Are you ready for the Covid vaccine?

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland the Covid vaccine is being administered by groups of GP practices working together as part of Primary Care Networks. This means one practice might be providing the vaccine on behalf of others – but patients of all 132 local practices are covered. Other NHS services – such as hospitals and pharmacists – may be offering it too. Having the vaccination is one of the most effective defences against Covid-19 and is the way out of the pandemic and current restrictions.

In preparation for when you receive your invitation to be vaccinated, take a look at these questions people have asked. If you aren’t in the immediate priority groups for the vaccine, keep hold of this article so you can refer to it when your turn comes.

How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine teaches your immune system to create antibodies to protect you from the disease. It does not change your DNA. The Covid-19 vaccination will significantly 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.

Is the vaccine safe?

The vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. The MHRA follows international standards of safety. Knowledge from other vaccines, such as SARS and MERS, has been used in developing the Covid-19 vaccine. This is because they are part of the same Coronavirus family. There is no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility.

How effective is the vaccine?

The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should give good protection from coronavirus. But you need to have the two doses of the vaccine to give you longer lasting protection. You will be told at your first appointment when your second will be.

What are the contents of the vaccine?

The approved Covid-19 vaccines do not contain any animal products or egg. Almost all religions have declared that the vaccine is safe and appropriate for people to have. They do not contain

microchips or tracking devices.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

So far, millions of people have been given a COVID-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, have been very, very rare. No long-term complications have been reported.

Most side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

• a sore arm where the needle went in

• feeling tired

• a headache

• feeling achy

• feeling or being sick

You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to.

Can you catch Coronavirus from the vaccine?

You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine because it does not contain any of the virus. It is possible to have caught Covid-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. Please do not contact your GP practice or NHS provider to ask about the vaccine or when you will get it. You will be contacted when you are being invited. You can find the answers to more questions like these online.