Dr Cairns & Partners Select Language Arabic English Greek Hungarian Lithuanian Polish Romanian Russian Covid19 Vaccine Information The HSC will get in touch with you when it is your turn to be vaccinated. PLEASE WAIT FOR US TO CONTACT YOU Find out more about the roll out at http://nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus Frequently asked questions about the COVID19 vaccine. Which vaccine will I receive? GP practices will be vaccinating using the AstraZeneca/Oxford Vaccine. Who cannot have the vaccine? The vaccines do not contain living organisms, and so are safe for people with disorders of the immune system. These people may not respond so well to the vaccine. A very small number of people who are at risk of COVID19 cannot have the vaccine – this includes people who have severe allergies to a component of the vaccine, women of childbearing age , those who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding should read the information on http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/covid-vaccine. Should I get the COVID19 if I have already had COVID19? Yes- all patients are advised to receive the COVID vaccine as it is not clear how long COVID antibodies remain after infection. However , you should wait 28 days after a positive COVID test before receiving the vaccine. I have had my Flu vaccine, do I need the COVID19 vaccine as well? The flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID19, as you are eligible for both vaccines you should have them both, but normally separated by at least a week. Can I catch COVID19 from the vaccine? You cannot catch COVID19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught COVID19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. The most important symptoms of COVID19 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 If you have the symptoms above, stay at home and arrange to have a test. Can I give COVID19 to anyone, after I have had the vaccine? The vaccine cannot give you COVID19 infection, and two doses 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. So, it is 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 covering, wash your hands carefully and frequently and follow the current guidance. When will I get my COVID vaccine? Practices are hoping to receive supplies of the vaccine in January 2021. we will be contacting patients when we have the vaccine to offer you an appointment. this will be done in order of priority as set out by the Department of Health – PLEASE WAIT FOR US TO CONTACT YOU. we have been advised to start vaccinating those over 80 first. Will I need to get two doses of the vaccine? Yes- two doses of the vaccine provide better protection against COVID19. the second dose can be given from 4-12 weeks after the first dose. Will the vaccine protect me? The COVID19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID19 disease. it may take a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccine. The vaccine has been shown to be effective and no safety concerns were seen in studies of more than 20000 people. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe. What are the common 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, having the second dose will give you the best protection against the virus. Very common side effects Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had the 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 tenmperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID19 or another infection. an uncommon side effect is swelling of the glands. you can rest and take the normal dose of paractemaol(follow the advice in the packaging) to help you feel better. Further information can be found at https://www.publichealth.hscni.ni Disclaimer | Cookies