COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs

Due to the work of scientists, and others involved in the process, we have fortunately had access to safe and effective COVID vaccines since the end of last year.

1.Who can have the vaccine now?

It is currently being offered to health and social care workers, those at high risk from the virus, those who live in care homes, carers and well-people over the age of 42 years.

If you meet these criteria, you can book your vaccine appointment through the NHS by using this link.

2. Which vaccine is best?

Currently, there are three vaccines for use in the UK.

The Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine, the Astrazeneca 'Oxford' vaccine, and the more recently approved Moderna vaccine.

All three have good rates of efficacy after the first dose, and greater still after the second dose.

The conclusions from data gathered is yet to be finalised but it is thought the AstraZeneca vaccine has an effectiveness of 76% after a single dose.

It is important to remember that it takes about three weeks for immunity to develop following the first dose, so it is really important social distancing measures are adhered to.

It is thought the second dose provides longer-lasting immunity.

3. I have seen lots of worrying things in the news recently. Do the vaccines cause blood clots?

Recently, there has been some evidence linking the AstraZeneca vaccine to rare types of blood clots.

The risk is extremely low, affecting about four in a million people. 

To put this into context, the risk of developing a blood clot from the COVID infection itself is significantly higher than this.

Although the risk is extremely low, the MHRA has advised the use of alternative vaccines for certain groups:

• people under 30 years of age

• those who have previously suffered heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis (a very specific blood reaction to an injection called heparin)

• hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the vaccine

• anti-phospholipid syndrome (a specific medical condition that increases the risk of blood clots)

• those who have previously suffered cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (a very specific and rare type of blood clot affecting the brain)

• those who suffered a major blood clot, associated with a low platelet count, following the first AstraZeneca vaccine dose should not have the second dose

If you are under 30 years and had the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine without problems, you can go ahead and have the second dose when it is due.

This is because there are no cases of developing these extremely rare types of blood clots after the second dose of the vaccine.

4. What do I need to look out for if I have already had the AstraZeneca vaccine and I am worried about having a blood clot?

It is, again, important to remember that serious problems resulting from the vaccine are extremely rare.

However, you should seek medical attention if you get any of the following symptoms 4 days to 4 weeks following the vaccination:

• a severe headache not better with pain killers, or getting worse

• a headache that is worse when bending or lying

• a headache which is unusual for you, associated with blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or fits

• an unexpected rash that looks like bleeding under the skin

• shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, or persistent abdominal pain

Mild flu-like symptoms, including headache, are common following the covid vaccines.

5. Can I have the COVID vaccine if I am pregnant?

The answer is yes.

If offered the covid vaccine, it is advisable to go ahead with it.

It is preferable to use the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines because they have been used more widely in pregnancy, and without any reported problems.

6. Who shall I speak to if I have further questions regarding the vaccine?

If you have further questions do feel free to get in touch with us at Sloane Square Medical.

We have plenty of experience with dealing with such enquiries and are up-to-date on the current recommendations.

We are more than happy to speak to you, hear about your individual circumstances, and give you tailored advice according to the current guidance.

Dr Hajra Siraj