During the pandemic, a nationwide vaccination programme was rolled out across the country, via the NHS. However, Covid vaccinations are now only available via the NHS for those over 75, those who are immunosuppressed, or those who reside in a care home. This has left millions of people unable to access vaccination services, until now.
With the easy to access and convenient provision of a private covid vaccination service, delivered directly from your local pharmacy, millions of people can now get protected from Covid, even where they do not fit the NHS criteria for those who are offered vaccinations.
The Covid vaccination service uses the 2 vaccinations currently licensed for private use, manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, and Novavax. More will be added as they become licensed.
Who can use this private vaccination service?
This service is open and available to anyone over the age of 12 years old. A pharmacist will take you through a face-to-face consultation beforehand, to ensure that you are clinically eligible for vaccination.
Why use this private vaccination service?
This service is for anyone who does not qualify for a Covid vaccination on the NHS, but who would like access to the jab so that they remain protected. A private vaccination carried out at your local pharmacy allows you to be immunised and provides you with protection against infection.
Side effects and risks of Covid vaccinations:
Possible side effects are mild and temporary and should resolve of their own accord within a few days. They are the body’s natural response as it builds up protection and immunity. The risks associated with side effects are smaller than the risks posed from acquiring infection.
Side effects could include:
Pain, swelling and redness at the site of the injection Fever or chills Muscle and joint pain A general feeling of being unwell/malaise Headache Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes
Rarely, there are serious side effects associated with the Covid vaccination. These require urgent and immediate medical attention. Although research suggests that the benefits obtained from acquiring immunity through vaccination still outweigh the potential risks of serious side effects.
Serious and rare side effects include:
Serious allergic reactions, such as Anaphylaxis. This is severe, requires immediate medical attention, and is potentially life threatening. These are extremely rare side effects.
Serious heart problems, such as Myocarditis and Pericarditis (swelling of the heart muscle or heart lining); more common in males under the age of 30, after receiving an mNRA vaccine.
Blood clotting disorders such as Thrombosis, sometimes associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The benefits of receiving vaccination outweigh the risks associated with developing a rare blood clotting disorder.
Protection offered by vaccination outweighs the risks associated with developing even serious and rare side effects. The Novavax vaccine seems to offer a lower chance of heart problems and risks in comparison with mRNA vaccines, although it is still not risk-free. It also carries less incidence of minor side effects such as muscle fatigue and nausea, in the 48-hour timeframe following vaccination.
How long will a Covid vaccination protect me for?
The length of protection provided varies depending on several factors, and immunity will wane over time. Factors include previous infection, variant, prior vaccination status, and individual immune response. However, immunity can be lengthened by ensuring that you book in for booster jabs as and when required.
Can I use this service if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Even those with pre-existing medical conditions can obtain a Covid vaccination. It is important that you seek medical advice as to how the vaccine will interact with your condition or the medications you are taking, and you will complete a face-to-face consultation with a pharmacist beforehand to discuss further.
