We’ll come through this, stronger together
COVID-19 vaccination Your questions answered
C O V I D - 1 9 VA C C I N AT I O N
We are now more than 12 months into the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Bolton, and the vast majority of you have been vaccinated. Thank you for your efforts so far! However, there are still thousands of people yet to come forward, especially for their booster dose. More are eligible every day.
Everyone aged 16 and over can have a booster and we would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up this offer. The booster is helping to reduce the spread of the virus, and minimise the risk of becoming seriously ill and needing hospital treatment. If you haven’t had your first, second or booster dose yet, for whatever reason, we have included some common concerns and answers to questions we’ve been hearing you say, which might help you make your decision.
W E ’ V E H E A R D Y O U S A Y. . .
I’ve had two doses, does that mean I’m fully vaccinated? The definition of being ‘fully vaccinated’ in the UK is having both doses of a twodose approved vaccine (in Bolton this includes Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna). However, this could change in the future. The first two vaccine doses provide you with a basic level of immunity to Covid. We know that this does start to fade with time, as it does with many vaccines. Having the booster will push your immunity back up to where it needs to be to protect you. **Covid-19 vaccination and travel** If you are thinking of travelling abroad this year, please check the latest vaccination guidance for your destination. Spain, for example, requires proof of a booster dose if your second dose was more than 270 days prior to travelling*. Some countries require you to self-quarantine unless you’ve had a booster dose at least seven days before travel. Children and young people aged 12 and above also need to show proof of being fully vaccinated in some countries. *www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
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W E ’ V E H E A R D Y O U S A Y. . .
W E ’ V E H E A R D Y O U S A Y. . .
Does having Covid give me immunity?
I’m concerned about the side effects
Natural immunity from Covid is very unreliable. We can’t measure how much immunity each person gets. It could be a good level of immunity and it could last a while, but there is no guarantee. Most people will acquire a good sense of immunity from the Covid vaccine, which lasts for a prolonged period of time.
We understand that people are worried about potential side effects of the vaccine, particularly the booster. There’s always a chance of side effects with any vaccine or any medication that we give. Most people will feel fine after a few hours to a day, and could experience a sore or stiff arm, a headache or be a bit achy. Many people won’t get any of these side effects and will just carry on with life without any untoward effects at all.
Note: if you’ve recently had Covid and are aged 18 or over you should wait four weeks (28 days) after your positive test, or from the day your symptoms started, before your next vaccination. Anyone aged under 18 must wait 12 weeks. The word ‘booster’ makes it sound quite scary Some people may think the booster is a more powerful, stronger vaccine simply because of the name. It isn’t – the booster is the same dose as your first dose and second dose. It is given to boost the immune system’s response that you’ve already created.
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Is it safe to mix doses? It’s safe and super effective. We now know that mixing doses actually increases effectiveness. So having a different vaccine for your booster, particularly the Pfizer or Moderna, after an AstraZeneca is extremely effective, unless there’s a really good medical reason to not have it. I’m embarrassed as I’ve not even had my first dose yet. All of our vaccination sites will welcome you with open arms! There is no judgement and each site has someone in a clinical role who will discuss any of your concerns. They are happy to spend time with you, so you can make your decision. 5
W E ’ V E H E A R D Y O U S A Y. . .
I don’t need a booster as Covid is going away We’ve been so successful in vaccinating a large majority of our population that we can look forward to some sort of normality now. However, it is really important that all those people who have come forward and had both vaccinations don’t lose their immunity. We really need people to be boosted so their immunity continues and we can continue enjoying life without restrictions. I’m young and fit, and can fight Covid without vaccination Unfortunately, nobody is safe from Covid. Lots of young people who haven’t had the booster are getting symptoms and spending time in bed, feeling unwell and with a temperature. The long-term effects of Covid are largely unknown and we have seen young people suffering with Long Covid, which is a miserable illness. Many are experiencing tiredness, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, and headaches a few months after having Covid. Having the booster reduces the chances of you getting Covid, reduces admission to hospital and the time you may spend in intensive care. 6
W E ’ V E H E A R D Y O U S A Y. . .
Is the vaccine safe in pregnancy? There is very good evidence that these vaccines are safe in pregnancy. In fact, we encourage anyone who is pregnant to be vaccinated, because we know that Covid is not safe in pregnancy. We’ve seen lots of pregnant women admitted to hospital with severe Covid and we wouldn’t want this to happen to you. We also know that there is no link between the vaccine – any doses of the vaccine – and fertility. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have publicly said that the vaccine is safe for those who are wishing to get pregnant and for those who are worried about their periods. Does the booster work, as people are still getting Covid? The booster reduces the severity of the illness and helps to reduce the chances of you passing it on to someone else. Most people who are vaccinated, and in particular those who have had the booster dose, get much milder symptoms when they do get Covid. There are also fewer people going into hospital needing oxygen or needing admission into intensive care. 7
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All information correct at the time of publication 09022022
For further information on the Covid-19 vaccination or vaccination sites please visit: www.boltonccg.nhs.uk/patient-zone/ coronavirus