Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination FAQs

• Vaccination will be carried out by school-aged immunisation service (SAIS) providers, a group of provider organisations such as NHS community trusts who are contracted in local systems to provide routine immunisation services such as flu.

• Schools will have three main roles, similar to those in other vaccination programmes:

1. provide information to their SAIS provider on which children on their roll are eligible for the vaccine.
2. share information that the SAIS provider needs parents and children to have.
3. provide the space within school, and the time away from the timetable, to enable vaccinations to take place.

• Primary care network (PCN) groupings delivering the COVID-19 vaccination enhanced service are the main providers for at-risk children, reflecting the existing relationships that general practice has with these children and their families.

• All consent guidance is contained within Public Health England’s ‘Green Book’.

  The COVID-19 vaccination consent form for children and young people (including easy-read immunisation and consent resources) can be found on the gov.uk website.  

• As with all vaccinations, a consent form and information leaflet provided by the SAIS team will be used to seek consent from parents or those with parental responsibility. Parents will also be provided with a contact number for the SAIS team in case of any queries. Consent forms should be returned by the deadline agreed with the team.

  Some children may be sufficiently mature to provide their own consent if their parents have not returned a consent form and they express a wish to have a vaccine on the day of the session. Trained professionals in the SAIS team, with expertise in vaccinating children and assessing consent, will speak to the child to assess intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what's involved in their treatment, to determine appropriateness of administering the vaccine. This will include making every effort to contact the parent to seek their verbal consent and an assessment of the individual child’s capacity to self-consent, where appropriate.

  The COVID-19 vaccination consent form for children and young people can be found on the gov.uk website.

  Information on school flu consent is available on the Flu vaccination programme section of the gov.uk website. 

  
  
  

• Children under the age of 12 cannot yet receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®) is the only vaccine currently authorised for those aged 12-15. This vaccination is licensed only for children aged 12 and above, so only children who are 12 on or before the date of vaccination will be vaccinated.

  A child who is 11 when they receive an appointment/consent form but 12 on the day of their vaccination appointment will be eligible for vaccination. 

• Top tips for supporting children and young people during vaccination

• Yes. The NHS will not offer any COVID-19 vaccinations to the public until experts have confirmed they are safe.  
  
  The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said that the vaccines currently provided – Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneka - and the newly approved vaccine – Moderna - are 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 they have been authorised and are being administered to the public.
  
  

• To protect you and your family. Getting your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you can, should protect you, your family, and those you care for and come into contact with.
  
  
• If you’re a frontline worker in the NHS on in a care environment, it’s important you are vaccinated as you are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 at work.
  
  
• When we have had a COVID-19 vaccination this should reduce how seriously we are affected by the virus. This will reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services, and help to save lives.

• Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. Common side effects include:
  
  o 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;
  
  o Feeling tired;
  
  o Headache;
  
  o General aches, or mild flu like symptoms.
  
  
• As with all vaccines, appropriate treatment and care will be available in case of a rare anaphylactic reaction.
  
  
• All patients will be given information on the vaccine they have had. This includes how to look out for any side effects, and what to do if you have a reaction. You can report suspected side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to ensure safe and effective use of the COVID-19 vaccines. It is important for people to report problems experienced with medicines as these are used to identify issues which might not have been previously known about. The MHRA will review the issue and if necessary, take action to minimise risk and maximise benefit to the patients.
  
  
• 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.

• There's no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine has any effect on your chances of becoming pregnant. They do not affect fertility and there's no need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination.

• If you're pregnant, you will be offered a 1st, 2nd or booster COVID-19 vaccine when you're eligible for them according to your eligibility.
  
  

• If you're pregnant, you will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. They have been more widely used during pregnancy in other countries and have not caused any safety issues. You will not be offered the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

• You can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines if you're breastfeeding. If you are 39 years or younger, you will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine as with all patients in this age group.

• The vaccine cannot give you or your baby COVID-19.

• Read the latest COVID-19 vaccine advice if you’re pregnant, may get pregnant or are breastfeeding on GOV.UK
  
  
• Access guides in different languages and formats - for all women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding

• You do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination. The vaccines cannot give you or your baby COVID-19. 
  
  
• Read the latest COVID-19 vaccines advice if you're pregnant, may get pregnant or are breastfeeding on GOV.UK

• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) are aware that there has been some misinformation circulating about the impact of Covid-19 vaccines on fertility. They have made a statement available on the RCOG website.
  
  

• The British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists has said there is absolutely no evidence, and no theoretical reason, that any of the vaccines can affect the fertility of women or men. People of reproductive age are advised to have the vaccine when they receive their invitation for vaccination.

