In August 2020 - and following the largest consultation in the BBC’s history - the process was started to transition over 75 households from free to paid-for TV licences, following the Government’s decision to withdraw the concession. Since the start of August 2020 we have handled more than one million phone calls to our dedicated helpline. Here's how, with your support, Age UK is supporting older people through the cost of living crisis. How you’re feeling and whether you have any symptoms that would stop you from being able to have the vaccine. Any side effects you experience can also be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme by your doctor.

TV Licences: An update - Media Centre - BBC Over 75s TV Licences: An update - Media Centre - BBC

As of August 2020 there were 4.2m over-75 households with free licences that, under the new policy, needed to transition to new paid or free licences.If you do experience any of these side effects, they're likely to last no longer than a week. But if they get worse, or if you're concerned, you should call NHS 111 and explain your symptoms – let them know you've had a vaccination. If you fit any of the above groups and haven't had your first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, you can still get it during the autumn booster period. Why do we need booster jabs? This natural immunity from having an illness doesn’t usually last as long as the immunity given by a vaccine, so it’s recommended that if you’ve had coronavirus you do still get a vaccine. As the coronavirus pandemic has had such an impact globally, researchers and pharmaceutical companies worked together to reduce the amount of time spent waiting between the phases of development.

Clive Lloyd knighted - BBC New Year’s Honours: West Indies star Clive Lloyd knighted - BBC

Then there are three stages of trials and at each of these stages, the vaccine is tested on more people. The NHS prepared a vaccination programme so that it could start vaccinating people as soon as vaccines were approved and available. No one in this group would have received any other letters unless we were in active dialogue with them as part of the transition process. If you have concerns based on specific medications or medical conditions, here are some links which may help answer your questions: Millions of people have received the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. A small number of people have developed health conditions after vaccination. There is substantial evidence of the benefits of the vaccine in preventing illness from coronavirus. The MHRA, EMA and WHO continue to closely monitor all coronavirus vaccines.

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Get a free weekly friendship call. We'll match you with one of our volunteers. Our service is flexible to suit the different needs of everyone who takes part. If you’ve found information that looks like it could be legitimate, but you aren’t sure, see if you can find it from other reputable and trusted sources. It is unlikely that only one source has a true story about coronavirus. While this collaborative approach means vaccines were made available sooner, it doesn’t mean any shortcuts were taken. Each vaccine approved has been through all the essential stages in its development. Volunteers are then monitored closely to determine whether people catch the disease and if there are any side effects. Monitoring continues to determine how long immunity lasts.