QuestionGovernment Advice
AlternativesAre there any alternatives to the vaccine, for example a tablet or a nasal spray?*Potentially at some point, yes. However I don’t see it happening anytime soon because the problem with anti-viral drugs, with the exception of HIV, is Anti-viral drugs are not as good as the vaccine. The evidence we have from the past is that anti-viral drugs haven't been as effective as vaccines.
Clinical & AllergiesWhere can we find out what allergies effect you having the vaccine?*Having allergic reactions should not deter you from having the vaccine, especially if they are seasonal allergies. However, the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The good news is that people who receive the vaccine are being monitored before leaving their appointment and can access medical care should they experience reactions. Please find excerpt from Green book below: Individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to food, an identified drug or vaccine, or an insect sting can receive any COVID-19 vaccine, as long as they are not known to be allergic to any component (excipient) of the vaccine. All recipients of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should kept for observation and monitored for a minimum of 15 minutes. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) has advised that: ● individuals with a history of immediate onset-anaphylaxis to multiple classes of drugs or an unexplained anaphylaxis should not be vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. The AstraZeneca vaccine can be used as an alternative (if not otherwise contraindicated) ● individuals with a localised urticarial (itchy) skin reaction (without systemic symptoms) to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine should receive the second dose of vaccine with prolonged observation (30 minutes) in a setting with full resuscitation facilities (e.g. a hospital) ● individuals with non-allergic reactions (vasovagal episodes, non-urticarial skin reaction or non-specific symptoms) to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can receive the second dose of vaccine in any vaccination setting
Clinical & AllergiesIs vaccine recommended to people with the following clinical conditions and are there higher risks? kidney problems, asthma, taking thyroid medication, overweight, taking hormone medication following breast cancer, upcoming surgery and lung cancer (after operation)*Other than the details in question above regarding allergies and the section on Pregnancy there are no other conditions or treatments that should stop you having the vaccine. Please make sure your vaccinator is aware of your medical history to make the best individual decisions for you.
Clinical & AllergiesIs there anyone who shouldn’t have the vaccine?*Please refer to full Information for UK recipientsMore info
ConsentWhat if a resident/member of staff does not wish to be vaccinated?*Consent must be given prior to any administration of the vaccine. Each individual must make their own decision about whether to receive the vaccine. We must not assume blanket consent. Provider staff have an important role to play in supporting residents to make an informed decision. Guidance documents and forms on consent can be found at the link below. HCC guidance around mental capacity assessments and best interests decisions is available here : https://www.hcpa.info/wp-content/uploads/Covid-guidance.pdfMore info
ConsentAll residents with dementia or cognitive impairment have a mental capacity and best interests signed by Home manager or Deputy Manager along with their GP’s signature - Would this be sufficient?*Unless the existing capacity assessment and best interests decision is specifically about the decision to have a covid vaccination, this would not be sufficient. • Mental capacity assessments are decision specific so any existing assessment or best interests decision won’t be relevant to this decision which is whether or not to have a covid vaccination. • Presence of dementia and/or cognitive impairment doesn’t mean a person doesn’t have capacity to make this particular decision even if they haven’t been able to make other decisions. • The law says we presume capacity but where there is reason to doubt a person’s capacity to make this particular decision (about whether or not to have the covid vaccination), staff should do all they can to help the person to understand and hold onto the relevant information long enough to make the decision. • If the person is assessed as not having capacity to make this particular decision, a best interests decision will be made by the relevant clinician (health colleague doing the vaccinating). This will be based upon the known views of the person and will assume the least restrictive approach.
Direct Payment/ PA'sHow do Direct Employers and Personal Assistants get access to the vaccine?*Personal Assistants are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of our frontline care workforce. A Personal Assistant is someone that gets paid to support an adult with care and support needs and can be either employed (by a person who receives a direct payment from HCC) or self-employed. This support may include cooking, cleaning, help with personal care such as washing and dressing, and other things such as getting out and about in the community. It is important that all health and social care staff have the vaccine to protect themselves from becoming unwell with COVID-19 and to help reduce the risk of spreading infection to their families and the people they support. Personal Assistants should email ACS.COVID@hertfordshire.gov.uk, then HCC will send a letter which explains how to book.
Doses & EvidenceDo I need two doses?*It is important to have both doses of the vaccine to give you maximum protection. While the first dose acts as an important immune response primer, the second dose is needed to boost your body’s immune response to the COVID-19 virus providing the best protection for you. The latest advice is that the second dose should be given 8 weeks after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Doses & EvidenceCan you please explain the reason for the change in gap between the doses for the different vaccines?*The short answer is we know from forty years experience of vaccine research that it will be safe. It won't cause problems. So the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work. In terms of that, the medicines regulator - the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) - data analysis showed that, both Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccines offer considerable protection after a single dose, and the evidence suggests that persists over sixteen weeks. So all the data reviewed by MHRA suggests that people will still have protection over the delay. If they didn't feel it was safe they would be able to prohibit licensing for that use. Some of this is also down to the aggressive marketing techniques of some of the manufacturers. It is in their commercial interest for the second dose not to be delayed. We need to recognise that this twelve week delay is an unusual step, taken because we are in such extreme situations with covid. BUT - all the evidence says it is safe, it works, and will be effective.
Doses & EvidenceWill the vaccines be the same type for both doses?*Yes, this is currently the guidance
Doses & EvidenceWhat are the differences between the different vaccines, i.e. Astra Zeneca, pfizer, Moderna? Which vaccine is best?*• The first vaccine to be judged safe for use in the UK was the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This needs to be transported in dry ice and must be stored at around -70 °C. Once delivered it can then be kept in a fridge for 5 days. The Government has bought 40 million doses of this vaccine. • The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was first administered in the UK on 4th January 2021. This vaccine needs to be stored at between 2-8°C and protected from light. The Government has bought 100 million doses of this vaccine. • The Moderna vaccine was approved for use in the UK on 8th January 2021. It lasts for up to 30 days in household fridges, at room temperate for up to 12 hours, and can be stored in most household freezers for up to six months. The Government has bought 17 million doses of this vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended for people aged 18-40. All three of the available vaccines are very effective. Comparisons between the vaccine efficacies are unhelpful due to the different methodologies used, meaning it’s not as simple as saying one vaccine is better than the other. An effective vaccine will save lives and reduce hospitalisations. Comparing vaccines on a simple percentage of effectiveness is a mistake. A vaccine with slightly lower headline efficacy than another may prove to be the one that offers more durable protection or a greater effect on transmission. Vaccines have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy, so people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get will be highly effective and protect them from getting seriously ill from COVID 19.
Doses & EvidenceWhen will the vaccine start to make some effect in preventing or minimising the symptoms of covid?*The vaccine starts to become effective about 14 days after having it
Doses & EvidenceIf vaccinated can you still be a carrier and transmit?*At present you could still transmit Covid-19 even if you have had the vaccine, please continue to follow all national guidance and restrictions.
Doses & EvidenceOnce vaccinated, is the individual protected from all strains / mutations of the virus, and is the level of protection the same?*The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. The vaccine has been shown to be effective and no safety concerns were seen in studies of more than 20,000 people. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
Doses & EvidenceDo you have any resources we can share with BAME Communites?*London Colney Islamic Centre - In this video, key misconceptions are addressed regarding Covid 19 and the vaccines. 3 points from an Islamic perspective are also covered- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbYr2Zc8N2I&feature=youtu.beVaccine Q&A in five South Asian Languages- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55279549BME Healthforum- Covid Explained by GPs in different asian languages- https://www.bmehf.org.uk/index.php/news-events/news/covid-19-explained-gps-different-asian-languages/
Doses & EvidenceHas the vaccine been tested on animals?*This vaccine has been tested on humans.
