Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the COVID-19 Vaccination programme

You can check the Stockport CCG website for vaccination hubs, pop-up clinics and walk-ins at: https://www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/news/covid-19-vaccination-options/

Alternatively you can check Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/coronavirus-vaccination-programme

Or find your nearest walk-in centre for vaccines here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/

From 31 March 2022, the following applies :

• People aged 18 years and above
  • are eligible for two primary doses of the Covid – 19 vaccine 8 weeks apart.
  • If immunosuppressed they are eligible for a third primary dose of vaccine 8 weeks after the second primary dose.
  • Eligible for a booster dose no less than 91 days after final primary vaccine dose.
  • People aged 75 and over and people who live in care homes for older people are eligible for a spring booster vaccine dose no less than 91 days after their first booster dose.
  • people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, are eligible for a spring booster no less than 91 days after the first booster.

• Young people aged 12 -17 years
  • are eligible for two primary doses of the Covid – 19 vaccine 12 weeks apart.
  • carers, health, or social care worker, clinically vulnerable or household contacts of someone who is immunosuppressed are eligible for the second primary dose of vaccine 8 (instead of 12) weeks after the first primary dose
  • If immunosuppressed they are eligible for a third primary dose of vaccine 8 weeks after the second primary dose.
  • 16 – 17 years eligible for a booster dose 91 days after final primary vaccine dose.
  • 12 – 15 years who are clinically vulnerable, high risk, or immunosuppressed are eligible for a booster dose no less than 91 days after final primary vaccine dose.
  • people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, are eligible for a spring booster no less than 91 days after the first booster

• Children aged 5 to 11 years are eligible for two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine 12 weeks apart

You cannot usually choose which vaccine you have. During your visit to the vaccination centre, you will be assessed and offered the most appropriate vaccination dependent upon the supply available to them on the day and which one is licensed for your age group.

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 be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines
• if you’re under 18, you’ll only be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine

You should have the same vaccine for both your first, second and third (if appropriate) primary doses, unless you had serious side effects (such as a serious allergic reaction) after your first primary dose. Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine.

This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccine you had for your primary vaccine doses.

If you are eligible for a vaccination you can book an appointment to attend a National Vaccination Hub through the National Booking Service online at https://www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. Or you can call them on 119. Alternatively, you can attend one of the local walk-in centres or pop-up clinics. Check Stockport CCG website for dates and venues.

You can rearrange your appointment for vaccination through the National Booking Service online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling them on 119. Alternatively you can attend one of the local walk-in centres or pop-up clinics. Check out Stockport CCG website for dates and venues.

You can arrange for a volunteer to help you by calling the NHS National Volunteer Service on 0808 196 4636 between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week. If you are a Stockport resident you can call the Council’s Coronavirus Helpline on 0161 217 6046 or Stockport Car Scheme on 0161 476 2812 to arrange transport to, and from, the vaccination centre.

Currently, the approved Covid-19 vaccines, which are available in the UK are:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Oxford AstraZeneca (‘AZ’)
• Moderna

Yes, people who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated can still receive first, second and third (if appropriate) primary vaccination doses. They can also obtain booster and spring booster vaccinations (if appropriate).

Yes, the vaccine can be given together with other vaccines, for example flu, or given at any interval before or after vaccination for a different disease, with the exception of shingles, where there should be a 7-day gap.

The vaccine helps the body to produce antibodies against the virus so you can minimise – or better manage – the symptoms that the virus can cause. However, you can still transmit the virus to others, so you can still help to minimise this risk by choosing to social distance, wear a mask, also to wash and sanitise your hands regularly.

Scientists were not starting from scratch when they developed this vaccine because different types of corona viruses have been around for many years. Worldwide collaboration between scientists enabled them to fund, fast-track research and clinical trials resulting in the production of the vaccines.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) conducted rolling reviews of data to assess the vaccines rather than wait until the end of the clinical trials.

The standards for safety and effectiveness have not changed due to the speed of production and testing. Also, the vaccines are subject to continuous independent regulation and review.

