Archive for the “2. Getting your vaccine” category
Can I get my second dose before 8 weeks?
No. The recommendation is that second doses should not be offered earlier than eight weeks unless there is a clinical reason why this is needed, such as for patients with planned immunosuppressive therapy. Second vaccinations cannot be brought forward for non-clinical reasons, such as going …
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Do I have to have my second dose at the same place as my first?
No. If you use the national booking service you will be given details of the closest available appointments for each dose. You can choose to book your first and second vaccinations at different centres if this is more convenient for you or you will be …
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Can I have a different vaccine for my second dose?
No, it is recommended that you have the same vaccine for both doses. This is because we do not know yet if using different vaccines will give people the same high levels of protection. Trials are underway to test this but at the moment there …
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What is the second dose guidance for pregnant women?
Pregnant women should have the same vaccine for both doses, like everyone else. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the preferred vaccines for pregnant women of any age simply because these have been used more widely during pregnancy in other countries and no safety concerns have …
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I felt unwell after my first vaccination, will this happen again?
Not necessarily. Everyone is different and even if you had side effects after your first dose, this doesn’t mean you definitely will after your second dose. In fact, for the AstraZeneca vaccine, the evidence shows that there are far fewer side effects after the second …
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How does the NHS make sure there will be enough vaccine for me to get my second dose?
Second doses are planned very carefully to ensure everyone gets theirs at the right time. When your first dose is recorded on the system, this automatically allocates you a second dose so that it will be available at the right time. This means your second …
How many doses of the vaccine do I need?
The COVID-19 vaccines require two doses to give the maximum amount of protection.
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How can I report side effects of the vaccine?
You can also report any suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online through the Yellow Card scheme or by downloading the Yellow Card app. If you are a member of staff, please visit the staff intranet for guidance for staff experiencing side effects following …
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What advice and information is there for pregnant women, those breastfeeding or for those planning a pregnancy? Can the vaccines affect fertility?
Please read the COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding (available in 18 languages). The Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations has updated its guidance and is now advising that pregnant women should be offered COVID-19 vaccines at the …
Can I get a vaccine privately?
No. Vaccinations are only available through the NHS and are free of charge. If anyone claims to be able to provide you with a vaccine for a fee, they are likely to be committing a crime and should be reported to the Police online or …