Doses & EvidenceHow many doses of the vaccine do I need?*Two doses. It is important to have both doses of the same vaccine to give you the best protection. Plan to attend your second appointment which will be at the same place as you were given the first dose. You should have a record card with your next appointment written on it, for an appointment which will be between 3 and 12 weeks time. Keep your record card safe and make sure you keep your next appointment to get your second dose.More info
FrequencyWill you need to have a Covid-19 vaccine every year?*Front line health and social care staff are currently being offered a booster vaccination 183 days after their second vaccination. For more information visit our COVID-19 booster page.More info
GeneralCan you catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?*The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. However, it is possible to have been exposed to COVID-19 and not realise (the incubation from first exposure to developing the infection can be up to 14 days) until after your vaccination appointment. Please continue to have the regular screening tests that your employer arranges. If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home and arrange to have a test. Further information on symptoms is available on NHS websiteMore info
GeneralCan I go back to work after having the vaccine?*You should be able to work as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.More info
GeneralCan the vaccine be given to someone who has had the flu vaccine and are there any timescales?*It is recommended that appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine should ideally be separated by an interval of at least 7 days after the flu vaccine. So it is important to get your flu jab now so that you will be protected adequately against both viruses. However if you do have the Covid 19 vaccine now book to have your flu jab 7 days after the second dose of the Covid 19 vaccine.More info
GeneralIs there a period between someone testing positive for Covid and having the vaccine?*People currently unwell and experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should not receive Covid-19 vaccine until they have recovered and are at least four weeks after onset of symptoms or four weeks from the first PCR positive specimen in those who are asymptomatic. This is to avoid wrongly attributing any new symptom or the progression of symptoms to the vaccine. As deterioration in some people with Covid-19 can occur up to two weeks after infection, ideally vaccination should be deferred until they have recovered and at least four weeks after onset of symptoms or four weeks from the first PCR positive specimen in those who are asymptomatic.More info
GeneralCan people who have tested positive in the past still have the vaccine?*There is no evidence from clinical trials of any safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID-19 antibody so people who have had COVID-19 disease (whether confirmed or suspected) can still receive COVID-19 vaccine. This is because it is not known how long antibodies made in response to natural infection persist and whether immunisation could offer more protection. If antibodies have already been made to the disease following natural infection, receiving COVID-19 vaccine would be expected to boost any pre-existing antibodies.More info
GeneralWhy do we need to be observed for 15 minutes after vaccination?*If you receive the Pfizer vaccination you will need to wait for 15 minutes. This is because a small number of people may develop a rare allergic reaction called anaphylaxis and the staff are trained to deal with this and have equipment to hand. If you receive the Astra Zeneca/Oxford vaccine you will only have to wait for 15 minutes if you are either going to be driving or operating machinery following the vaccination.More info
GeneralDo you have to wait for vacination if staff are recovering from covid?*Yes - a gap of 28 days is required following the positive test resultMore info
GeneralCan service and maintenance people who are working within the homes be sent for vaccinations and how can we organise this?*The two priority groups are older people care home staff and frontline health and social care staff. All other groups, will need to follow the Government priority framework, which can be found here: link to priorityMore info
GeneralI would like to know when over 80's housebound patients will be offered vaccination*Plans are underway to deliver vaccinations to those who are unable to leave their home. HCPA will update care providers via the regular vaccine updates and on the website.
