Coronavirus Vaccine | Your Questions Answered

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Answers to the frequently asked questions about the COVID 19 vaccination

Is the vaccine safe? 

All vaccines must be granted approval by an independent regulatory agency (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) passing tests based on quality, safety and effectiveness prior to being used in the UK. The COVID 19 vaccination is no different and all vaccines have been approved by the MHRA.

Are there any side effects caused by the coronavirus vaccine?

Yes, like all vaccines, the COVID 19 vaccine can cause mild and short-term effects lasting no more than a week and only in certain patients. These might include a sore arm where the vaccine was given and cold or flu like symptoms. If required, you can take paracetamol to help relieve any discomfort.

Can I be allergic to the vaccine? 

You should inform healthcare staff before you are vaccinated if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) especially if it was caused by a previous dose of the same vaccine or any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Serious allergic reactions are rare but tend to occur within a few minutes of receiving the vaccine. For this reason, you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after having the vaccine before you can leave. Staff at the vaccination sites will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and can treat you straight away.

Can I have the coronavirus vaccine if I am pregnant? 

Pregnant women will be offered the vaccine based on age or clinical risk group. If is preferable for these women to be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as they are used more widely during pregnancy in other countries with no safety issues reported. Speak to a healthcare professional before you have the vaccine. They will discuss the benefits and risks with you.

There is currently no evidence to show that the vaccine will impact your chance of conception and there is no need to avoid pregnancy following vaccination.

Search ‘pregnancy and coronavirus’ on nhs.uk for more information.

Can I have the coronavirus vaccine if I am breastfeeding?

You can have a COVID-19 vaccine while breastfeeding.

Do I really need the vaccine?

The average age of people in intensive care is 60, but people much younger have been seriously ill and died too, with thousands more still suffering the effects of Long Covid after what might have been a mild initial case. Anyone can get Covid-19, including young people, and anyone can spread it. Getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and others around you from the virus, vaccines reduce infections, hospitalisations and deaths from Covid-19. 

Is the vaccine suitable for people of faith?

The approved Covid-19 vaccines are suitable for people of all faiths. They don’t contain any components of animal origin or foetal cells.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine contains a tiny amount of ethanol. Less than what you would find in some of your daily groceries like bread. Faith Leaders and Muslim Scholars have said that the vaccine is not Haram.

All information is correct at time of writing 11/6/21