COVID Vaccine – FAQs on the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine ( correct as of 15th December 2020)

When will the vaccine be available?

In the UK, there are two types of COVID-19 vaccine to be used. Currently the one that we are administering is known as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This requires two doses to provide the best protection and have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. An independent group of experts has recommended that the NHS first offers these vaccines to those at highest risk of catching the disease and of suffering serious complications or dying from COVID-19. This includes older adults in care homes and frontline health and social care workers.

The vaccine will also be offered in age order to:

  • those aged over 80 years;
  • those aged over 75 years;
  • those aged over 70 years;
  • adults on the NHS shielded patient list;
  • those aged over 65 years;
  • adults under 65 years with long term conditions (see below)

Those aged 50-64 will be offered it later. When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible.

What are the long term conditions?

These are listed below Whether you are offered the vaccine may depend on the severity of your condition.

  • a blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma);
  • diabetes;
  • dementia;
  • a heart problem;
  • a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma;
  • a kidney disease;
  • a liver disease;
  • lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as HIV infection, steroid medication, chemotherapy or radiotherapy);
  • rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or psoriasis;
  • liver disease;
  • have had an organ transplant;
  • had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA);
  • a neurological or muscle wasting condition;
  • a severe or profound learning disability;
  • a problem with your spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed;
  • are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above);
  • are severely mentally ill.

I am in one of the listed groups above, why do I have to wait?

The COVID-19 vaccines will become available as they are approved for use and as each batch is manufactured. So every dose is needed to protect those at highest risk. You will be called in as soon as there is enough vaccine available. Some people who are housebound or live in a care home and who can’t get to a local vaccination centre may have to wait for supply of the right type of vaccine. This is because only some vaccines can be transported between people’s homes.

Will the vaccine protect me?

The COVID-19 vaccine that you have had has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. Each vaccine has been tested in more than 20,000 people in several different countries and shown to be safe. It takes a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

Where can I get my COVID-19 vaccination?

Vaccines will be offered in a range of settings. Some vaccination teams will visit people to offer the vaccine, for example in care homes, other people may have to go to the nearest centre. Because some of the vaccine has to be stored in a very low temperature freezer, you may not be able to get the vaccine in your normal GP surgery.

What if the centre I am offered is not easy to get to?

Please try to attend the vaccination centre you are offered. If you cannot attend that centre you may have to wait to get the vaccine in a more convenient location.

What should I do if I am not well when it is my next appointment?

If you are unwell, it is better to wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible. You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fit and well.

Can I give COVID-19 to anyone, now I have had the vaccine?

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to:

  • practice social distancing
  • wear a face mask
  • wash your hands carefully and frequently
  • follow the current guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Can I catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught COVID-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.

The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

Although a mild fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test.

Can I pay for a COVID-19 vaccine privately or at a pharmacy?

No, the COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination.

I am Pregnant, why can’t I have the vaccine?

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a new type of vaccine that has been shown to be effective and to have a good safety profile. It has not yet been assessed in pregnancy, so it has been advised that until more information is available, those who are pregnant should not have this vaccine.

Here are the key points you should consider until we have more evidence:

  • if you are pregnant you should not be vaccinated – you can be vaccinated after your pregnancy is over;
  • if you think you may be pregnant you should delay vaccination until you are sure you are not;
  • if you are planning to get pregnant in the next three months, you should delay your vaccination;
  • if you know you are not pregnant you can start the two-dose course now and you should avoid getting pregnant until at least two months after the second dose;
  • if you have had the first dose and then become pregnant you should delay the second dose until after the pregnancy is over;

If you are breastfeeding you should wait until you have finished breastfeeding and then have the vaccine. If you were breastfeeding when you had the first dose you are advised not to have the second dose until you have finished breastfeeding.

What are the side effects?

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. Even if you do have symptoms after the first dose, you still need to have the second dose. Although you may get some protection from the first dose, having the second dose will give you the best protection against the virus.

Very common side effects include:

  • having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1-2 days after the vaccine
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • general aches, or mild flu like symptoms

Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection (see advice on page 5). An uncommon side effect is swelling of the glands. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better. These symptoms normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, call NHS 111. If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about your vaccination (show them the vaccination card) so that they can assess you properly.

Can I catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught COVID-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.

The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

Although a mild fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test.

Remember, COVID-19 is spread through droplets breathed out from the nose or mouth, particularly when speaking or coughing. It can also be picked up by touching your eyes, nose and mouth after contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. If you need more information on the COVID-19 vaccination please visit: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination