Some of us still have questions about the Covid vaccine replenishment. We asked the experts to set the record straight
MEET the experts…
We recently spoke to Dr Sophie Newton (GP, mother of three), Dr Amir Khan (NHS doctor from Yorkshire), Dr Jen Jardine (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) and
Dr. Farzana Hussain (East London GP), to answer all your questions about Covid-19 boosters.
I'I have already had two vaccines. Why do I also need a booster?
Omicron, the latest variant of Covid-19, is highly contagious and spreads quickly. Boosters give you the best possible protection against the virus and significantly reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalization. It is therefore more important than ever that you get vaccinated.
The effectiveness of the vaccine decreases over time, but if you receive a booster injection your protection against symptomatic Covid-19 will again be over 88 percent.
“The latest data shows that the booster jab reduces your risk of infection with Covid-19, including the Omicron variant,” says GP Dr Sophie Newton. “It also provides much greater protection against Covid-19 than just two doses of the vaccine.”
I'm worried about the side effects. Is the booster shot actually safe?
Millions of people have had the vaccine and if they report side effects, they are generally very mild and do not last more than 24 hours. When you compare this to the possible consequences of contracting Covid-19, which could require you to take time off work to self-isolate and recover, it's an easy choice.
“The common side effects are a slightly sore arm, perhaps a bit of fever for which you can take paracetamol, and you may feel a bit achy and flu-like,” says GP Dr Farzana Hussain. “It may not bother you at all, but we expect these minor side effects with most vaccines.”
I just recently had my second vaccine. When am I eligible for one? third dose?
You can get a booster vaccine against Covid-19 three months after you get your second dose, and in certain circumstances – for example if you are immunosuppressed – you may be eligible for a booster shot even earlier.
If you were unable to get your booster dose because you had Covid-19, you should book your jab 28 days after you no longer have the virus.
I'I'm not fragile, so why bother with a booster?
Unvaccinated people are eight times more likely to be hospitalized than those who have had both the vaccine doses and a booster.
You may be healthy, but if you catch Covid-19 there's a chance you could develop Long Covid, which can have serious, lasting effects on your ability to exercise, work and enjoy relationships.
“Even healthy, fit people can suffer a range of short- and long-term effects if they become infected with Covid-19, and they can pass the virus on to people who are more vulnerable,” says Dr Sophie. “So it's definitely worth getting the booster.”
I'I've already had Covid. why should I get the booster shot?
As with vaccination, after you have the virus, your body's immunity wanes over time – and you can still carry it and pass it on to others who may be more vulnerable.
“It's a common myth: 'Oh, I've had Omicron, I don't need the booster,'” says Dr. Farzana. “So many of us have had Omicron, and it would be wrong to say it doesn't give you any immunity, but the booster will replenish it for you.”
I'am pregnant – Should I be concerned about the booster vaccine?
About one in five pregnant women hospitalized with the virus require a premature delivery to help them recover. That is why it is important to get a booster shot during pregnancy.
“We can be completely confident that vaccinations against Covid-19 provide the best protection for you and your unborn child,” said Dr Jen Jardine of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who is seven months pregnant.
“I would urge any pregnant women who have not yet had the vaccine to speak to your GP or midwife. If you have any questions, book your shot immediately.”
Is the booster shot effective against Omicron?
Every adult in the country must receive a booster vaccine against Covid-19 as two doses do not provide sufficient protection against Omicron.
“The booster has been shown to be very effective against Omicron, while the first two shots alone do not work very well,” says Dr. Farzana. “People say Omicron is mild, but we have a high chance of getting infected, and some will get very sick. By taking it you protect others and yourself against infections and Long Covid.
“If you don't get the shot for yourself, get it for your family: your grandmother, your grandfather, your great aunt or uncle.”
How am I supposed to find the time to get the shot?
Thanks to the vaccine rollout and walk-in vaccination sites across the country, getting your booster is faster and easier than ever.
“People are juggling busy lives, which is why the NHS makes it as easy as possible for you to get your booster,” says GP Dr Amir Khan.
“New vaccination locations have been set up nationally and existing locations have extended their opening hours so that as many people as possible can receive the jab as quickly as possible.”
Get a boost
For more information visit nhs.uk/covidvaccination
Scotland: nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine
Wales: gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination
Northern Ireland: covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated