The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective, and gives you the best protection against serious infection
Testing
Lateral Flow Tests
One in three people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms so it's important to test yourself regularly regardless of how you feel. Rapid testing detects cases quickly and could stop you passing the virus to others.
Order COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs)
Pick up rapid lateral flow test packs from a pharmacy
It’s contact free and there’s no need to book or register. Opening times are below.People who receive positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate immediately and won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.
PCR Testing
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please book a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible. You can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-up or drive-through test site on GOV.UK.
If you have previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, you are usually advised not to take another PCR test within 90 days of this result. You should only have a PCR test within 90 days of a previous positive PCR test if you develop any new symptoms of COVID-19, if you have a positive LFT test result, or if you are required to take a PCR test upon entry into the UK.
If you have a positive PCR test result within 90 days of a previous positive PCR test result you must stay at home, self-isolate and follow the steps in this guidance again
COVID-19 vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus, and it's not too late to get your first vaccination. Everyone age 18 and above (and some people age 16 and above) is eligible for two doses plus a booster.
Most children age 12 to 15 are being offered a first dose at school although appointments can be booked too. Find out how to make an appointment, and where and when walk-in sessions are being held on the BLMK website.
Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12 to 15
Book your COVID-19 booster dose appointment
Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
Have you received a call about your vaccination?
The Public Health team for Central Bedfordshire, Bedford and Milton Keynes is calling local people who have not yet had their vaccine to understand if there are barriers to you getting vaccinated that they can help with. They do not have access to your medical records and will not be discussing any medical issues, but can arrange for you to be called by a dedicated GP if you have any concerns.
If they cannot reach you by phone, we will send you a text message or email. The messages will be from 01462 754070 and will be marked from 'MK CBC Beds'. Emails and SMS will clearly say they are from Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough, or Milton Keynes Councils.
They will not ask you for any personal or financial information. If you receive a call and have any concerns, you can call 01462 754070 to check.
privacy and data sharing: COVID-19 vaccine support programme
Funding to address COVID-19 vaccine inequalities
Milton Keynes Council is offering grants (£250 - £5,000) to local groups, companies or organizations to increase vaccine uptake.
Find out more and apply online here
Do you need transport to get vaccinated?
Are you having problems getting to a vaccine centre? You can now get free transport with Milton Keynes Council.
If you need transport to get to and from a vaccination appointment or a walk-in session at a vaccine centre, then you can get free transport through these operators.
Just quote “MK Vaccine Service” when making a booking from these operators. It is advised to book as far in advance as possible.
- MKHT - call them on 07456 220525
- Monday – Friday between 9am - 8pm
- 247 - call them on 01908 676767
- Monday to Friday between 9am - 2pm and 4pm - 7am
- Saturday and Sunday, 24 hour availability