1. How to take part in the study

You will receive a letter from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) if you are invited to register and take part. To take part, you will need to register with IQVIA; this is the company collecting data on behalf of the ONS and the University of Oxford.

To register, call IQVIA on the number included in your letter. You will also need to provide your household identification (ID); you will find this in the top right-hand corner of your letter. Your reference number starts with three letters, for example “COV”. Once you have had any questions you have answered, and if you agree to join the survey, we will send you a reminder about how to complete each testing window, and a copy of your consent form.

Everyone in your home who would like to take part should, ideally, be available when you call to register. If someone who wants to take part cannot be available when you call us, they will have seven days after this to call themselves. If they do not call us within seven days, they will not be able to take part.

Taking part will not affect the medical care you receive, and there is no effect on any regular medication or other prescribed or over-the-counter medicines you might be taking.

Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without providing a reason. Everyone in the household can make a different choice – it is not necessary for everyone to do the same. Parents or carers may also withdraw their child from the study at any time without giving a reason.

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2. How do I sign up if I cannot use the phone?

If you are unable to use the telephone, you can contact IQVIA by email at iqvia.covid19survey@nhs.net to register. You will need to provide your household identification (ID) in your email; you will find this in the top right-hand corner of your letter. Your reference number starts with the letters “COV”.

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3. Why you should take part in the study

This is your chance to be involved in a unique study that will allow scientists to understand who has been infected with coronavirus (COVID-19), even if they have not realised it at the time. This is particularly important as more people are vaccinated against COVID-19 and more people get COVID-19. We need to continue to monitor how vaccinations and having had COVID-19 before affects our risk of getting COVID-19 in the future – and work out who might need vaccinating in the future. The information we get from people like you taking part in the survey will help scientists and the government guide the continued response to COVID-19.

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4. How you have been selected for the study

You may have been contacted because you:

  • are currently taking part in the Labour Force Survey; it is also really important to us that you continue to take part in that study

  • have recently taken part in one of our online studies

  • have been randomly selected from a database of addresses

  • have taken part in a survey conducted by NISRA (Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency)

Currently over 370,000 people from more than 220,000 homes across the UK are taking part in the study.

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5. Who can take part in the study

Any current resident in the household aged two years and older can take part in this study. The only exception is adults who are not able to consent for themselves.

By “current resident”, we mean a person who typically stays overnight in the household address at least four nights out of seven.

A “household” is defined as:

  • one person living alone

  • a group of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address who share cooking facilities and share a living room or sitting room or dining area

It is also fine to take part if you are involved in other research studies.

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6. Taking part if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19

Everyone in the study can receive a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination when they are eligible to do so – if your healthcare provider asks questions about the study, you can show them this letter (PDF, 64.7KB).

People who have received a COVID-19 vaccination can stay in the study – and it is extremely important that they do so, as long as they are willing. The study will help us monitor how well the vaccine works in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

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7. How to access the questionnaire

The questionnaire link or telephone contact number will be in the materials emailed or posted to you. However, if you are unable to retrieve this, the questionnaire can be accessed by the following link: www.covidsurvey.ons.gov.uk or telephone number 0800 085 6807.

You will need your participant identification (ID) to login.

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8. Withdrawing from the study

Your participation is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without explanation.

Having coronavirus (COVID-19) does not mean you have to withdraw or miss a testing window. If you think or know that you have COVID-19, it is still really important that you take part.

If your tests have already been completed when you change your mind, we will still use the data from them. But if you no longer wish for any leftover blood to be stored, we will destroy it.

You can also decide if you do not want us to get any more information about you from the NHS if you leave the study.

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9. Payment for taking part

As a thank you for taking part, everyone taking part in the study, including children, will receive a voucher if they would like one.

The amount received for each completed testing window is the same for everyone taking part. The amount does not vary if you are invited to give swab samples only or both swab and blood samples.

Everyone who completes their testing window will be offered one £20 voucher. You will need to both fully complete the questionnaire, and take a sample in the testing window, to receive the voucher.

Please note we will never ask for your bank details, the vouchers will only ever be issued by email or in some cases by post.

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10. Receiving your voucher

An email will be sent within 20 working days of each completed testing window with instructions on how to redeem your voucher.

We will send your voucher link from the email address: noresponse@vouchers.sodexoengage.com. Please always check your junk or spam folder by searching for emails from this address.

The voucher link will mean with one click you are immediately able to choose your retailer voucher. You will not have to enter a cheque number and validation code on a website. If you have not received your voucher within 20 working days, please email customersupport@sodexoengage.com.

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11. Do I have to receive a voucher?

It is your choice. Participants can choose not to receive vouchers, if they prefer.

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12. Spending your voucher

The voucher codes will be valid for three months from the date you receive the email. Once redeemed, the voucher for the specific retailer of your choice will be valid for much longer. For more information on how to redeem your voucher, please see this video guide.

Redeeming or using your voucher

Vouchers are sent from this email address: noresponse@vouchers.sodexoengage.com

If you have not received your voucher following your latest testing window, please check the following email folders:

  • junk

  • spam

  • deleted

  • trash

  • archive

You can also search your inbox using the sender’s email address

noresponse@vouchers.sodexoengage.com

Search for the phrase “You’ve been awarded a voucher.”

