COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline

The pandemic isn’t over, and cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the UK with increasing pressure on NHS health and social care services. Vaccination along with infection control measures like hand washing, social distancing and mask wearing remain the only way out of the pandemic.

Covid can affect anyone at any age and some people can suffer serious complications if they become infected, leading to increased hospitalisations and death, as well as long term complications like Long COVID.

The impact increased hospitalisations related to COVID-19 have on the NHS  effects everyone’s ability to access healthcare as COVID-19 cases fill A&E and beds in hospitals, as well as ambulances, and routine care and operations are delayed or cancelled as a consequence. All of this increases workloads and pressure on an already overstretched General Practice / Primary Care workforce as winter pressures rise with seasonal illnesses in children and adults also rising.

Even if you think your risk is low, there’s still a chance you can catch COVID-19 and pass it on to people around you, even if you have no symptoms. The more people who have the vaccine, the less opportunity there is for the virus to transmit.

We are also still learning about Long COVID, and it does not appear that the chance of having long-term symptoms is linked to how unwell you were when you first caught the virus.

People with immune system disorders may not respond as well to the vaccine, and a very small number of people who are at risk of COVID-19 cannot have the vaccine. These people have to rely on the rest of us getting vaccinated to help protect them.

Millions of people have now been vaccinated against Covid-19, but millions also remain unvaccinated.

Since the start of the pandemic it has been debated what number or percentage of the population need to be vaccinated (or to have natural immunity from catching the illness) to declare the pandemic over. However with increased transmission rates seen with the Delta variant and then Omicron variant of COVID-19, and many other factors, the reality isn’t as simple.

The vaccine remains the best defence against the virus, so the sooner you are vaccinated, the sooner you’ll begin to protect yourself and your community. Vaccinating as many people as possible should reduce the levels of local infections too, which are still prevalent in North Tyneside and across the country.

All of the Covid vaccines that have been approved for use in the UK are effective against the disease, and there’s increasing evidence they reduce transmission of the virus. Vaccinating as many people as possible should reduce local levels of infection and allow restrictions to ease.

More of the latest information about this can be read at the Office for National Statistics website.

Everyone aged 5 and above can now get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Children and young people aged 5 to 17 can get their 1st and 2nd doses of the vaccine. This programme has been delivered through existing vaccination centres, such a local pharmacies, community venues and GP practices. Some vaccinations were delivered through secondary schools. Those classified as clinically extremely vulnerable became eligible earlier than the rest of the similar age population and should have been invited via their GP.

16 and 17 year olds are also eligible for a booster dose of the vaccine – this will also be offered to children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Appointments can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service.

Research shows that you get the best protection from two doses of Covid vaccine (8 – 12 weeks apart). Whilst your first dose of vaccine gives you some protection, particularly against severe disease, your second dose gives you stronger and longer-lasting protection against the virus.

If you are due your 2^nd dose you can book it online now through the National Booking Service or attend a walk-in service that is convenient to you. 

A coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine dose helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine. It helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Those considered most at risk were also offered a 2nd booster dose to top up their protection and immune response, starting from March 2022. This applies to those aged 75 and over or those aged 12 years old or over with a weakened immune system.

For more information on eligibility and how to book your COVID-19 booster vaccine click here.

JCVI advice states that 5 to 11 year olds should be offered two 10 micrograms doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This is known as a paediatric dose and is smaller than 30  microgram dose used for the rest of the population aged 12 and above.

The NHS recommends a 12 week interval between doses for most people. Those who identified as clinically extremely vulnerable can shorten this gap to 8 weeks.

Yes. You get the best protection from two doses. Anyone who has had their first AstraZeneca dose, except those who have experienced blood clots with low platelets should get their second dose.

For the AstraZeneca vaccine, side effects are generally less common after the second dose than after the first dose. There have been extremely rare cases of blood clots following the first dose of the vaccine, and an even smaller number of cases following a second dose.

Whilst your first dose of vaccine gives you some protection against severe disease, having your second dose gives you stronger and long-lasting protection against the virus.

The latest advice we have been given from MHRA and the Government does allow for a different vaccine to be given to complete 1^st and 2^nd doses (a complete primary vaccination course) if a person is unlikely to attend for a 2^nd dose or is at immediate high risk of COVID-19 infection.

What this means practically is that if you had AstraZeneca as your 1^st dose, and do not want to receive a 2^nd dose of AstraZeneca, you can receive Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as your 2^nd dose.

Please book a vaccine appointment or attend a walk-in clinic where Pfizer vaccine is available (or AstraZeneca if this is the only 2^nd dose you will consider) and discuss your situation with a health professional. The NHS ‘Find a walk in vaccine centre‘ tool allows you to see the vaccine types available.

The NHS COVID Pass lets you share your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination records or test COVID-19 status in a secure way. It allows you to show others the details of your COVID-19 vaccine (or vaccines) when travelling abroad to some countries or territories.

What can you use the COVID Pass for?

