VACCINE MAY GIVE YOU A ‘BANGING HEADACHE’

SCIENTISTS believe any Covid-19 vaccine will be able to offer only partial protection – reducing the severity of the infection rather than protecting against it completely.

Even having the illness may not provide full immunity, a recent study found. King’s College London researchers showed a decline in Covid-19 antibodies in patients within months of infection.

The biggest immune system response to the Oxford vaccine occurred when two doses were given weeks apart. If immunity wanes, it may mean multiple doses, given annually, are necessary.

Initial reports suggested ‘mild side effects’ common: almost two-thirds of volunteers felt generally unwell, with half reporting ‘chills’ and ‘feeling feverish’. One in five suffered a high temperature ‘of at least 38C’. All symptoms ‘reduced by taking paracetamol’.

A source said: ‘It’s up there with yellow fever, in terms of making you feel terrible, with a banging headache for a couple of days.

‘It’s probably not going to be given to everyone.’

Although some have suggested this means only the vulnerable – those who need it most – will be offered it, others say vaccinating younger adults, who have the best immune system response, is the best way forward.

They added: ‘Older people have a weaker response to vaccines and many groups who are most vulnerable, such as those having cancer treatment, have a weakened immune system, so won’t be able to take it either.

‘Giving it to healthy working-age adults would stop the virus circulating, and protect the vulnerable as a result. It’s the same principal when we give the flu vaccine to children – it’s not to protect them, but the vulnerable in the wider community.’