Coronavirus Vaccine
Dr Lamah El-Sharkawi is a GP in Uplands and Mumbles Surgery and her sister Reem El-Sharkawi is a GP Pharmacist, both are part of the Bay Cluster Network.
The coronavirus vaccine has arrived. It is safe and effective and it will give you protection against coronavirus.
The NHS is currently offering the vaccine to those people who are most at risk of getting coronavirus. The order that the vaccine is being offered is as follows:
- Those residents in care home for older adults and their carers
- 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
- 75 years of age and over
- 70 years of age and over; and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
- 65 years of age and over
- 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
- 60 years of age and over
- 55 years of age and over
- 50 years of age and over
This order has been decided based on scientific evidence from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Vaccinations are being given in various sites including the Bay field hospital, Margam Orangery and Canolfan Gorseinon as well as the various GP surgeries in the cluster. We will continue to work through each group shown above until all have been offered the vaccine.
How is the coronavirus vaccine given?
The coronavirus vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm. It is delivered in 2 doses and the second dose will be up to 12 weeks after having the first dose.
How safe is the coronavirus vaccine?
The vaccines that have been approved for use in the UK, like all medicines and vaccines, have met specific standards of safety, quality and effectiveness which are set out by the independent body called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency otherwise known as the MHRA.
All vaccines have been through vigorous clinical trials and various safety checks to ensure their safety.
The vaccine has been administered to millions of people and the reports of serious side effects to date are minimal.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Most side effects are generally mild and should not last longer than 7 days. The side effects that have been reported so far include:
- A sore arm at the site of injection
- Feeling lethargic and tired
- A headache
- Generally feeling achy
- Feeling nauseous and vomiting
It is fine to take paracetamol if you need to and it should be noted that if you have a high temperature you may still have coronavirus or any other type of infection so if you are feeling unwell and concerned, or your symptoms worsen call your GP during hours and 111 during out of hours.
It is important that if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction in the past that you tell staff prior to receiving your vaccination. Severe allergic reactions are thankfully rare and staff giving the vaccines are trained to deal with any type of reaction and know how to treat them immediately.
Please be aware, there are scams. We will never ask for any financial details or card details to register for the vaccination. It is a free vaccine that will be delivered by either your GP or the local health board.
Reem El-Sharkawi