GeneralAfter I’ve had the vaccine will I still need to follow all of the infection prevention and control advice?*Yes. No vaccine is completely effective, and it will take a few weeks for your body to build up protection. While the approved vaccines provide protection to a vaccinated person from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, we do not yet know if they prevent someone from passing on the virus to others. All staff will still need to follow the guidance in your workplace, including wearing the correct personal protection equipment and taking part in any screening programmes. To continue to protect yourself, your residents, your family, friends and colleagues you should follow the general advice at work, at home and when you are out and about: • practise social distancing • wear a face mask • wash your hands carefully and frequently • follow the current guidance
IngredientsDoes the vaccine contain eggs or animal products?*The Covid-19 vaccine does not contain any animal products or eggMore info
IngredientsWhat do the vaccines actually contain?*The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently approved for use in the UK do not contain the live virus which causes COVID-19. There is no latex or preservatives in the vaccine. Having the vaccine will not cause you to test positive using the approved viral testing methods. • A full list of ingredients for the qualitative and quantitative composition of the vaccine can be found at point 2 in the Information for Healthcare Professionals of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. • A full list of ingredients for the excipient composition of the vaccine can be found at point 6.1 in the Information for Healthcare Professionals of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. • A full list of ingredients for the qualitative and quantitative composition of the vaccine and a full list of the excipient composition of the vaccine can be found at point 6 in the Information for Recipients of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.More info
IngredientsIs the vaccine suitable to vegetarians?*The MHRA has confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any components of animal origin, including pork, gelatine and eggs.
MRNAWill the COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?*No, this is not possible. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) from a COVID-19 vaccine can be described as instructions for how to make a protein, and cannot alter or modify a person’s genetic makeup (DNA). mRNA never enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA is kept, which means that it does not affect or interact with our DNA.
Pregnancy, Fertility & Breast FeedingCan pregnant women have a Covid-19 vaccine?*There is no known risk with giving inactivated virus or bacterial vaccines or toxoids during pregnancy or whilst breast-feeding. However, the COVID-19 vaccines have not yet been tested in pregnant women, so it has been advised that until more information is available, pregnant women should not routinely have these vaccines. As a matter of caution, COVID-19 vaccine is therefore not routinely advised in pregnancy but there are some circumstances in which the potential benefits of vaccination are particularly important for pregnant women. This may include women who are at very high risk of catching the infection or those with certain medical conditions that put them at high risk of suffering serious complications from COVID-19 infection. In such circumstances, a woman may choose to have COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy following a discussion with her doctor or nurse. If a COVID-19 vaccine is given to a pregnant woman, she should be reassured that the vaccine does not contain live SARS-CoV-2 virus and therefore cannot cause COVID-19 infection in her or in her baby. Some COVID-19 vaccines contain a different harmless virus to help deliver the vaccine – whilst this virus is live, it cannot reproduce and so will not cause infection in a pregnant woman or her baby. If you find out that you are pregnant after you have had the vaccine, don’t worry. The vaccines do not contain organisms that multiply in the body, so they cannot cause COVID-19 infection in your unborn baby. As they have done for other vaccines, PHE is establishing a monitoring system to follow up women who are vaccinated in pregnancy to help reassure women as time goes on. https://www.tommys.org/pregnancyhub/blogs-stories/covid-19-vaccine-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding
Pregnancy, Fertility & Breast FeedingI’m trying to conceive, should I still have the vaccine?*The current guidance is that the vaccination is safe for women of childbearing age. Here are the key points you should consider: • if you are pregnant you should not be vaccinated unless you are at high risk – you can be vaccinated after your pregnancy is over • if you have had the first dose and then become pregnant you should delay the second dose until after the pregnancy is over (unless you are at high risk) • If you are pregnant but think you are at high risk, you should discuss having or completing vaccination with your doctor or nurse. Although the vaccine has not been tested in pregnancy, you may decide that the known risks from COVID-19 are so clear that you wish to go ahead with vaccination. There is no advice to avoid pregnancy after COVID-19 vaccination. If you are breastfeeding, you may decide to wait until you have finished breastfeeding and then have the vaccination. https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/coronavirus/no-evidence-covid-19-vaccine-will-affect-fertility-say-unions-21-01-2021/
Pregnancy, Fertility & Breast FeedingDoes the vaccine cause infertility?*There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the vaccine could cause infertility in women. In addition, infertility is not known to occur as a result of natural COVID-19 disease, further demonstrating that immune responses to the virus, whether induced by infection or a vaccine, are not a cause of infertility. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a mRNA vaccine. It contains a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material that instructs cells in the body to make the virus’s distinctive “spike” protein. After a person is vaccinated, their body produces copies of the spike protein, which does not cause disease, and triggers the immune system to learn to react defensively, producing an immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Contrary to false reports on social media, this protein is not the same as any involved in formation of the placenta.
Pregnancy, Fertility & Breast FeedingShould you have a Covid-19 vaccine if you are breastfeeding?*There is no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in breastfeeding or on the breastfed infant. Despite this, COVID-19 vaccines are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant, and the benefits of breast-feeding are well known. Because of this, the JCVI has recommended that the vaccine can be received whilst breastfeeding. This is in line with recommendations in the USA and from the World Health Organisation. https://www.tommys.org/pregnancyhub/blogs-stories/covid-19-vaccine-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-women-of-childbearing-age-currently-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding
Prioritisation & AccessAm I right in saying that staff will not be given the vaccination in the care home unless there is any leftover so they must go to a site where they can. If they do get a vaccination in the care home then does the second dose have to be offered in the care home again?*The 2nd dose of vaccine must be given at the same place as the first. Care home staff can go to a different site to get the vaccination if there is not sufficient vaccine left as part of the home vaccination programme.
Prioritisation & AccessCan you confirm the vaccine will be available to care staff working in building based and rural day opportunity services?*The vaccination is being offered in line with Government prioritisation. All front line social care staff will be offered the vaccine, the full list can be found in the Green book here on page 11 after clicking 'More Info'More info
Prioritisation & AccessHow will I get my staff vaccinated?*Front line health and social care staff can via book via the National Portal. For information around the vaccine for age groups 30+, 18-30, and 16-17, click here.
Prioritisation & AccessIf you have a disability/long term health condition and are not classed as clinically vulnerable or in the priority age group is disability/long term health condition a factor on when you will be offered a vaccination?*You will have access to the vaccine inline with the national priority list which can be found in the green book here- Any concerns please speak to your health professional at the time of being offered the vaccine.
Prioritisation & AccessIf I’ve already had COVID-19, why do I still need to have the vaccine?*If you have a confirmed case of COVID -19 you should wait at least 4 weeks after you had symptoms, or 4 weeks since your positive test if you didn’t have any symptoms, and until you have recovered from your COVID -19 infection, before having the vaccine. You may not have developed enough of an immune response to protect you against a subsequent COVID-19 infection. It is also unknown how long any immunity may last. A recent study demonstrated that naturally acquired immunity as a result of past infections provides some immunity, but this immunity is a lower level and for a shorter time than if they have been vaccinated.
Prioritisation & AccessHow soon after being Covid-19 positive or having symptoms should you have a vaccine?*If you have a confirmed case of COVID -19 you should wait at least 4 weeks after you had symptoms, or 4 weeks since your positive test if you didn’t have any symptoms, and until you have recovered from your COVID -19 infection, before having the vaccine.
Prioritisation & AccessI’ve had the virus – why do I need the vaccine? I’m not in an ‘at risk’ group – why do I need the vaccine?*Even if you did have COVID before, it is a good idea to get the vaccine as we do not know how long your immunity will last for and having COVID once does not mean you will not get it again. We know the immunity from the vaccine lasts up to a year. Even though you are not at risk, it is still good to get the vaccine because even if you are not at risk at severe infection yourself but 1 in 3 people are carrying it asympamatically with no symptoms at all and at the moment we don't have a lot of data whether it stops the spread. We hope that we create enough immunity in the population to stop that spread occuring.