A detailed review of the vaccines and their ingredients has been provided by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and can be found using these links.

Patient information leaflets for each vaccine can be found here

Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine patient leaflet on GOV.UK

Oxford/AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 vaccine patient leaflet on GOV.UK

Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine patient leaflet on GOV.UK

No. Vaccinations will only be available through the NHS for the moment and are free of charge. Anyone who claims to be able to provide you with a vaccine for a fee is likely to be committing a crime and should be reported to the police and/or local trading standards.

Current evidence suggests that the Covid-19 vaccines are effective against Omicron and Delta strains of the Corona virus that has emerged recently. Government scientists continue to monitor in detail the characteristics of the virus strains that are emerging. The vaccine manufacturers will also continue to review and improve the vaccine in response to this data.

Yes, getting vaccinated is just as important for those who have already had Covid-19 as it is for those who haven’t. If you have had symptoms of Covid-19 and are aged 16 years and above, you should wait 28 days after the first signs of infection before having the Covid-19 vaccinations. Those under 16 years should wait 12 weeks.

A booster should be given no less than 91 days after the second or third (if appropriate) primary vaccine dose. The Spring booster should be given no less than 91 days after the first booster.

No, the booster can be given at any time after 3 months. Services aim to administer the booster dose within 238 days, however if a patient presents later than this, they are still eligible.

Yes pregnant women are eligible for a booster dose in the same way as other people in their age groups.

A third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can be offered to certain patients with immunosuppression. This is administered 8 weeks after the individual’s second primary vaccine dose. This will improve response to vaccination thereby improving protection from the virus in this cohort.

People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15 (who have a severely weakened immune system), can get a booster dose. This is offered at no less than 91 days after the second or third (if appropriate) primary dose. People aged 75 and over, people who live in care homes for older people, and people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, will also be eligible for a spring booster.

The Covid-19 vaccines available in the UK have been shown to be effective and have a good safety profile. They do not contain live corona virus and cannot infect the pregnant woman or their unborn child in the womb.

Pregnant women have a slightly higher risk of intensive care admission than women of the same age who are not pregnant. Therefore, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that pregnant woman should be offered the vaccine at the same time as other same-aged people and risk group.

PfizerBioNtech (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax) vaccines are the preferred choice for pregnant women. However, if they have had a first dose with a different vaccine and without event, they should continue with the same vaccine for the second dose.

For more information see Public Health England leaflet PHE

The benefits of breast feeding are well known and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends that women who are breast feeding should be vaccinated; this is supported by the World Health Organisation.

For more information see Public Health England information leaflet PHE

The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has gathered opinions from many Islamic scholars and has advised that taking any of the Covid-19 vaccines currently licensed in the UK does not invalidate the fast during Ramadan.

The British Islamic Medical Association has produced a helpful guide for the Muslim community, which can be found at British Islamic Medical Association – Covid-19 Vaccination Guide.

They have also noted that people should not delay taking the Covid-19 vaccination because of Ramadan. For more information visit the BIMA website BIMA.

At the start of the pandemic, initial research suggested that people from BAME backgrounds were at a greater risk of dying as a result of Covid-19. There is also evidence that the uptake of the vaccination is much lower for BAME people, which then puts them at greater risk.

Yes, you can have the Covid –19 vaccine as it does not interact with any immunosuppressant medications.

People who are immunosuppressed are at a greater risk of hospitalisation if the are infected with the corona virus. Therefore, it is highly recommended that this group of people have their Covid -19 vaccinations.

There will be an opportunity to discuss concerns with a healthcare professional when you attend your appointment. You can also speak to the specialist responsible for your treatment before attending or responding to invitations to have the vaccine.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) information on vaccination says that an allergy to medicines, food, or other vaccines will not stop you from having the Covid-19 vaccination.

There will be opportunity to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional when you attend for your appointment and they will be best placed to discuss your individual needs.

Yes, the vaccine can be given to people who are on any blood thinning medications whether it’s taken orally or via injection, including Warfarin as long as your INR is within range before your vaccination appointment.