1) International travel – You can show the vaccination records contained within your NHS COVID Pass as proof of your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad. In addition to your NHS COVID Pass, you will need to follow additional rules when travelling abroad.

Read an overview of all the things you need to do to travel abroad from England.

You should check that the name on your passport matches how it is displayed by NHS COVID Pass at least 2 weeks before you travel. If the names are different, contact your GP practice to have your details updated.

Some countries may still have further requirements for travellers. Details on entry requirements can be found on the GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages and on the websites of your destination country.

2) Domestic use in England – this was used earlier in the year within more at risk settings such as nightclubs, arenas, sporting events and stadiums. There is not currently a legal requirement to show COVID status at any venues in England.

The NHS COVID Pass lets you share your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination records or test COVID-19 status in a secure way.

It allows you to show others the details of your COVID-19 vaccine (or vaccines) when travelling abroad to some countries or territories.

You may be asked to demonstrate your COVID-19 status as a condition of entry to a venue or event. As of Wednesday 15 December, this will be become mandatory in certain settings in England (and is already part of regulations in Scotland and Wales).

Please note: GP practices CANNOT provide you with an NHS COVID Pass (vaccination status certification.)

• You can access your NHS COVID Pass through the free NHS App on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Proof of your COVID-19 status will be shown within the NHS App.
• You need to be registered with a GP in England to use the NHS App. If you’re not registered with a GP, you can still access the NHS COVID Pass via the NHS website (NHS.UK) or via 119 (select the ‘NHS COVID Pass service’) to request a letter.
• We ask that you don’t call your GP practice about this, as our practices are unable to assist.

If you find that the NHS App and/or the NHS COVID Pass does not accurately reflect your Covid-19 vaccination record the Vaccine Data Resolution Service (VDRS) aims to resolve missing or incorrect vaccination records for people vaccinated in England who have a current NHS number and are registered with a GP practice in England.

Please call 119 and ask the call agent to make a referral to the VDRS team on your behalf. The VDRS team will then call you back within 5 working days.

In North Tyneside several pop-up clinics were operating over the Spring / Summer and into Autumn. If you had a vaccine at a pop-up clinic and your vaccine record on the NHS App is incomplete or inaccurate please refer to the table below to find out who the provider was for you jab.

Please then call 119 in the first instance, and ask the call agent to make a referral to the Vaccine Data Resolution Service (VDRS team) on your behalf. The VDRS team will then call you back within 5 working days.

If 119 cannot help then please contact then please contact the TyneHealth Helpline  by either phoning 0191 486 2001 or you can email your query to tynehealth.vaccine@nhs.net

Overseas Vaccination Validation Service

A service is available to capture evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in countries other than England, Scotland and Wales and have these recorded in the National Immunisation Management System (NIMS). This will then enable an accurate NHS COVID Pass to be generated.

You can use this service if you’re:

• aged 18 or over
• have an NHS number
• have received a COVID vaccine dose outside of England that is one of the four MHRA-approved vaccine types; Astra Zeneca (Vaxzevria), Pfizer (Comirnaty), Janssen or Moderna (Spikevax).

Those wanting to use the service need to make an appointment at one of the vaccination centres offering this service. Appointments need to be booked at and managed through the National Booking Service on the NHS website – www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/tell-NHS-about-coronavirus-vaccinations-abroad or by calling 119.

The NHS is working to offer this service at more vaccination sites to satisfy demand. The nearest clinic to North Tyneside has been set up at the NHS Nightingale North East Centre so that adults can show evidence of any COVID-19 vaccinations received outside of England. More information is available in this article.

PLEASE NOTE: this service is only available in certain areas of the country  and may require you to travel to a centre at a distance from where you live.

If you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test

If you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test, you need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to:

• wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 years old or over
• wait 12 weeks (84 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old
• wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old and at high-risk from COVID-19

This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms.

Please choose a suitable appointment date when booking. You can also cancel and rebook an existing appointment for a later date if needed.

More information and any updates about this will be available on the NHS website Covid Vaccination website

Everyone aged 5 and above can now access the COVID-19 vaccination.

• • Young people aged 5 to 15 years old are invited to book their 1st & 2nd dose (12 to 15 year olds can access a booster if they are at higher risk from COVID-19 or live with someone with a severely weakened immune system.)
  • Those aged 16 to 74 are now eligible for a booster dose as well as their 1st and 2nd vaccinations.
  • Those aged 74 and above can get their 1st, 2nd and booster doses + a second booster dose as part of the Spring Booster programme. (This also applies to those living in care homes and those aged 12 years old or over with a weakened immune system.)

Other children aged 5 – 11 year old will be invited, as per JCVI advice, to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. The NHS is due to roll this out nationally from April 2022.

If you haven’t had any or all of the COVID-19 vaccinations you’re entitled to you can book your appointments online through the NHS website or use the walk in clinic search function. Advance booking is strongly advised, where possible.

The table below shows what vaccines are available for your age and circumstances.

The NHS website will always have the latest information on who can get a vaccine and which vaccines are available for different age groups, as well as detail about clinical vulnerability and what this means.

In order to provide you with the best level of immunity from the vaccine, there is a minimum gap between doses of the vaccine.

If you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test, you also need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to:

• wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 years old or over
• wait 12 weeks (84 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old
• wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old and at high-risk from COVID-19

This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms.

North Tyneside residents aged 5 and above (or parents and carers) can now book their vaccine appointment online via the National Booking Service, or by phoning 119. You can also use the service to cancel or change a COVID vaccination.

Some sites in North Tyneside also offer walk-in vaccine services where no appointments or pre-booking are required. Find the latest walk in clinics on the NHS ‘Find a walk-in Vaccination site’ tool.

PLEASE NOTE: If attending a walk-in service, those aged under 18s must check that the walk-in site they wish to attend is able to vaccinate their age group – sites will either offer vaccinations to 18+, 16+, 12+ or 5+. Young people aged 5 to 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult family member – parent, grandparent, adult sibling – to get their vaccination. 

Phase 1

From the start of the vaccination programme across the UK all vaccination services have been following Government guidance and JCVI priority groups starting with those most at-risk of severe covid disease:

1. All adult care home residents and staff
2. All those aged 80 years and over and frontline health and social care workers
3. All those aged 75 years and over
4. All those aged 70 years and over and clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding)
5. All those 65 years of age and over
6. All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality (clinically vulnerable)
7. All those 60 years of age and over
8. All those 55 years of age and over
9. All those 50 years of age and over

GP-led Local Vaccination Services began vaccinating the most vulnerable in our community in December 2020.

It is estimated that those in priority groups 1 – 9 represent around 99% of preventable deaths from Covid-19. The target to have invited all of these groups for their first vaccination dose by the end of April was met and 1^st and 2^nd vaccinations continued to be delivered over the summer.

Phase 2

This phase of the vaccine rollout in North Tyneside saw under 50 years olds invited to get the vaccine in the following age order, through a mixture of Pharmacy-led walk-in service provision or as booked appointments on-line through the National Booking Service or by phoning 119. Surge testing and vaccination through pop-up sites also contributed to the rollout in this phase as 2^nd dose intervals were reduced from 12 weeks to 8 weeks:

1. 40 to 49 years
2. 30 to 39 years
3. 18 years and over
4. 16 and 17 year olds (currently 1^st dose only)

Anyone who is 16 years or above who hasn’t yet had their COVID-19 vaccine can and should book their appointments now through the National Booking Service or attend a walk in service.

Those aged 18 or above who haven’t yet had their 2nd dose after receiving their 1st more than eight weeks ago, should also book a second dose appointment or attend a walk in service

Phase 3

From September 2021 the rollout of the vaccination programme moved to Phase 3, with GPs, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and Pharmacy-led sites delivering booster vaccinations to those eligible and moving down the age cohorts to include 12 to 15-year-olds, then clinically vulnerable 5 – 11 year olds and finally the last age cohort as is stands of children aged 5 and above.

From March 2022, the Spring Booster campaign saw a 2nd booster dose start to be administered to some groups considered to be the most at risk. This process continues to be offered to those aged 75+, those that are immunosuppressed and care home residents. Appointments can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service.

The numbers needed to vaccinate per life saved go up as we move down the priority groups. These figures come from analysis of the pandemic so far and are completely independent.

Getting our most vulnerable vaccinated as quickly as we could, while transmission rates were high, undoubtedly saved lives.

The data gathered from the vaccination programme so far supports this phased approach to the rollout, with rates of serious illness and hospitalisation being significantly reduced in those who have been vaccinated.

More information about the effectiveness of vaccines, vaccination rates and uptake data is available on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website

Vaccination of patient-facing health and social care workers has been co-ordinated through hospital hubs and employers, as well as the nationally run mass vaccination centres and local vaccination services.

Anyone who is an eligible front line worker who hasn’t yet had the vaccine (or a booster) should book one through the National Booking Service, or by phoning 119.

Our local GP and Community Nursing teams have been vaccinating housebound patients from the priority groups since the start of 2021, including booster doses and flu vaccine doses to all those that are eligible.

If your spring booster dose is due and you (or a family member or person that you care for) are eligible and are housebound, but haven’t heard from your GP, Community Nurse or care home manager, please contact the TyneHealth Vaccine Helpline by either phoning 0191 486 2001 or you can email your query to tynehealth.vaccine@nhs.net

Appointments at vaccination centres, meanwhile, can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service.

No. Vaccinations will only be available through the NHS for the moment.

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 101 service and/or Local Trading Standards.

To cancel or rebook an appointment you made on the National Booking System, you will need:

• The reference number for the vaccine booking you want to change
• Your name
• Your date of birth
• Your postcode
• It’s a bit easier if you know your NHS number but it’s not essential – you can find your NHS number on the NHS Website or App (click this link for details)

Then: 

1. Go to National Booking System online via the NHS website OR you can phone 119, between 7am – 11pm.
2. Click manage my booking
3. You will need to CANCEL your booking BEFORE you can get a new appointment
4. Enter your personal details
5. Select a location and date that works for you. If your choice are limited, you can try again later as more appointments are added during the day.

