It’s recommended that pregnant women should only receive the vaccine in certain circumstances. Children shouldn't get the vaccine at the moment, either. This is simply because it hasn't yet been tested on these groups. Since the start of August 2020 we have handled more than one million phone calls to our dedicated helpline. It might be that you're offered both at the same time. This is perfectly safe and could be more convenient for you. Anyone aged over 75 and receiving Pension Credit is eligible for a free TV Licence, paid for by the BBC.

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Initial tests take place to see if a vaccine is safe and will lead to immunity. These tests will take place ‘in vitro’ (in a group of cells which have been grown in a laboratory and aren’t part of an animal) or ‘in vivo’ (in animals). Scientists identify the specific antigen to the virus that causes the disease, then develop a vaccine to trial. We wrote to people twice last year. In August we wrote to all over 75 customers who had previously held a free licence explaining the simple steps they needed to take to apply for a paid or free licence. A reminder letter was sent to a much smaller group in October and November to help remaining customers get set-up.No one needs to leave their home to get set-up. Arrangements can be made via post, online or via a dedicated phone line on 0300 790 6117 Developing a vaccine often takes some time. This is usually because research and pharmaceutical companies can’t commit to funding the whole process. There are often long gaps between phases while organisations wait for funding before moving to the next stage. Even when a vaccine is approved, it takes some time for pharmaceutical companies to set up manufacturing and produce the vaccine in the quantities needed for public use. No visits have been authorised to anyone who had previously held a free over-75s licence. This policy has been in place since August last year.

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

About 1 in 7 older customers are left to transition either by buying a licence or claiming a free licence paid for by the BBC. 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.The Government sets the criteria for Pension Credit and further detail from the Department for Work and Pensions can be found here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine latest information | Age UK

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?

Enforcement

The BBC retained a free licence provision for the most vulnerable. Free TV licences remain available to anyone aged over 75 who is in receipt of Pension Credit, paid for by the BBC. Research has shown that the protection the vaccines provide starts to lessen as time goes on. Booster vaccines have also been amended to protect you from more recent variants, so it's important that everyone who is eligible goes and gets their booster. Do I need to get my flu vaccine too? Then there are three stages of trials and at each of these stages, the vaccine is tested on more people.