Coronavirus Vaccine: Commonly Asked Questions

Will the Vaccine have side effects?

• Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short term, and not everyone gets them
• If you have mild symtoms after the first dose, you should still have the second dose. Please report any more marked symptoms to your doctor
• Although you may get some protection from the first dose, having the second dose will give you the best protection against the virus
• Very common side effects include: 
• Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1-2 days after the vaccine
• Tiredness
• Headache
• General aches, or mild flu like symptoms
• About fever...although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help feel better. 

Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned. call NHS 111

I have had the flu vaccine; do I need the COVID-19 vaccine as well?

• The flu vaccine does not protect you from Covid-19
• If you are eligible for both vaccines, you should have both of them and normally separated by at least 7 days

Can I catch Covid-19 from the vaccines?

• No, this is not possible

Can I transmit or pass on the Covid-19 infection to anyone after I had the vaccine?

• The vaccine will not give you the Coivid-19 infection
• We do not know yet if the vaccine will stop you carrying the virus and passing it on
• What we do know is thta if you catch the virus, the vaccine will protect you and significantly lower the chance of you becoming unwell with it

Does the Covid-19 Vaccine contain animal products or gluten?

• The vaccine is animal free, gluten free, potassium free and sodium free