If you cannot book appointments online through the National Booking Service, you can call 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.

If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.

In addition to the above, there are a number of walk-in vaccination services in North Tyneside where no appointment is necessary.

These walk in clinics are regularly posted on our TyneHealth social media pages and on the North Tyneside Council website. We are working with our community partners at making this information available to those who cannot access the above information on-line through leaflet drops to households and local business, schools and community centres.

A total of six vaccines have been approved for use in the UK having been given regulatory approval by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA):

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Oxford/AstraZeneca
• Moderna
• Janssen
• Novavax 
• Valneva 

As of June 2022, only Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are currently available, and all three are being used across the UK for 1st and 2nd doses (primary courses) of COVID-19 vaccine.

Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine to give the greatest immune response and protection from your booster. This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccines you had for your 1st and 2nd doses. In exceptional circumstances, some people may be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.

A fourth vaccine, Janssen, has been approved for use in the UK. Whilst in 2022, the Novavax and Valneva COVID-19 vaccinations were also approved for use in the UK. These three vaccinations are currently offered by the NHS as part of the vaccination programme.

All of the vaccines currently being delivered in the UK have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection.

You cannot usually choose which vaccine you have.

When you book, or attend a walk-in vaccination service, you’ll only be offered appointments for vaccines that are suitable for you based on your age, any underlying health conditions, and whether you are pregnant.

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

Please Note: Booster vaccines do not have to be the same as your 1^st and 2^nd dose and will be Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna (unless you are unable to receive these vaccines, in which case a decision will be made by a healthcare professional, on a case by case basis, as to whether to use Oxford/AstraZeneca as your booster.)

As of December 2021, the booster programme is being led by Moderna vaccine, although you may also still receive Pfizer/BioNTech as a booster. Both of these vaccines have been recommended by the JCVI and MHRA since the booster dose plans were first announced. Please see more information about the Moderna vaccine on our information PDF below.

Please Note: Some people may be given the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as a a booster dose. This will only be considered in exceptional circumstances following a decision by a health professional, on a case by case basis.

You should have the same vaccine for both doses of your primary vaccination course (1st and 2nd doses), unless you had serious side effects (such as a serious allergic reaction), after your 1st dose.

However, the latest advice we have been given from MHRA and the Government does allow for a different vaccine to be given to complete 1^st and 2^nd doses (a complete primary vaccination course) if a person is unlikely to attend for a 2^nd dose or is at immediate high risk of COVID-19 infection.

What this means practically is that if you had AstraZeneca as your 1^st dose, and do not want to receive a 2^nd dose of AstraZeneca, you can receive Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as your 2^nd dose.

Please book a vaccine appointment on the National Booking System or attend a walk-in clinic and discuss your situation with a health professional.

Yes. The NHS would not offer any Covid-19 vaccinations to the public until independent experts have signed off that it was safe to do so. The vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. The MHRA follows international standards of safety. Millions of people have been given a Covid-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects have been very rare.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the Covid-19 vaccines, please make an appointment at a Local Vaccination Service where health professionals will be available to address your concerns.

All the vaccines have been through clinical trials involving tens of thousands of volunteers. This is a rigorous testing process which produces evidence of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

The MHRA, the body that regulates medicines in the UK, carried out a rigorous scientific assessment of all of the available evidence for each of the vaccines and took advice from the Commission on Human Medicines before approving the vaccines for use in the UK. The MHRA has determined that all vaccines are safe and effective in the fight against Covid.

Currently the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) has advised that it is preferable for people under 40 to have a vaccine other than Oxford/AstraZeneca.

The MHRA has a legal duty to constantly assess all of the vaccines being used. A safety monitoring process is in place, and the MHRA regularly publishes reports on Covid vaccine safety.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the Covid-19 vaccines, please make an appointment at a Local Vaccination Service where health professionals will be available to address your concerns.

Vaccines are the best way out of this pandemic and provide strong protection against Covid. For the vast majority of people, the benefits of the vaccine in providing protection against the serious consequences of Covid far outweigh any risks.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the Covid-19 vaccines, please make an appointment at a Local Vaccination Service where health professionals will be available to address your concerns.

The MHRA is carrying out a detailed review of reports of an extremely rare blood clotting problem affecting a small number of people who had the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

It’s not yet clear why it affects some people.

The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. For people aged 40 or over and those with other health conditions, the benefits of being vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh any risk of clotting problems.

For people under 40 without other health conditions, it’s preferable for you to have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine instead of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting on GOV.UK

Urgent advice: Call 111 immediately if:

You get any of these symptoms starting from around 4 days to 4 weeks after being vaccinated:

• a severe headache that is not relieved with painkillers or is getting worse
• a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over
• a headache that’s unusual for you along with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures (fits)
• a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin
• shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal (tummy) pain

Vaccines are the best way out of this pandemic and provide strong protection against Covid. For the vast majority of people, the benefits of the vaccine in providing protection against the serious consequences of Covid far outweigh any risks.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the Covid-19 vaccines, please make an appointment at a Local Vaccination Service where health professionals will be available to address your concerns.