Yes, you can have either the Pfizer (Comirnaty) or Moderna (Spikevax vaccine only if you have any known bleeding disorder or conditions.

A review of the current data suggests that the incidence in people vaccinated with the Oxford Astra Zeneca (AZ) vaccine is slightly higher in the younger age groups and therefore, as a precautionary measure, the MHRA have suspended the routine use of the AZ vaccine in people aged 40 years and under.

Note: The MHRA advice says that people who had the AZ vaccine as their first vaccination and didn’t suffer blood clots or blood disorders should continue to also have it for their second vaccination. This is because it is extremely rare to develop these problems after the second vaccination if they were not experienced after the first vaccination.

There is no consistent evidence that suggests low and moderate levels of alcohol impair the immune system. However, chronic heavy alcohol abuse is linked to immune system dysfunction and may lead to a reduced response to some vaccines.

None of the vaccines that are currently available are live vaccines. They do not contain the live virus and they do not contain any animal products or derivatives. There is also no truth in the theory that the vaccines have any form of electronic microchip.

While you’re no longer required by law to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should still stay at home and avoid contact with other people. This helps reduce the chance of passing COVID-19 on to others.

Yes. If you are over 18 years old, and have only received one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, from the day that someone/household member’s symptoms started (or from the day they tested positive).

For further information see NHS Website

People who work in these essential frontline roles will need to check with their employers. It is advisable that they get vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of the Corona virus and the Covid-19 illness. This will help to keep everyone safe including service users and people at risk.

Yes, it does make a difference to both the individual and their immediate friends and family and wider community. In order to get the maximum benefit from the Covid-19 vaccines it is important to have the full course.

It is common for the arm to feel sore after vaccination, and this can remain for several days afterwards. Some people might feel slightly unwell, get a headache, muscle aches and fatigue. More information on possible side effects can be found at NHS UK Coronavirus Conditions.

Don’t worry – this can be a normal and harmless side effect after having a vaccination because your body is building antibodies in response to the vaccine. Regular painkillers such as paracetamol will help with pain relief. Read up on dosing information for paracetamol tablets in the patient information leaflet enclosed in the packet or speak to your local pharmacist.

If you would like to find out more about possible side effects you will find information on the NHS patient leaflet.

Following a detailed review of available data, the MHRA and government scientists say there is no evidence to suggest that the incidence of blood clots and bleeding disorders in people who have been vaccinated is any higher than that in the general population who have not been vaccinated.

The data suggests that the incidence in people vaccinated with the Oxford Astra Zeneca (AZ) vaccine is slightly higher in the younger age groups and therefore, as a precautionary measure, the MHRA have suspended the routine use of the AZ vaccine in people aged 40 years and under.

No – not fully immune. However, having the full vaccination course – in other words, having two jabs regardless of which vaccine you had for the first dose has been shown to reduce the severity of the symptoms of Corona virus illness if you get infected. This means that you are less likely to be hospitalised and also, less likely to die from the virus if you are infected.

It is important that people who are eligible to have the Covid-19 vaccine have all their jabs.

We are awaiting further national guidance on this matter. Updates will be published on our Stockport CCG website: https://www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/news/

People should follow current government guidance at all times. In order to prevent the spread of Corona virus and prevent people becoming ill they should have all their doses of the vaccine and continue to stay safe by washing or sanitising hands regularly. Even now, people could consider wearing face masks while using indoor facilities and maintaining social distancing.

All information is stored electronically, so don’t worry. Your GP and the NHS App records will be updated with the information within 48 hours. If there are any problems with the recorded information call 119 and ask to be referred to the Vaccine Data Resolution Team (VDRT).

People who need proof that they have been vaccinated should download the NHS app onto their mobiles and follow the instructions. You will need your NHS number for this. Alternatively, if you call 119 and request written information as proof, they will send you this in a letter.

People who have been vaccinated outside of England can make an appointment  online to provide proof for updating their vaccination records here.