(Updated: 18/07/2021)
Current Vaccination Campaign Guidance
There are currently two vaccines being used locally in Oxfordshire:
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Oxford/AstraZeneca
The vaccines are allocated nationally and local centres do not have any influence over which they receive. You cannot choose which vaccine you have.
To maintain a record of your vaccination, we recommend downloading the NHS Covid-19 app. When you book, you’ll only be offered appointments for vaccines that are suitable for you. Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines, but some people are only offered certain vaccines. For example, if you’re pregnant or under 40 you’ll usually only be offered appointments for the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.
You should have the same vaccine for both doses, unless you had serious side effects (such as a serious allergic reaction) after your 1st dose. These are very rare reactions and if affected, you will be informed by your GP or hospital clinician, that a different vaccine is necessary for your second dose. Minor side effects after having any of the vaccinations are common and not a cause for concern. These are usually mild and should not last longer than a week. They include:
- A sore arm from the injection
- Feeling tired
- A headache
- Feeling achy
- Feeling or being sick
If you have questions or concerns regarding side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, please visit GOV.UK for updated official guidance. Further information on eligibility rules will be posted on the NHS Covid-19 website.
Pregnancy and Vaccination
The JCVI as advised that pregnant women should be offered COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as people of the same age or risk group. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy, please watch this YouTube video series produced by Oxford University Hospital. Of particular note is Episode Four, in which Dr. Brenda Kelly offers advice on the best time for expectant mothers to have the Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy,
AstraZeneca & Blood Clots
Following the statement and updated guidance from the JCVI concerning the Astrazeneca vaccine we realise that many of you will have concerns and questions which will lead to higher demand on our telephone lines. If you have questions please consult the updated guidance from the JCVI and information leaflet which should answer your questions. We will continue to contact all those patients that have had their first dose to book the second which we would urge you to take in line with the JCVI advice.
Please be aware that unless you have a history of increased risk of blood clots we are unable to offer an alternative brand for your second dose and would strongly recommend that you complete the vaccination course in the recommended timeframe. At this time we don’t have details of future deliveries of first doses for the next cohorts (49 and under), as soon as we do we will be in contact with those patients. Thank you all for your ongoing support and understanding, please do consider visiting our website for information about the vaccine before calling us to keep the lines clear for patients with other medical needs.
Vaccination Programme
The NHS is now ready to deliver a vaccination programme for England. The programme is starting to be delivered in Oxfordshire. The Practice expects to receive the first batch of vaccines in early January.
When we have a confirmed delivery date we will contact eligible patients by phone to arrange appointments. This is likely to be at short notice. Please do not contact the Practice to seek a vaccine before then.
Prioritisation
A prioritisation list based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has been produced. This will ensure the vaccine will be delivered to groups who will need it first.
Check this list to see whether you are eligible.
Approved Vaccines
The vaccines approved for use in the UK have been developed by Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna.
They have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Government has provided thorough descriptions of each vaccine and how it works.
Information for UK recipients on Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Information for UK recipients on Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Information for UK recipients on Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
How you can help us
The timing of vaccine delivery is not yet confirmed. To protect lives we are striving to vaccinate people as quickly as possible. In addition to this, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be delivered quickly, as once we receive it we must use it within three days. Therefore, appointments will be booked at short notice. Flexibility in travel plans would be appreciated.
If you are high on the prioritisation list, please consider whether you would like to be vaccinated. When we contact you, let us know your decision as soon as possible. The FAQ (see below) provides information to help you make this decision.
Please make sure we have up to date contact details for you. It is most important we have your current mobile number. You can update your contact details by emailing churchstreetpractice@nhs.net. Use the subject line “Contact Details”, and include your :
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Mobile telephone number
FAQ
How will patients be invited for a vaccination?
When it is the right time patients will receive a phone call/ to book an appointment.
For most people this will be in the form of a letter either from their GP or the national booking system; this will include all the information they need, including their NHS number
We know lots of people will be eager to get protected but we are asking people not to contact the NHS to get an appointment until they get their letter.
How long does each vaccine take to become effective?
Some protection is obtained around 2 weeks after the first vaccine dose. As such, we are currently prioritising the delivery of first doses.
Available data suggests that full protection is only obtained following a second dose. It is therefore essential that you attend a follow-up appointment, when offered one.
The second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine can be delivered between 3-12 weeks after the first dose.
The second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be delivered between 4-12 weeks after the first dose.
It is recommended that the second dose of the Moderna vaccine be delivered 28 days after the first dose.
Is the NHS confident the vaccines are safe?
Yes. The NHS will not offer any Covid-19 vaccinations to the public until experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the official UK regulator, have said this vaccine is very safe and highly effective, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.
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.
Why is it important to get your COVID-19 vaccination?
Getting your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you can should protect you, and may help to protect your family and those you care for.
The COVID-19 vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services.
Is the vaccine vegan/vegetarian friendly?
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine does not contain any meat derivatives or porcine products.
If, and when, further vaccines are approved we will publish information about known allergens or ingredients that are important for certain faiths, cultures, and beliefs
You must inform us if…
If you are offered an appointment, and have any of the following conditions, you must let the person who calls you and/or your doctor, know.
- If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any other vaccine injection;
- If you currently have a severe infection with a high temperature (over 38°C);
- However, a mild fever or infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination;
- If you have a problem with bleeding or bruising, or if you are taking a blood thinning medicine (anticoagulant)
Is the NHS confident the vaccine will be safe?
Yes. The NHS would not offer any COVID-19 vaccinations to the public until it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator authorising the use of medicines and vaccines by healthcare professionals, has made this decision, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.
As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process.
What is the evidence to show the vaccine is safe for BAME communities?
The phase three study of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated a vaccine efficacy of 95%, with consistent efficacy across age, gender and ethnicity.
Overall, among the participants who received the vaccine 82.1% were White, 9.6% were Black or African American, 26.1% were Hispanic/Latino, 4.3% were Asian and 0.7% were Native American/Alaskan.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been evaluated based on an interim analysis of pooled data from four on-going randomised, blinded, controlled trials. This demonstrated that the vaccine was 73% effective, with consistent efficacy across age, gender and ethnicity.
Among the participants who received the vaccine 82.8% were White, 4.6% were Asian, and 4.4% were Black.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of 94%.
Among the participants who received the vaccine 19.7% were Hispanic or Latino, and 9.7% African American.
I’m currently ill with COVID-19, can I get the vaccine?
People currently unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until they have recovered.
Do people who have already had COVID-19 get vaccinated?
Yes, they should get vaccinated. There is no evidence of any safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID19 antibody, so people who have had COVID-19 disease (whether confirmed or suspected) can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it is their time to do so.
Are there any known or anticipated side effects?
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. Even if you do have symptoms after the first dose, you still need to have the second dose. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose of the vaccine.
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).
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- General aches, or mild flu like symptoms
As with all vaccines, appropriate treatment and care will be available in case of a rare anaphylactic event following administration.
I have had my flu vaccine, do I need the COVID-19 vaccine as well?
The flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID-19. As you are eligible for both vaccines you should have them both, but normally separated by at least a week.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine protect me from flu?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you against the flu. If you have been offered a flu vaccine, please try to have this as soon as possible to help protect you, your family and patients from flu this winter.