Heart inflammation (myocarditis)

There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) reported after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.

Get urgent medical advice if you have any of these symptoms within a few days of being vaccinated:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)

Find out about the side effects for the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the UK:

• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine patient leaflet on GOV.UK
• Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine patient leaflet on GOV.UK
• Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine patient leaflet on GOV.UK

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and only last 2-3 days, and not everyone gets them.

You will always be given the opportunity to discuss any concerns about vaccination with a health professional across all our local vaccination sites in North Tyneside and will be given written information to take away with you about the vaccine you have had and any potential side effects.

Very common side effects in the first day or two include: 

• having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection
• feeling tired
• headache, aches and chills

You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better.

Don’t let side effects put you off having the second dose, as you need that to get the best protection.

Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days, a high temperature for longer than a couple of days is unusual and may indicate you have Covid or another infection. If your symptoms don’t get better, or seem to get worse, or if you are concerned, seek advice by calling NHS 111.

More information

GOV.UK: what to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination

GOV.UK: information for children and young people on what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination

If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about your vaccination (show them the vaccination card) so that they can assess you properly.

You can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online by searching Coronavirus Yellow Card or by downloading the Yellow Card app https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

Research has shown that the vaccines don’t affect men’s or women’s fertility. They don’t have any ingredients in them that would affect fertility and there is no likely way they could.

It’s entirely normal for new medicines not to be recommended for pregnant women, or those planning a pregnancy, when they are first issued because normally, they’re not initially tested on this group.

Now that more data is available, the Joint Committee for Vaccinations & Immunisations has updated its advice and says there is no need for women to delay pregnancy after Covid vaccination. Pregnant and non-pregnant women are being invited for a vaccine at the same time, based on their age.

Most recent data shows that since May, almost 98% of pregnant people admitted to hospital with COVID19 had not had either of their COVID19 vaccines.

This is true at a local level too – we are seeing some very poorly pregnant people being admitted to intensive care units across the locality with COVID19 who haven’t had their vaccines.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both mother and baby, including admission to intensive care and premature birth.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives have both recommended vaccination as one of the best defences for pregnant women against severe COVID19 infection, while the independent JCVI confirms the jab has been shown to be effective and safe for women carrying a baby.

Midwives and GPs across the country will be encouraging pregnant people to get the vaccine as it is the right thing to do for mum and baby. A decision aid has also been produced to help with these discussions.

This is an important part of the national vaccination programme that will hopefully see all of our communities armed with the best defence against COVID19

To support pregnant people across North Tyneside who are still making a decision about their COVID-19 vaccine, North Tyneside Council has partnered up with Northumbria Healthcare and North Tyneside CCG to pilot ‘joined up’ walk in vaccine clinics where a midwife will be present to offer advice.

You can be vaccinated against COVID-19 if:

• you’re pregnant or think you might be
• you’re breastfeeding
• you’re trying for a baby or might get pregnant in the future

If you’re pregnant

If you’re pregnant and have not had a COVID-19 vaccine yet, it’s preferable for you to have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. This is because these vaccines have been more widely used during pregnancy in other countries and no safety concerns have been identified.

If you’ve already had the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for your 1st dose and did not have any serious side effects, you should have it again for your 2nd dose.

None of the Covid vaccines are live vaccines and cannot give you or your baby COVID-19.

If you’re breastfeeding

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccines and cannot pass it to your baby through your breast milk.

If you’re breastfeeding, the vaccines you can have depends on your age:

• if you’re 40 or over, you can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines
• if you’re under 40 and do not have a health condition that increases your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, it’s preferable for you to have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine

The Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines are preferable in people under 40 because of an extremely rare blood clotting problem linked to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccine side effects

More information

https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/2021-02-24-combined-info-sheet-and-decision-aid.pdf

GOV.UK: COVID-19 vaccine advice if you’re pregnant, may get pregnant or are breastfeeding

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

You can’t catch Covid from the vaccine. Having the vaccine will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

It may take a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccine. And like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get Covid despite having a vaccination, but if they do it should be less severe. You need to have both doses for maximum protection.

Whilst you can’t catch Covid from the vaccine, it’s possible to have caught it and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. If you have symptoms, it’s important to get a Covid test. It’s still important to follow guidelines, even after receiving the jab.

The MHRA have advised that getting vaccinated is just as important for those who have already had Covid-19.

It is advised that if you have had Covid-19 infection you need to wait four weeks since the start of your symptoms or positive test before you get the Covid vaccine.

No, the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you against the flu. We would advise anyone who hasn’t had a flu vaccine, who is eligible for one when flu season arrives, to get one.

More information about getting the Flu vaccine in 2021 / 22 is available on our Flu Vaccine Information page.