Please see the following for further information on how to redeem your vouchers:

If you would like help redeeming or using the voucher you can also email the voucher supplier directly: customersupport@sodexoengage.com.

Donating your voucher to charity or the NHS

Unfortunately For Good Causes Charity have advised that they can no longer offer the option to purchase eVouchers to donate to charities, which means the eVoucher will no longer be available to purchase. This means there is no current option available to donate to charity. We are sorry for this and are working with our suppliers to identify a replacement option.

Requesting a physical alternative

You can choose to receive a physical gift card instead of an online voucher. Physical vouchers will be posted and fulfilled within 20 working days of your visit date.

If you still wish to receive a physical gift card, please get in touch by emailing COVID-19@ons.gov.uk.

Information on where you can spend a physical gift card.

If you still have questions

Please ensure you have read each paragraph in this section.

If your question was not answered, email us at COVID-19@ons.gov.uk. Be sure to include your details (phone number and “COV” number) so we can support you more efficiently.

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Retailers

Both online and in-store vouchers are currently available for the following retailers. Please note these are subject to change at short notice.

Retailer

adidas

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Airbnb

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

AirlineGift

Partnered with

TripGift

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

All Bar One

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Argos

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Arsenal F.C.

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

ASDA

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

ASK Italian

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

ASOS

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

B&Q

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Bella Italia

Partnered with

The Restaurant Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Blackwells

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Bloom & Wild

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Boohoo

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

BoohooMAN

Partnered with

Boohoo

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Browns

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Burton

Partnered with

Boohoo

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Butlins by Inspire

Partnered with

Inspire Travel

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Buyagift

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Café Rouge

Partnered with

The Restaurant Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Caffè Nero

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Chef & Brewer

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Cineworld

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Clarks

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Costa

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Cote

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Crown Carveries

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Currys

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Decathlon

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Deliveroo

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Digiigifts

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Dorothy Perkins

Partnered with

Boohoo

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Eating Inn

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

eLearnGift

Partnered with

TripGift

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Ember Inns

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Ernest Jones

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Eurostar

Partnered with

None

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Farmhouse Inns

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Fayre & Square

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Flaming Grill

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Flightgiftcard

Partnered with

None

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

FlystayGift

Partnered with

TripGift

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Foot Locker

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Global Experiences

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Good Hotel Card

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Good Night Inns

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Google Play

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Great British Pub Card

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Greene King

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

H&M

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

H. Samuel

Partnered with

Ernest Jones

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Habitat

Partnered with

Argos

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Halfords

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Harvester

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Harvey Nichols

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Healthy Minds Club

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

HomeSense

Partnered with

TK Maxx

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Hotelgift

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Hotels.com

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

HotelsGift

Partnered with

TripGift

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Hungry Horse

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Hussle

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Iceland

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Innkeeper's Lodge

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Inspire Travel

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Inspire UK Staycation

Partnered with

Inspire Travel

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

iTunes

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Jet 2 Holidays by Inspire

Partnered with

Inspire Travel

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

John Lewis & Partners

Partnered with

Waitrose

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

JoJo Maman Bébé

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Just Eat

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Laithwaite's

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Las Iguanas

Partnered with

The Restaurant Card

Where to spend

Instore

Retailer

lastminute.com

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Lavish Spa & Beauty

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Loch Fyne

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

London Theatre Direct

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

MANGO

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Marks and Spencer

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Marks and Spencer Food Hall

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Miller and Carter

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Morrisons

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Naked Wines

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Nando's

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

NastyGal

Partnered with

Boohoo

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

National Book Tokens

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

National Trust

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

New Look

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Nicholsons

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Nike

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Not On The High Street

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Old English

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

O'Neill's

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Photobox

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Pizza Express

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Pizza Hut Restaurants

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Primark

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Red Letter Days

Partnered with

Buyagift

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

RentacarGift

Partnered with

TripGift

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

River Island

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Royal Caribbean by Inspire

Partnered with

Inspire Travel

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Sainsbury's

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Sizzling Pubs

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Sports Direct

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Stonehouse

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Swarovski

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Ted Baker

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Tesco

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

The Body Shop

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

The Charity Shop Gift Card

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

The Dining Out Card

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

The Entertainer

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

The Restaurant Card

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Spotify

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

The White Company

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Theatre Tokens

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Ticketmaster

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

TK Maxx

Partnered with

Homesense

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Toby Carvery

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Totally Well

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

TripGift

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

TUI by Inspire

Partnered with

Inspire Travel

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Uber

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Uber Eats

Partnered with

Uber

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Vintage Inns

Partnered with

The Dining Out Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Virgin

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Virgin Experience

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Wacky Warehouse

Partnered with

Great British Pub Card

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Wagamama

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

Retailer

Waitrose

Partnered with

John Lewis

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Wellness Card

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online and in-store

Retailer

Wingly

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Xbox

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Zalando

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

Online

Retailer

Zizzi

Partnered with

No one

Where to spend

In-store

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