Prioritisation & AccessHow will new starters get vaccinated?*Front line health and social care staff can via book via the National Portal. For information around the vaccine for age groups 30+, 18-30, and 16-17, click here.More info
Prioritisation & AccessCan regular volunteers within a care setting be added to our lists of staff for vaccinations?*Yes providing they are front line care staff
ProofWhat identification do staff need to take with them?*You will be made aware of what ID to take when you book your appointment
Side effectsAre there any side effects to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine?*Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol. The COVID-19 vaccine may cause a mild fever which usually resolves within 48 hours. This is a common, expected reaction and isolation is not required unless COVID-19 is suspected. The most commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. If someone experiences any of these symptoms they should get tested. The COVID-19 vaccine will not interfere with testing for COVID-19 infection. As has always been recommended, any fever after vaccination should be monitored and if individuals are concerned about their health at any time, they should seek advice from their GP or NHS 111.More info
Side effectsWhat are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?*Like all medicines, COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. Common side effects include a painful arm, feeling tired, headache, general aches and mild flu-like symptoms. However, these symptoms are normal and are a sign that your body is building immunity. These symptoms normally last less than a week. Further details can be found here.
Side effectsWill staff who have had the jab still need to isolate if they show symptoms (although this could be from the jab).
Side effectsThere have been about 5m vaccines given so far. How many adverse reactions have there been. What sort of reactions were they and what are the implications to those individuals?*Local reactions at the injection site are fairly common after Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2, primarily pain at the injection site, usually without redness and swelling. Systemic events reported were generally mild and short lived (Walsh et al, 2020). In the final safety analysis of over 21,000 participants 16 years and older, the most common events were injection site pain (>80%), fatigue (>60%), and headache (>50%). Myalgia, arthralgia and chills were also common with fever in 10-20%, mainly after the second dose. Most were classified as mild or moderate. Lymphadenopathy was reported in less than 1%. (Polack et al, 2020). Four cases of Bell's palsy were reported in vaccine recipients in the trial. Although within the expected background rate, this will be monitored closely post-implementation.
Side effectsWill there be proper monitoring of people such as in the point above when they have the vaccine to ensure they are not reacting?*So you are monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccination. If you do have any reactions to the vaccination after the 15 minutes, you can contact a health Professional to dicsuss that. It is the same with any other vaccine, if you had any side affects, you can contact the NHS, 111. Any vaccination centre should have resuscitatiion equipment and the equipment to deal with severe allergic reactions
Staff RefusalWhat do we do if a staff member does not wish to have the vaccination?*Whether or not to have the vaccination is a personal choice. There will be webinars for all social care staff to join that will provide more detail about the vaccinations and their safety and effectiveness
Staff RefusalIf staff refuse can they choose again and have vaccine at a later date? If so when would that be?*We encourage all those working in the frontline of care to have the vaccine. Anyone over the age of 18 can book via the national booking service or via walk in clinics/pop up vaccination centres which can be viewed here.
Staff RefusalAre there any consequences to staff working within the care sector who do not wish to have the vaccine?*At present there are not any definitive consequences to care staff who do not have the vaccines, however this is something that is being reviewed nationally by the legal and HR sectors. Some providers may already or will state in their contracts that staff need to be vaccinated. Please find article from Riddouts Legal discussing this area.
TestingWill the PCR test result be modified by the vaccine and give us error positive results?*No, none of the vaccines will interact in anyway with testing for CoronavirusMore info
TestingDo care homes still have to do lateral test twice a week for residents and staff?*Yes, the current testing arrangments for staff and residents must continue following vaccinationMore info
Second DoseIf I had the Pfizer vaccine when I had the first dose do I have to have this for my second?*You MUST have the same vaccine for both doses, so if you had Astra-Zeneca for your first dose you must have Astra-Zeneca for your second dose. If you had Pfizer for your first dose, you must have Pfizer for your second.
Second DoseI had my first dose through my GP practice, how should I book my second dose?*If you had your first dose through your GP practice you must return to the same location for your second dose. The GP practice will be in touch with you.
Second DoseI had my first dose through a Local Vaccination Site, how should I book my second dose?*If you had your first dose through a Local Vaccination Site (also known as a GP Hub) you will be contacted with the date for the second dose visit.