Allergic reactions

Most people with allergies (including food or penicillin allergies) can be vaccinated against COVID-19.Tell healthcare staff before you’re vaccinated if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis). They may ask what you’re allergic to, to make sure you can have the vaccine.

Serious allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines are very rare.

If you do have a reaction, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

If you have a serious allergic reaction to the 1st dose of a vaccine, you should not have the same vaccine for your 2nd dose. Referral to an allergy specialist is likely to be arranged through your GP to discuss any rare allergic reactions to Covid-19 vaccines.

Blood Clotting

Anyone who experienced cerebral or other major blood clots occurring with low levels of platelets after their first vaccine dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (an extremely rare side effect) should not have their second dose. Anyone who did not have these side effects should come forward for their second dose when invited.

The MHRA recently confirmed that the evidence to date does not suggest that the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca causes venous thromboembolism without a low platelet count. It is important to note that this type of blood clot together with lowered platelets can rarely occur naturally in unvaccinated people as well as in people with COVID-19 disease.

While the MHRA continues to investigate these cases, as a precautionary measure anyone that develops these symptoms below after vaccination is advised to seek prompt medical advice:

• shortness of breath, chest or persistent abdominal pain, leg swelling
• blurred vision, confusion or seizures
• unexplained pin-prick rash or bruising beyond the injection site

For more information about this advice from MHRA please click the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-advice-concluding-a-possible-link-between-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-and-extremely-rare-unlikely-to-occur-blood-clots#history

People currently unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not receive the vaccine until they have recovered. In addition, if you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test, you need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to:

• wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 years old or over
• wait 12 weeks (84 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old
• wait 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old and at high-risk from COVID-19

This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms.

Everyone aged 16 and over who had a 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago can get a booster dose.

Some children aged 12 to 15 can get a booster dose if they have a condition that puts them at high risk from COVID-19 or they live with someone who has a weakened immune system. If you’re not sure if you or your child are at high risk, and for more information on eligibility and how to book your COVID-19 booster vaccine click here.

From March 2022, the NHS offered a second booster does to some groups as part of the Spring Booster programme. This applies to those aged 75 or over and those aged 12 years old or over with a weakened immune system. The appointment dates you’ll be offered start from 3 months (91 days) after your previous dose, but booking an appointment around 6 months after your previous dose is preferable.

Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine. This advice is based on the latest available scientific evidence and the ‘Green Book’ published by Public Health England that underpins all vaccination programmes in the UK. As of December 2021, the booster programme is now being led by Moderna vaccine, although you may also still receive Pfizer/BioNTech as a booster. There’s more information about the Moderna vaccine in the ‘Vaccines’ section of these FAQs.

Those eligible for a second booster dose during the Spring Booster programme, will receive either the Moderna or the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccines you had for your 1st and 2nd doses and some people may be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.

Please Note: The use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as a a booster dose will only be considered in exceptional circumstances following a decision by a health professional, on a case by case basis.

All of the GP practices in North Tyneside invited patients who were eligible to get a booster dose via their GP-led vaccine service. During the vaccination programme, some GP practices have worked together in their Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to offer booster vaccines at centrally located hubs whilst some GP practices are doing them at their individual surgeries or other community sites. 

At the moment the vaccination programme has already reached the majority of the population, therefore community pharmacies are currently leading the vaccination effort. Appointments at can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service. Appointments at vaccination centres, meanwhile, can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service.

When using the National Booking System the postcode you put in filters for the closest vaccination centres; so if you want to book a specific centre, please use the postcode of that centre when using the system.

No – only selected pharmacy sites are offering booster doses. There are however 25 community pharmacy sites available on the National Booking System across North Tyneside alone who are able to offer boosters, so you will have lots of choice of where you can attend.  There are also pharmacy sites outside North Tyneside and the larger vaccination centres where booster doses are also been administered, if this is more convenient for you.

Please note: the postcode you put into the National Booking System filters for the closest vaccination centres, so if you want to book a specific centre please use the postcode of that centre when using the system.

The NHS COVID Pass (vaccine status certification) for travel does not currently include COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The government is reviewing the implications and requirements of boosters for international travel certification. It is looking at whether and how booster vaccinations could be included in the NHS COVID Pass for travel.

You do not need a COVID-19 booster vaccination to get an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use in England.

We will update this page and section as soon as more information is available about booster doses and the NHS App / COVID Pass.

Please Note: it is possible to view your COVID-19 booster dose in your Electronic Medical Records held by your GP, accessible through on-line services. This is not an NHS COVID Pass (see above). More information on how to sign up for on-line services is available in the above link.

Latest vaccine information will continue to be available and updated on our TyneHealth website and across our social media channels @TyneHealth on Facebook and Twitter or @TyneHealthNT on Instagram. 

More information about Covid-19, testing, vaccination and Public Health response and support available to residents through the local authority is available on the North Tyneside Council website.

Our partners in delivering communications around Covid and Vaccination in North Tyneside are: Healthwatch North Tyneside, North Tyneside Council, VODA and the North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group 

More information is also available on the NHS website.

