The COVID-19 vaccine

We are contacting patients directly once it is their Group’s start date (the Groups are listed below). Please wait to be contacted.

Currently we are vaccinating ALL patients OVER the age of 16. We have already contacted patients directly for this. If you have lost the details, they are listed below.

You can see an estimate for when you will be invited for the vaccine with this calculator

About the vaccines:

There are two kinds of vaccines for COVID at the moment.

Neither vaccines are live – you are not able to ‘catch’ COVID from the vaccines.

The first uses a modern technology called mRNA which is like a blueprint for the virus’ shell. Examples of this are the Pfizer vaccine (the one currently being used most widely) and the Moderna vaccine (due to arrive Spring 2021).

The second uses older technology to use a harmless virus to introduce a protein from the virus’ shell. This is the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

When does it start to work?

It takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to ‘kick in’ and give some protection. This means that some people may still come down with COVID symptoms if they are unlucky enough to catch the virus before the vaccine has taken full effect. We do not consider you fully protected until you’ve had both doses.

Dosing and spacing

Currently the vaccines are being administered as a first dose and a second after 12 weeks as per Government guidance.

The original trials were organised with the second dose after either 3 weeks (Pfizer) or 4 weeks (AstraZeneca), however the government has made the decision to now advise a longer time between the two vaccines to enable us to protect more of the population more quickly.

You will still receive two doses. This will usually be of the same vaccine but in certain circumstances they can be mixed as they are both coding for the same protein.

The groups/order of vaccination:

The vaccine will also be offered in age order to:

·         those aged over 80 years

·         those aged over 75 years (we are currently up to this stage)

·         those aged over 70 years

·         adults on the NHS shielded patient list

·         those aged over 65 years

·         adults under 65 years with long term conditions (see conditions below)

·         those aged 50 to 64 will be offered it later.

Can I pay for a COVID-19 vaccine privately or at a pharmacy?

The COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination.

What about pregnant or breast feeding?

As a new vaccine, we have limited information on this at present and so it will depend on the risk that individual would otherwise be at. You can discuss this with your injector.

What about allergies?

If you have had a serious allergy (anaphylaxis) to the first COVID vaccine or have a known anaphylaxis to an ingredient in the Pfizer vaccine, you will not be able to receive this vaccine. You may be offered the AstraZeneca vaccine instead of have your vaccine in a hospital.

The list of ingredients in the Pfizer vaccine is here

Who cannot have the vaccine?

As the vaccines do not contain any living virus, it’s safe for people with immune system disorders or on immunosuppressive treatments to have the vaccines. It is also safe if you are on blood thinners (but please make the injector aware).

If you are not sure, your Hospital Specialist team will usually advise.

What’s in the vaccine?

The list of ingredients can be seen here

The vaccine does not contain egg or any animal products. It does not contain latex or any food products.

What actually happens on the day?

The vaccine is being given downstairs in the Wembley Centre for Health and Care (downstairs in our building). Please head to the Reception at the GP Hub (to the left of the main reception).

You will arrive at the reception desk at your time slot and asked a few screening questions to double check it’s safe to give you the vaccine.

You may be asked if you have had a recent vaccine or if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

When it’s your turn, you will called in to the room with the injector. You will usually be asked a couple of safety questions before being given the vaccine. You will be given a card with your next appointment date and time.

After the vaccine, you will need to stay for 15 minutes to be observed for any reactions (if being given the Pfizer vaccine).

Social distancing and regular cleaning is in place. Please wear a mask if you are able to.

What should I do if I’m not well on the day my appointment is due?

If you are unwell, it’s better to wait until you have recovered.

You should NOT attend if you are self-isolating or waiting for a swab result.

Please contact the booking centre directly if you need to reschedule.

After the vaccine?

Reactions at the injection site are VERY common. You are likely to have a sore arm, aching and sometimes some redness or swelling to the skin. Headaches, swelling of your glands and feeling tired are also common.

You can take paracetamol as normal afterwards to help you feel better. This doesn’t stop the vaccine from working.

You can carry out usual activities afterwards if you are feeling well. If you are not feeling well, feel too tired or your arm is too sore then please avoid strenuous activity until you are feeling better.

Most side effects will last less than a week, but if you are concerned please speak to your GP.

Although you might feel feverish, the vaccine should not give you a fever. If you do have a high temperature, this may not be from the vaccine - and could be from having another infection instead (including COVID) so we recommend speaking to 119 / getting a test for safety.

You will still need to maintain social distancing, wear a mask and follow the current Tier/Lockdown rules. This is because we are not sure about whether those who have had the vaccine can still spread the virus without realising they are infected.

Unfortunately, you may still catch COVID after having the vaccine but the vaccine means that your symptoms and severity will be much reduced.

Can I still give COVID to anyone, after I have the vaccine?

The vaccine cannot give you COVID and the two doses mean that your chances of becoming seriously ill from COVID are reduced.

We do NOT yet know if it stops you from catching and passing on the virus to others, so you must still wear a mask/maintain social distancing/follow government guidance.

Is it safe?

At present, we have not seen any significant safety concern, except for allergic reactions in those who have had previous anaphylaxic reactions to the vaccine ingredients. This is why you will be observed for 15 minutes afterwards for any reactions.

The MHRA has independently checked the trial and safety data for the Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccine and considers them safe.

Long term data is still being collected: the most recent human trials started in the beginning of summer and will be ongoing for some time still. Worldwide more than 75 million doses have been given - we would expect by now to start becoming aware of any serious issues but data will continue to be collected independently via the Yellow Card scheme in the UK - as with all new medicines/vaccines.

Booking a Vaccine:

At the moment only those over 75 years of age are being invited for COVID vaccines.

Central Booking Number 03000 33 99 55 (9am to 6pm) 

Email kwhealthcare.bookvaccine@nhs.net (with your Name, DoB and Telephone Number) 

You will be contacted directly when it is your Group’s turn to have the vaccine.