COVID-19 is a very infectious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is more serious in older people and those with certain health conditions.
Why are you being offered a COVID-19 booster?
Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may begin to wane over time. The booster will help to reduce the risk of you needing admission to hospital due to COVID-19 infection this winter.
Protection against severe disease from the first 2 doses seems to decline very slowly. Boosting your immunity should help to extend your protection into next year and may give broader protection against new variants.
When should you have a booster?
The booster is being offered to those most vulnerable first, and will then be rolled down to younger age groups. Your appointment should at least 3 months from your last dose, but you may be called later based on your age group.
Common side effects
As with your previous dose the common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines used:
a) having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine
b) feeling tired
c) headache
d) general aches, or mild-flu like symptoms
Please note: If you had serious side effects after any previous dose you may be advised to avoid or delay further vaccination. You should discuss this with your doctor or specialist
Serious side effects
Worldwide, there have also been recent, very rare cases of inflammation of the heart called myocarditis or pericarditis reported after Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
These cases have been seen mostly in younger men within several days after vaccination. Most of the these people recovered and felt better following rest and simple treatments.
You should seek medical advice urgently if, after vaccination, you experience:
a) chest pain
b) shortness of breath
c) feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
Is there anyone who shouldn't have a booster?
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
Can you still catch COVID-19 after having the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease.
It may take a few days for your body to build up some protection from the booster.
Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective - some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
If you have not had the first vaccinations
If you have not yet had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine you should have them as soon as possible
I have a COVID-19 positive result, when can I have my booster?
You will still need the booster but you should wait at least four weeks from your COVID-19 infection
For more information please see here -- https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/productinformation