  
  
  

• The flu vaccine does not protect you from Covid-19. Please take up your Covid-19 vaccines as soon as you are offered them.

• 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.

• If you are unwell, it is better to wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible.
  
  
• You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fit and well.

• You must not attend your appointment if you are self-isolating or unsure if you are fully recovered.
  
  
• Following a positive COVID-19 test, you must wait 4 weeks to receive a vaccine if you are over 18.
  
  
• 12-15 year old's must wait for 12 weeks following a positive COVID-19 test to get their first dose.

• Your vaccination should be delayed until you're feeling better and by at least four weeks after your symptoms started or your positive test result if you don't have symptoms.

• Yes, you should take up your invitation to have COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as you are invited to receive them.
  
  
• The MHRA has said that getting vaccinated is just as important for those who have had COVID-19 as it is for those who haven’t.
  
  
• If you are suffering significant ongoing complications from COVID-19 you should discuss whether or not to have a vaccine with a doctor.

• You cannot book or attend an appointment whilst you are self-isolating and you must wait until you have completed your isolation period. Once you have completed your isolation period and are no longer showing symptoms, please call back to book your vaccination appointment.
  
  
• You must not book or attend a vaccine appointment if you are waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fully recovered.

• Blood thinners such as aspirin and clopidogrel should present no additional problems other than you may get some bruising.
  
  
• If you normally have vaccinations without difficulty, then COVID vaccines should present no additional problems.

• In the first instance please talk with your GP to clarify your medical and allergy history. They may be able to give you a definitive answer on whether to have a vaccination and can refer you to the Covid Allergy Service for specialist review and advice.
  

• If you still have concerns/ questions then you should attend your vaccine appointment and talk it through with the clinician consenting you. If they are in any doubt they can arrange to refer you to the Covid Allergy Service for more detailed advice. This may take a little while to arrange.
  

• Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you do have a reaction when you are vaccinated, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccines are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

• You can report any suspected side effect using the Coronavirus Yellow Card safety scheme.

• Public Health England say there are very few individuals who can’t have a vaccine for COVID-19. But if you want to know if it’s still safe for you to have the vaccine you can speak to your GP.
  

• Before you have the vaccine, you should be asked questions about any medication you take and any medical conditions you have.
  

• Make sure you tell the professional who is going to give you the vaccine this information. It will help you to write down what medications you’re taking before your vaccine appointment.
  

• There's further information on the 'Rethink mental illness' website on COVID-19 vaccine and people living with severe mental illness.

• Please visit here for the latest details on how to prove you are exempt: COVID-19 medical exemptions: proving you are unable to get vaccinated - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• No, the approved COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any animal products or egg. The COVID-19 vaccine ingredients are available on the GOV.UK website.
  
  

• Yes, neither vaccine contains 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.

• Yes –the vaccines have been tested on people from lots of different ethnic backgrounds and there are no safety concerns related to ethnicity.
  
  
• The rate of COVID infections and deaths has been disproportionately high amongst some of our BAME communities. We want to make sure that all families are protected.
  
  
• We hope this YouTube video can help dispel some of the myths and offer some encouragement for everyone to take the vaccine.
  
  

• The 1st dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine should give you good protection from coronavirus. But you need to have the two doses plus a booster vaccine to give you longer lasting and better protection.
  
  
• There is a chance you might still get or spread coronavirus even if you have been vaccinated but the chance of serious illness is lowered. This means it is important to continue to follow current guidance around COVID-19.

• The MHRA has stated that vaccines are highly effective within two to three weeks, even after one dose.
  
  
• To get maximum protection people need to come back for a second jab and a booster when they are invited.
  
  
• There is a small chance you might still get coronavirus even after you’ve been vaccinated. This means it is important to follow government guidelines around Covid-19.  

• The vaccines train your immune system to be able to quickly recognise and clear the coronavirus if you catch it in the future.

• The vaccines people are offered will be appropriate for them. This decision is based on clinical judgement supported by the advice of JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation).

• You will be given instructions on which vaccination site to attend when you book your appointment. This is the case whether you book directly on line via the online coronavirus vaccination appointments facility or wait to be contacted by the NHS by letter, text or email.
  
  
• We have a number of sites across Surrey Heartlands. You can find more details about these sites on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Centres page.
  
  
  

• Anyone who is required to follow national guidance on lateral flow or PCR testing on returning from overseas is to confirm that they have followed that guidance and that the relevant test is negative.
  
  This is to protect both the staff and fellow patients of each individual vaccination centre. We do not need to see evidence of said testing, just receive verbal assurance from the patient.

  
  
  

• If you need help with transport to attend your appointments, you can access community transport. More information is on the Surrey Information Point website.

