaccinated, you will be given a card detailing the type of vaccine you have received and the date on which you received it. Keep this information safe, as you may need it when you go for your second dose.
Remember, you should get your second vaccine eight weeks after your first; and you will be eligible for a booster three months after your second dose. All of these doses can be given at a walk-in site if you are not registered with a GP.
People registered with a GP should be able to use this link to access proof of vaccination by selecting ‘use the online NHS COVID Pass service’ and creating an NHS login: Getting a digital NHS COVID Pass - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
You can also obtain proof of vaccination via the NHS app. Instructions to download the app to access your vaccine pass can also be found at the link above, however, you also need to be registered with a GP to use the app. You may also choose to call the NHS on 119 who may be able to assist you. Calls to this number are free.
If you are not registered with a GP but would like to access proof of COVID-19 vaccination, you can contact Doctors of the World for advice on 0808 1647 686 (freephone) or email [email protected].
Need a document on this page in an accessible format?
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of a PDF or other document on this page in a more accessible format, please get in touch via our online form and tell us which format you need.
It will also help us if you tell us which assistive technology you use. We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.