Second DoseI had my first dose through the care home where I work, how should I book my second dose?*If you were vaccinated at the care home setting you work at, your care home will be contacted with the date for the second dose visit.
Second DoseI had my first dose at a mass vaccination site, how should I book my second dose?*If you had your first dose at a mass vaccination site then book your appointment using the National Booking System. You can select any location on the booking system, but this MUST be the same vaccine as your first dose. You should be able to see on the National Booking System which vaccine each location is using.
Second DoseI had my first dose through Lister Hospital, how should I book my second dose?*If you had your first dose through Lister Hospital you must return to the same location for your second dose. Lister Hospital will send you a text reminder about your second dose appointment. If you need to cancel you can do so by text, and then phone 0333 332 4065 to rebook.
Second DoseI had my first dose through Watford Hospital, how should I book my second dose?*If you had your first dose through Watford Hospital you must return to the same location for your second dose. Watford Hospital will be in touch with you. If you tested positive for Covid after your first dose and are not able to attend your second appointment, you should contact westherts.covidvaccinations@nhs.net
Second DoseI had my first dose through Princess Alexandra Hospital, how should I book my second dose?*If you had your first dose through Princess Alexandra Hospital you must return to the same location for your second dose. Princess Aexandra Hospital will be in touch with you.
Second DoseWhen will I have my second dose?*Your second dose should be 11-12 weeks after your first dose.
Second DoseShould I still have my second dose if I am unwell?*If you are unwell, when you are due to have your second dose then it is better to wait until you have recovered; but get it as soon as possible.
Second DoseWhat should I do if I tested positive for Covid after my first dose?*If you tested positive for Covid after your first dose, and due to your 28-day period you are struggling to get an appointment within 12 weeks of your first dose, you should contact the place you had your first dose.
Second DoseI booked both my first and second dose appointments at Watford Hospital via CovidTrack, what should I do now?*You should attend your second dose appointment as planned. You can check your appointment time or reschedule if necessary, by 'More Info'.More info
Second DoseI attended my first dose as a walk-in at Watford Hospital and did not receive an invitation to book my second appointment, what should I do now?*You will need to book an appointment before receiving your second dose. You may book an appointment by contacting the West Herts COVID-19 Hub on 01923 217342.
Second DoseI attended my first dose as a walk-in at Watford Hospital and I did receive an invitation from CovidTrack to book my second appointment, what should I do now?*Your email invitation will allow you to book your second dose within 12 weeks of your first, via CovidTrack. Please follow the instructions on the invitation email to book your appointment.
Second DoseI booked both my first and second dose appointments at Watford Hospital on CovidTrack, but attended my first dose on a different date, as a walk-in, what should I do now?*If your second dose appointment is within 12 weeks of the date you had your first dose, attend as planned. If your second dose appointment exceeds 12 weeks from the date you had your first dose, you can either manage your own booking by clicking'More Info', or contact our COVID-19 staff hub on 01923 217342More info
Second DoseI did not have my first dose at Watford Hospital, I had it elsewhere (e.g. GP surgery, mass vaccination centre etc), what should I do now?*You should have your second dose at the same place you had your first dose.
Second DoseI did not have my first dose at Watford Hospital, as I have a serious allergy, so I had my first dose at the allergy clinic, what should I do now?*Please book/reschedule your appointment so that you can attend our allergy clinic on Wednesday mornings between 9am and midday.
Second DoseShould I book my 2nd dose appointment at the same place as my first?*People using the National Booking Service (booking into a vaccination centre or designated community pharmacy) are given their closest available appointment locations. Whilst we expect most people will book both appointments at the same location, there is an option for the second dose appointment to be booked at a different location. This applies to the COVID-19 Astra Zeneca vaccine only. People who had their first dose through a GP service should be invited for their second dose through the same GP service. People who had their first dose at a Hospital Hub site should be invited or be able to book their second dose at the same location. There are other circumstances in which it may be appropriate for a patient to receive their second dose in a different location to their first dose, for example, discharged outpatients, students, doctors in training on rotation to hospitals, people who have become housebound or moved into a care home since their first dose, or patients who have moved to a new house to somewhere a long way away from where they had their first dose.
