Today England is released from all remaining coronavirus restrictions – a momentous occasion that has been dubbed ‘Freedom Day’. The move has been made possible because within the space of one year of the pandemic due to the deployment of effective vaccines against COVID-19. Yet, the rollout has not been entirely smooth. One snag has been the side effects of the vaccines.
Despite sending a signal that the vaccines are stimulating a robust immune response, the potential side effects have made people apprehensive about getting jabbed.
“The mRNA-based vaccines of Pfizer and Moderna have received the most attention with regard to the side effects of vaccination,” noted an article published in the journal Science Immunology.
The article continues: “As with other vaccines, these effects can on rare occasion be the result of delayed-onset, local allergic reactions.”
It cites a “combination of fever, headache, myalgia and general malaise” as the main symptoms reported, which typically follow the second dose of the vaccines.
READ MORE: Covid vaccine rollout MAPPED: How Europe is LAGGING behind Britain – stats compared
Why it’s important to get vaccinated
Some of the side effects of the vaccines may be unpleasant, but current figures suggest vaccines are weakening the link between infection and hospitalisation.
The side effects of getting vaccinated are therefore negligible compared to the risks posed by COVID-19.
Vaccines offer strong protection, but that protection takes time to build, however.
“People must take all the required doses of a vaccine to build full immunity,” explains the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO continues: “For two-dose vaccines, vaccines only give partial protection after the first dose, and the second dose increases that protection.
“It takes time before protection reaches its maximum level a few weeks after the second dose.
“For a one-dose vaccine, people will have built maximum immunity against COVID-19 a few weeks after getting vaccinated.”
Am I eligible to receive a Covid jab?
All adults aged 18 or over can now get vaccinated against COVID-19.
You do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS.
If you were contacted but have not booked your appointments, you’re still eligible and can book your appointments anytime.
To get your vaccine you can:
- Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy
- Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site to get vaccinated without needing an appointment
Wait to be contacted by your GP surgery and book your appointments with them.
If you cannot book appointments online, you can call 119 free of charge.