As well as protecting children and young people against serious COVID infection, by getting vaccinated, children and young people can reduce the risk of passing on the infection to others in their family and those they come into contact with. Getting the vaccine can also make it easier for children and young people to avoid putting their lives and their education on hold because of further disruption to schools, hobbies and social events due to the virus.

Appointments will be available at selected vaccination centres and community pharmacies and can be booked online via the NHS National Booking Service or by calling 119. Some GP vaccination services will also be offering vaccinations to their patients in this age group but please do not contact your practice unless you are invited to make an appointment. Collingwood Surgery in North Shields will also appear via the NHS booking platform.

For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or “long COVID”. The chances of having long-term symptoms does not seem to be linked to how ill you are when you first get COVID-19. People who had mild symptoms at first can still have long-term problems. There are lots of symptoms you can have after a COVID-19 infection. Common long COVID symptoms include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath and difficulty sleeping.

TyneHealth have a dedicated Long Covid resource page with information, guidance and support – see here. 

For most children COVID-19 is a mild illness that may require a few days off school but rarely leads to complications. For a very few children, the symptoms can be more serious or last longer. There is evidence that some children will experience long COVID, and a minority of children may develop a delayed response known as Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS-TS or PIMS) following COVID-19 infection.

Children with certain health conditions, or those with a weakened immune system, are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 disease. These children and those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system should already have been invited for vaccination.

The COVID-19 vaccine should give your child stronger protection than natural immunity from previous infection against serious complications of infection – including any future waves due to new variants. Your child should also have some protection from the mild symptoms, and vaccination lowers the risk they will pass the virus on to others around them.

The risk to a child of serious impact from COVID-19 is relatively low, but it will be lower if they get the vaccine. Research shows the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent the virus’s worst effects, can reduce the risk of hospitalisation, and it can protect your child and those around them from catching the virus as easily.

The majority of children and young people experience only mild symptoms following COVID-19 infection or are asymptomatic. However, there is evidence that some will experience Long COVID, and a minority of children may develop a delayed response known as Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS-TS or PIMS) following COVID-19 infection.

The vaccine has been tested across the world and found to be safe and effective, including for children this age.

Children aged 5-11 with no other underlying health conditions will be offered two paediatric (child) doses of the vaccine, with at least 12 weeks between doses. A paediatric dose is smaller than the doses given to those aged 12 and over.

The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of your child suffering from COVID-19 disease. It may take a few weeks for their body to build up maximum protection from the vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine should give your child long lasting protection against serious complications of infection – including any future waves due to new variants. Some children may still get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated, but this should be less severe. If a child has had COVID-19 they will still get extra protection from the vaccine, but they will need to wait 12 weeks before getting vaccinated.

Your child cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine. There is sometimes a delay in symptoms so it is possible they could catch the virus but not realise this until after their vaccination.

The JCVI has recommended that the NHS offer vaccinations to all 5-11 year olds, to boost immunity and increase their protection against any future waves of COVID-19. This recommendation has been accepted by Government and the vaccine has been approved for this age group by the UK’s medicines regulator, so the NHS is offering the vaccine to this group.

COVID-19 is still active and causing some children to miss out on their education and the things they enjoy.

The NHS wants to support families to make an informed choice, and to make things convenient and child-friendly for those who do decide to get it.

The immune response in 5-11 year olds after a paediatric dose of the vaccine will protect them from severe disease and reduce the risk of side-effects, in the same way that the adult dose protects those aged 12 and over.

The vaccine does not remove the virus, but research and experience of countries around the world shows it can prevent the worst effects of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of infection to your child and those around them.

5-11 year olds will be given a paediatric dose, 10 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine, compared to the 30 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine given to older children and adults. The majority of children and young people experience only mild symptoms following COVID-19 infection or are asymptomatic. A smaller dose will provide protection while also reducing the risk of side-effects.

Children aged 5-11 years-old who are more at risk from COVID-19 were offered the vaccine earlier than the general population. As of April 2022, all children aged 5 and above can get two paediatric (child) doses, eight weeks apart.

Appointments at vaccination centres, meanwhile, can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service.

Parents, carers or those with parental responsibilities should attend COVID-19 vaccination appointments with their child. Unlike vaccinations in schools, consent is collected on the day so this is the best way to make sure they can be vaccinated by going through questions together on site. For looked after children, please refer to the care plan where permissions and restrictions of consent will be outlined. Follow the link for further information on consent to treatment for children and young people.

The NHS follows government decisions about who to vaccinate and the number of doses they received, which reflect recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI). Currently there are no plans to offer healthy 5-11 year olds a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

All vaccination sites are making efforts to ensure the vaccination environment is child-friendly and welcoming for families with young children. Vaccinators will make reasonable adjustments and fast-track individuals who are worried about vaccination. For example, sites may offer longer appointments and minimise the waiting time for children who are feeling anxious.

Spring boosters are being offered to people aged 75 years and over, people living in
care homes and people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system.

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune
system. Their protection from the vaccine may also be lower and decline more
quickly, and most will have had their first booster around 6 months ago. They are
therefore being offered a spring booster as a precaution so that if the number of
infections increases, it will help to reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill with
COVID-19 or needing to be admitted to hospital.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised that eligible
people should have their spring booster around six months after their last dose for
maximum effectiveness. People will be invited by the NHS when it is their turn –
this will start from 21 March 2022 and continue until the early summer.

GP practices, community pharmacists alongside the District Nurse Team and TyneHealth’s Frailty Nurse Team visited care homes in April 2022 to give the Spring Booster. Teams will keep this under review if the need arises to do future care home visits.

Appointments at vaccination centres, meanwhile, can continue to be booked online through the NHS National Booking Service.

As for the previous booster, people will be given either the Pfizer or Moderna
vaccine. These have been shown to be the most effective vaccines for booster
doses, no matter which vaccine they had before, and you do not need to have the
same vaccine as you had for your previous booster.

Yes. You still need to get a booster dose of the vaccine for extra protection, even
if you have recently recovered from COVID-19. The vaccine gives people greater
and longer-lasting protection than the antibodies you develop from having the
virus. If you have recently recovered from the virus, you will need to wait 4 weeks
(28 days) from when your symptoms started before getting your spring booster.

The vaccines have enabled the removal of restrictions on everyday life but COVID19 is still active and there are still people in hospital unwell with the virus. Getting
your booster will make sure you get the best possible protection against the virus
and keep yourself and others safe.

You may experience some mild side effects from the booster dose, regardless of
how you reacted to previous COVID-19 vaccines. Side effects are very mild, do not
last for very long and not everybody will get them. Side effects can include a sore
arm, feeling tired, a headache, feeling achy, and feeling or being sick. If you do
get these, a pain killer such as paracetamol is recommended.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is continuing to
monitor all available data and evidence to determine how often vaccinations will
be needed by different groups. The NHS is preparing to deliver an autumn
programme but what is required and who will be eligible for it will depend on
future recommendations from the JCVI.

It’s never too late to get your first or second dose. Speak to your Care Home
Manager who can support you to get the vaccine or you can ring North Tyneside’s
Vaccine Helpline on 0191 486 2001 for further advice.

No, these are only being offered to the groups that have been recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation because they are at particular risk from COVID-19. This is not being offered to the wider population at the moment. Unlike in previous rounds of the vaccine programme, only carers who are over 75 or have a weakened immune system are eligible for the spring booster.

The autumn booster campaign began in September 2022 on a phased roll out to eligible populations. The started with care home residents and housebound individuals. The current phase has seen the programme open up to anyone aged 65 or above, anyone with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed) and frontline health and social care staff. People who are currently eligible can book an appointment online now

In the coming weeks this will be rolled out further to other eligible groups as set up by the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), such as those aged 50+ and people who are clinically vulnerable and therefore at high risk of severe illness.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also still being offered to those need 1st, 2nd or previous booster doses. You can book an appointment online now or find a local walk in service now.

A further booster dose will now be offered to:

• People aged 50 and over
• Residents and staff in care homes for older adults
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Unpaid carers
• Clinically vulnerable individuals aged 5 to 49
• Household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed

As of our last update of these FAQs, the following groups are eligible to book an appointment online now:

• Staff and residents of Care Homes for older adults
• Housebound Individuals
• People aged 65 or above
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed)

In the coming weeks the vaccination programme will be offered to the remaining groups outlined by the JCVI in the first bullet pointed list above.

COVID-19 is more serious in certain populations. Their protection from the vaccine may also be lower and decline more quickly. This autumn booster will reach more of the population compared to the spring booster, for instance those aged 50 to 74, who were not eligible for the spring booster. This booster is a precaution so that during winter when infections spike and winter pressures build on the NHS, it will help to reduce the risk of these groups becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 or needing to be admitted to hospital.

As for the previous boosters, people will be given either a vaccine produced by Pfizer or Moderna. For the autumn booster campaign, you may be offered an updated combination version of these booster vaccines. The combination vaccines include a half-dose of the previous vaccine combined with a half-dose of a vaccine against the Omicron variant.

As the NHS and the government cannot predict which variants of COVID-19 will be circulating this winter, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have concluded that both types of vaccine can be used in adults, and that no one should delay vaccination to receive combination vaccines. So you will be offered the right vaccine for you at the right time.

Viruses spread more easily in the colder seasons with people socialising inside, so the risk of getting Covid is higher. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) therefore advised the government to offer a further booster campaign in the Autumn of 2022 ahead of winter. This will help to strengthen immunity against COVID-19 into winter to protect older and vulnerable groups whilst also reduce pressure on the NHS.

It’s never too late to get your first or second dose. Book an appointment online now or find a local walk in service.

At the moment the government has set out those that will be offered this booster vaccine, which includes over 50s, clinically vulnerable individuals aged 5 to 49 and frontline health and social care workers. Those not within these groups will not receive any further COVID-19 vaccinations at the present time. This is based on the recommendations by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). If this changes updates will be made in due course.