Second DoseI have a person who uses my service who is not able to travel to the place where they had their first vaccination what shoudl they do?*Second dose appointments should be carried out at the same place as the first vaccination. There are other circumstances in which it may be appropriate for a patient to receive their second dose in a different location to their first does, for example, discharged outpatients, students, doctors in training on roation to hospitals, people who have become housebound or moved into a care home since their first dose, or patients who have moved to a new house to somewhere a long way away from where they had their first dose.
SafetyDoes the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine cause blood clots?*The UK vaccination programme has been very successful with many millions of people vaccinated and thousands of lives already saved.The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has undertaken a thorough scientific review of all the available data surrounding reports of an extremely rare condition involving blood clots after the first dose of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine.The MHRA states the risk is extremely low – around 4 people develop this condition for every million doses of AZ vaccine given. This is seen slightly more often in younger people and tends to occur between 4 days and 2 weeks following vaccination. This condition can also occur naturally, and clotting problems are a common complication of COVID-19 infection.The advice from the MHRA and the government's vaccine advisory group, the JCVI, is that people should continue to come forward for their vaccine when invited to do so. The benefits of vaccination in protecting people against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition. People should also complete their course with the same vaccine they had for their first dose, unless they suffered serious side effects after their first dose.As younger people tend to be at lower risk from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, the JCVI is currently advising that it is preferable for people under 30 to have a vaccine other than AZ.The MHRA is continuing to closely monitor vaccine safety and review any concerns reported to them. You can read the latest guidance from the Government leaflet - by clicking 'more info'.More info
Side effectsAre there side effects?*Blood clotsThe MHRA states the risk is extremely low – around 4 people develop this condition for every million doses of AZ vaccine given. This is seen slightly more often in younger people and tends to occur between 4 days and 2 weeks following vaccination. This condition can also occur naturally, and clotting problems are a common complication of COVID-19 infection. You can read more about the risk of blood clots on the Gov.uk website - by clicking 'more info.'More info
Side effectsDoes the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine cause blood clots?*The UK vaccination programme has been very successful with many millions of people vaccinated and thousands of lives already saved.The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has undertaken a thorough scientific review of all the available data surrounding reports of an extremely rare condition involving blood clots after the first dose of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine.The MHRA states the risk is extremely low – around 4 people develop this condition for every million doses of AZ vaccine given. This is seen slightly more often in younger people and tends to occur between 4 days and 2 weeks following vaccination. This condition can also occur naturally, and clotting problems are a common complication of COVID-19 infection.The advice from the MHRA and the government's vaccine advisory group, the JCVI, is that people should continue to come forward for their vaccine when invited to do so. The benefits of vaccination in protecting people against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition. People should also complete their course with the same vaccine they had for their first dose, unless they suffered serious side effects after their first dose.As younger people tend to be at lower risk from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, the JCVI is currently advising that it is preferable for people under 30 to have a vaccine other than AZ.The MHRA is continuing to closely monitor vaccine safety and review any concerns reported to them. You can read the latest guidance from the Government leaflet - by clicking 'more info'.More info
Prioritisation & AccessIf I am aged between 16-17 years, how do I book my vaccine appointment?*If you are Front line health and social care staff please speak to your employer or contact your GP about having the Pfizer vaccine which is authorised for this age group.
Pregnancy, Fertility & Breast FeedingCan pregnant women have a Covid-19 vaccine?*The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the rest of the population, based on their age and clinical risk group. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jcvi-issues-new-advice-on-covid-19-vaccination-for-pregnant-women https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-womens-health/covid-19-vaccines-and-pregnancy/covid-19-vaccines-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding