91-year-old Margaret Keenan gets her Covid-19 booster vaccine
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In line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice, people will receive either one dose of the Pfizer vaccine or half a dose of the Moderna vaccine. The government says AstraZeneca may be an option if this is the vaccine that you had for the first two doses. There are, however, some side effects to be aware of.
“You should seek medical advice urgently” if after having a booster you notice chest pain.
You should do the same if you experience shortness of breath or have feelings of having “a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart”, says the UK government.
Worldwide there have been some very rare cases of inflammation of the heart reported after Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
“These cases have been seen mostly in younger men within several days after vaccination. Most of these people recovered and felt better following rest and simple treatments,” explains the government website.
Though some people may experience side effects, it adds that there are very few people who should not have a booster.
“If you have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine you should discuss this with your doctor,” government advice reads.
There are also some more common side effects of the vaccines.
These include having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection, feeling tired, a headache, as well as general aches, or mild flu like symptoms.
Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days, the government advice says that a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection.
Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week.
If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111.
If you had serious side effects after any previous dose you may be advised to avoid or delay further vaccination, according to the UK government.
Some of those in the original nine priority groups will not be eligible for the top-up until the new year.
The NHS says that the coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective, and will give you the best protection against COVID.
“The COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.”
People aged 18 and over can now get a 1st and 2nd dose of a vaccine.
The Yellow Card scheme is a mechanism by which anybody can voluntarily report any suspected adverse reactions or side effects to the vaccine.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) runs the scheme.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide an early warning that the safety of a product may require further investigation.
Healthcare professionals and patients can report suspected side effects to medicines, suspected side effects of any COVID-19 vaccines, and incidents involving medical devices.
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