Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will have mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing treatment. However, some people can become seriously ill and need medical care.
Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory disease (long-term breathing problems) are more likely to develop serious illness.
Some common symptoms of COVID-19 include a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, aches and pains, a headache, tiredness and weakness. More information about COVID-19 is available from Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19 | GOV.WALES (external site).
COVID-19 vaccines help protect against the current main types of COVID-19 viruses.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are responsible for approving the use of medicines, including vaccines, and monitoring their safety. They have approved a number of vaccines for use in the UK as safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
In Wales, we follow advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the use of different vaccine products as part of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine below.
Frequently Asked Questions (Link to Public Health Wales)
Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Booster