Q1. A family member is immunosuppressed. Can I have my vaccination now?
Yes, so long as you live in the same household or care for them.
Explanation in full
The JCVI has recently advised that adult household contacts with severe immunosuppression should be offered Covid19 Vaccination alongside Priority Group 6. This is in response to regular monitoring of data on vaccine effectiveness and impact, which indicates lower protection in vaccinated adults who are immunosuppressed.
Those with severe immunosuppression are therefore more likely to suffer poor outcomes following a covid19 infection. The recommendation to vaccinate adult household members aims to reduce the risk of infection in the immunosuppressed by vaccinating those most likely to transmit to them. If a member of your household falls into this group, then please contact the surgery and we will add you and/or your adult household members to our next available clinic date.
Q2. Should I be concerned about blood clots?
These are very rare. Millions of people have been given the AstraZeneca vaccine and few cases have been reported.
Explanation in full
In the UK we have a yellow card system which records all side effects from vaccines. Most vaccines have some side effects and as a result a balance has to be struck between the vaccination risks to the patient versus the risk of the virus/ disease we are trying to protect us from.
The MHRA has concluded that for nearly all age groups, the benefits of the AstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine continue to outweigh the risks for the large majority of people. Those aged under 30 years (with no underlying health conditions) will still be invited for the vaccination when that cohort is eligible, but will be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca, out of utmost caution.
Q3. I have already received my first dose of AstraZeneca due to having an underlying health condition. Should I still have the second dose?
Yes. Second doses of the AstraZeneca should continue to be given to all patients unless they had a serious reaction to the first dose.
Explanation in full
If you have already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccination and not had a serious adverse reaction, then the advice is to ensure you are vaccinated with a second dose of the same vaccine. Having your second dose is very important as this boosts your immunity developed from the first dose.
Q4. I have still not had my vaccination due to a positive covid19 result a few weeks ago. Is it too late?
No. Any patient still not vaccinated who falls into Groups 1-9 (50+ years and those with an underlying health condition as defined by the JCVI) can still contact us for an appointment.
Explanation in full
If you have recently had a positive covid19 result, you must wait at least 28 days and be well, before having the vaccine. If you are still feeling unwell, it may be worth waiting to have the vaccination at a later time.
The practice regularly reviews all our data to ensure that every patient is offered the vaccination on a number of occasions. The practice will make contact with you so it is important that we have your current contact details, including a mobile telephone number if possible. This is the easiest way for the practice to engage with you about appointments/information for your vaccinations.
Q5. I am waiting to hear about my second dose – what shall I do?
Await contact from the surgery but if you have not heard anything by week 12, then please let us know.
Explanation in full
The surgery will try to make contact the week prior to when your second dose is due. Please ensure you have your mobile to hand or are available to take our call or to book via the link, when the time comes. This will save both you and the practice valuable time and ensure you are booked in correctly. The practice will have either posted or handed you a blank questionnaire to complete prior to your second vaccination. Please ensure this is completed in full and bought with you, along with your vaccination card when attending your appointment. If this has been misplaced or has not arrived, a copy is available to download.