COVID-19 vaccine facts and guidance

The NHS will not offer any Covid-19 vaccinations to the public until independent experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have said that all approved vaccines have good safety profiles and full dosage offers a very effective level of protection.

As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process, and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.

The MHRA recommend that those with severe allergies to the ingredients of the vaccines should not receive them.

Advice for pregnant women, those thinking about becoming pregnant or if breastfeeding

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have the following guidance:

• COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both women and babies, including admission of the woman to intensive care and premature birth of the baby
• Women may wish to discuss the benefits and risks of having the vaccine with their healthcare professional and reach a joint decision based on individual circumstances. However, as for the non-pregnant population, pregnant women can receive a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have not had a discussion with a healthcare professional.
• You should not stop breastfeeding in order to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Women trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination and there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility.
• Having a COVID-19 vaccine will not remove the requirement for employers to carry out a risk assessment for pregnant employees, which should follow the rules set out in this government guidance.

For more information on the risks during pregnancy or when breastfeeding visit GOV.UK: a guide for all women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding.

These are important details which the MHRA always consider when assessing candidate vaccines for use.

All patients will be provided with information on the vaccine they have received, how to look out for any side effects, and what to do if they do occur, including reporting them to the MHRA.

The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus. For people aged 40 or over and those with other health conditions, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh any risk of clotting problems.

For people under 40 without other health conditions, it's advised that it's preferable to have another COVID-19 vaccine instead of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. To find out more about COVID-19 vaccination visit COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting

Although serious side effects are very rare, if you experience any of the following from around 4 days to 4 weeks after vaccination you should seek medical advice urgently:

• a new, severe headache which is not helped by usual painkillers or is getting worse
• a headache which seems worse when lying down or bending over
• an unusual headache that may be accompanied by:
  • blurred vision, nausea and vomiting
  • difficulty with your speech
  • weakness, drowsiness or seizures
• new, unexplained pinprick bruising or bleeding
• shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain

Further information can be found at NHS.UK.

More information on possible side effects can be found on NHS.UK. coronavirus.

These are important details which the MHRA always consider when assessing candidate vaccines for use. Checking for allergies is a routine part of the process before giving any vaccine or new medicine.

Having these conversations, and being able to deal with allergic reactions in the rare case they do happen, is a central part of training for vaccinators.

However, as these are new vaccines the NHS and the MHRA are being extra vigilant and responding quickly to ensure everyone across the NHS is totally clear on these requirements.

All patients will be provided with information on the vaccine they have received, how to look out for any side effects, and what to do if they do occur, including reporting them to the MHRA.

More information on possible side effects can be found on NHS.UK. coronavirus.

There may be a very small number of people with very complex or severe immunological problems who can’t make any response at all – but the vaccine should not do any harm to these individuals.

Individuals meeting these criteria may want to discuss the vaccine further with their specialist doctor.