• Your GP practice should know that you are housebound. They are working with local groups who are delivering the vaccine to housebound patients to make sure that everyone is contacted and appointments are made. Please make sure your contact details are up to date with your GP practice.

• At the moment, if you need to bring someone along to your appointment then you can. However, to slow the spread of the virus we want to minimise how many people enter the site, so please only do this if it’s absolutely essential.

• For instance, if you come by car, the person you come with should wait for you in the car.

• It can de difficult having young children and infants at vaccination sites. If you can arrange child care that would be very welcome. 
  
  

• Virtual interpretation services are available at all of our vaccination centres.
  
  When you arrive at the centre, you can make it known at reception that need an interpreter. The reception staff will provide you with a mobile device (tablet/iPad) that links to our interpretation service. Volunteers at the centres will be able to help you with this. 

• Virtual interpretation services are available at all of our vaccination centres.
  
  When you arrive at the centre, you can make it known at reception that need an interpreter. The reception staff will provide you with a mobile device (tablet/iPad) that links to our interpretation service. Volunteers at the centres will be able to help you with this. 

• No – all necessary information is already available through our IT computer systems. You do not need to bring a pen or write on any forms to receive your vaccination.

• You'll need to bring:
  
  o A face covering, unless you cannot wear one for an age, health or disability reason.
  
  o Your booking reference number.
  
  o If you are a health or social care worker, eligible because of your workplace, you will need to bring proof of your work identity such as a work ID card, wage slip or official letter from your employer.

• Your appointment should last about 30 to 45 minutes.
  
  
• It is important that you attend as close to your given arrival time as possible. Turning up early can make it more difficult for staff to ensure social distancing and may mean you need to queue for longer.
  
  
• You will be asked if you need any assistance.
  
  
• You'll be asked some questions about your medical history.
  
  
• It's important to tell the staff if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines, vaccines or food.
  
  
• If your appointment is at a vaccination centre, you'll be asked for your booking reference numbers.
  
  
• You will then be given an injection of the vaccine into an upper arm of your choice.
  
  
• You do not need to complete any forms/anything in writing.

• You may be asked to wait for at least 15 minutes after having your injection. This is in the unlikely event you have a serious reaction.
  
  
• Research has found it's very rare to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccines. If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes. The team is trained and equipped to deal with reactions and treat them immediately.
  
  
• You will be given a leaflet describing common side effects that can happen to take away with you.

• All our centres are using appropriate measures to keep everyone safe, including social distancing, regular cleaning of surfaces, and PPE.
  
  
• Please wear a face covering to your appointment, unless you are exempt.
  
  
• You should also take the usual steps to minimise your risk as you travel to your appointment.
  
  
• Please do not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating; if you are waiting for a COVID-19 test, or if you are unsure if you are fit and well to keep other people and the vaccination teams safe. You will either be contacted again to book your appointment or you can cancel and rebook if you have used the National Booking System.
  
  

• You get the vast majority of your protection from two weeks after your latest dose.
  
  
• It is extremely important that you take up the offer of your latest vaccine as soon as you are invited.

• Yes, you should be able to work after your injection as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find it difficult lifting heavy objects. If you feel unwell or very tired, you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.

• Information on booster vaccinations can be fund on our dedicated Covid-19 booster vaccinations webpage.

An NHS COVID Pass shows your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination details or test results. This is your COVID-19 status.

You may be asked to show your pass to travel abroad, or at events and venues in England asking for proof of your COVID-19 status.

You can get an NHS COVID Pass digitally through the NHS App or the online NHS COVID Pass service.

Information: Get a digital NHS COVID Pass

You can download your digital NHS COVID Pass and print it.

If you cannot apply digitally using the NHS App or online service, you can ask for an NHS COVID Pass letter to be sent to you in the post.

• Last November we were asked by NHS England to start preparing for the Covid-19 vaccination programme and to identify suitable local sites from which to administer the vaccination.  To make sure we can vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible, our GP practices are working together in groups (known as Primary Care Networks) and so in most cases we have chosen local community venues where the practices can work together to provide a larger local service, taking advantage of ‘economies of scale’ of pooling resources.

  The team at the CCG worked quickly, in collaboration with local councils and businesses, our GP practices and Primary Care Networks and with NHS England to identify the most appropriate local venues.  Each site that was being considered had to go through a thorough assurance process, taking into account a range of factors such as clinical suitability, accessibility, geographical spread, value for money and so on with final sign-off from the regional NHS England team. 

  In order to vaccinate the number of people we need to in this critical vaccination programme, in the timescales required, it would not have been practical or a good use of our finite resources to set up lots of smaller sites.  We have also been working with local community transport providers and charities to help patients who have found travel to some of these sites more difficult and we also have roving services to reach those who are registered as housebound.