QI’ve QI’m
never had Covid-19. Why should I get the booster? AUnvaccinated
people are eight times more likely to be hospitalised than those who have had both vaccine doses and a booster.
If you catch Covid-19, there’s a chance you might get long Covid, which can have serious and debilitating long-term effects. Many people affected have said it has had a major impact on their lives, especially the ability to exercise, work and maintain relationships.
Boosters give you the best possible protection against the virus and significantly reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalisation. “The Covid-19 vaccine is quick, easy and free. Don’t worry about side effects: as with all medicines, the vaccines may cause some, but most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them.
“As a doctor, I’ve seen firsthand the effect that Covid-19 can have on people. It is so important to get the jab to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Omicron is highly transmissible and could still lead to significant numbers of people in hospital, so you should make sure your immunity is topped up – and come forward for your first or second dose if you haven’t already. We don’t know what threat any future variants may pose, so if you haven’t had any jabs, it is vital that you do so.”
pregnant and I’m really worried about whether I’ll risk mine and my baby’s health by getting the vaccine. Are you sure I should get the booster?
AYes.
If you’re pregnant, make sure you get boosted now. Being pregnant can put you at greater risk of getting seriously ill with Covid- 19, which increases the chances of your baby being born prematurely or even stillborn.
UK data* shows that 96.3 per cent of pregnant women admitted to hospital with Covid-19 symptoms between May and October last year were unvaccinated, and a third needed respiratory support. Around one in five women who were hospitalised needed their babies to be delivered before their due date to help them recover, and one in five babies needed neonatal care.