Covid: When will I get the vaccine?on February 22, 2021 at 4:15 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Two approved Covid vaccines are being rolled out across the UK, so when might you get one?

Margaret Keenan was vaccinated at University Hospital, Coventry

image copyrightPA Wire

The Covid-19 vaccine rollout in the UK is entering its next phase, after everyone in the top four priority groups was offered a jab.

More than 17.7 million people have had a first vaccine dose – equivalent to one in three adults in the UK.

Most frontline health and social care staff, elderly care home residents, clinically extremely vulnerable people and over-70s have now been vaccinated.

They were first in line because of their risk from the virus, making up the top four in a list of nine high-priority groups.

Many areas are now inviting over-60s, as well as anyone over 16 with a health condition which increases their risk.

Adult carers of disabled people and younger adults in care homes are also being offered jabs.

List of priority groups
Presentational white space

All four nations of the UK follow these priorities, but the roll-out varies between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Some over-50s are being vaccinated now along with people even younger, if they have underlying health conditions.

About 17 million people are expected to be offered a jab by the start of May.

Vaccinating people in all nine groups should protect around 99% of those most at risk of dying.

Police officers and teachers have not been given priority. They will be vaccinated in line with their age group.

Any change to priorities will be decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Two vaccines – developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca – are currently being used in the UK to protect against Covid-19. A third – from Moderna – has also been approved.

Early research on other vaccines, including Pfizer, suggest they also protect against this variant.

All have been shown to be effective at preventing people from becoming seriously ill and dying from Covid-19.

There are concerns that Covid vaccines may not work as well against variants spotted in South Africa and Brazil, and in some UK variants too.

Nonetheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the Oxford vaccine should still be used in countries where these variants are present.

People should feel confident about getting vaccinated, the government’s deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van Tam, has said.

The “immediate threat” is from the Kent variant, he said, and there is “plenty of evidence” the vaccines are effective against that.

New versions of the vaccines are already being worked on and the plan is to have them ready by the autumn.

They are likely to be offered as a routine booster against Covid.

The approved vaccines require two doses to provide the best protection against Covid.

In the UK, people were initially told they would get a second dose three to four weeks after the first. But to ensure a speedy roll-out, the UK’s chief medical officers extended the gap to 12 weeks.

This approach is now backed by the WHO which says giving two doses 8-12 weeks apart increases the Oxford vaccine’s effectiveness and provides greater protection.

However, some doctors are worried that a long gap between doses of the Pfizer vaccine could make it less effective.

You’ll be invited to book an appointment as soon as it’s your turn, by phone or letter.

Thousands of vaccination sites are operating in places including hospital hubs, GP surgeries, pharmacies and temporary vaccination centres.

The official guidance says everyone should get the same vaccine for both doses.

In very rare circumstances – if only one vaccine is available, or it’s not known which was given for the first dose – a different vaccine can be used.

However, a UK trial is investigating whether mixing vaccines could offer better protection than two doses of the same one.

Table comparing the Oxford, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines

The UK has ordered seven vaccines and expects to receive 407 million doses – more than enough for every adult to receive two.

The aim is to vaccinate as many people as possible over the age of 18.

The vaccines have not been tested in children so they won’t receive them until more research has been carried out.

Getting a Covid vaccine is not compulsory because experts say this wouldn’t help create public confidence.

Doses ordered

A very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction – known as anaphylaxis – when vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine.

You should discuss any serious allergies with your healthcare professional before being vaccinated.

Most people will not be affected in any way, although mild side-effects are possible.

Vaccination should only be considered for pregnant women when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks.

This may be where the risk of catching coronavirus is high, or where underlying health conditions mean a high risk of Covid complications.

There are no specific safety concerns with the vaccines – but they were not tested on pregnant women.

Women who are breastfeeding can be given either vaccine.

No – this vaccine is being rolled out free to people via the NHS. You can’t jump the queue by paying.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Workplace mental health service firm faces investigationon March 12, 2024 at 1:58 am

Allegations of poor practice at major UK provider Health Assured have been made to BBC File on 4.Image source, Getty ImagesBy Alys Harte &...

Jerusalem on edge as festivals fall amid tensionson April 14, 2022 at 11:05 pm

Ramadan, Passover and Easter are being marked at a time of growing Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed.

‘Kane asks to leave Spurs’ – Tuesday’s gossip columnon May 17, 2021 at 10:25 pm

Harry Kane reiterates his desire to leave Tottenham, while Manchester City face competition from Manchester United for Nuno Mendes, plus more.England striker Harry Kane...

Veteran magician David Berglas dies aged 97on November 4, 2023 at 10:40 am

David Berglas, one of the most prominent magicians of the 20th Century, dies on Friday night.Image source, Getty ImagesBy James W Kelly & PA...

Bairstow hits unbeaten century as England show fight in fourth Ashes Teston January 7, 2022 at 7:47 am

Jonny Bairstow score a fine century as England's batters show some fight against Australia on day three of the fourth Ashes Test.Jonny Bairstow score...