Vaccination FAQs

The Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are now available. These vaccines have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection, and have been given regulatory approval by the MHRA.

Yes. The NHS will not offer any Covid-19 vaccinations to the public until experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said this vaccine is very safe and highly effective, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.

As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. Vaccines go through several stages of lab tests and clinical trials before they can be approved for use.

There is continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.

Vaccines are designed to prevent people from getting serious infectious diseases. It is much safer for your immune system to learn how to fight illnesses through vaccination than by catching and treating them.

Any vaccines that the NHS will provide will have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy, so people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get, it is worth their while.

Currently JCVI has advised that it is preferable for people under 40 to have a vaccine other than AstraZeneca. If you choose to have another COVID-19 vaccine you may have to wait to be protected. You may wish to go ahead with the AstraZeneca vaccination after you have considered all the risks and benefits for you.

The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of your suffering from COVID-19 disease. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose of the vaccine.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe

We don’t yet know whether it will stop people from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important that people continue to follow social distancing rules for the time being.

Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

The COVID-19 vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services.

The government websites provide information on the contents of the Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccinations. The approved COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any animal products or egg.

If, and when, further vaccines are approved we will publish information about known allergens or ingredients that are important for certain faiths, cultures and beliefs.

The MHRA have said these vaccines are highly effective, but to get full protection people need to come back for the second dose – this is really important.

Full protection kicks in around a week or two after that second dose, which is why it’s also important that when you do get invited, you act on that and get yourself booked in as soon as possible. Even those who have received a vaccine still need to follow social distancing and other guidance.

The vaccine works by making a protein from the virus that is important for creating protection.

The protein works in the same way they do for other vaccines by stimulating the immune system to make antibodies and cells to fight the infection.

Yes, the MHRA have looked at this and decided that getting vaccinated is just as important for those who have already had Covid-19 as it is for those who haven’t.

The COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine can be given on the same day and for people that are eligible for both, there may be opportunities to have both together. We would encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible and get fully protected rather than waiting as it may not always be possible to get them together.

Children can get a 1st dose of the vaccine from the day they turn 5.

Most children can get a 2nd dose from 12 weeks after they had their 1st dose.

If your child has a condition that means they’re at high risk from COVID-19 or they live with someone who has a weakened immune system, they can get a 2nd dose from 8 weeks after they had their 1st dose.

If your child is aged 12 to 15 and at high risk from COVID-19, they can also get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they had a 2nd dose at least 3 months ago.

You can find out more on the NHS website.

Any child (aged 5-15) can book or walk into a specialist child-friendly clinics. Click here to read more.

It’s a very simple and quick injection given in the upper arm which should only take a few minutes in total. Afterwards you might have mild side effects such as a sore arm, feeling tired, a head ache or feeling achy. 

If you are worried or have any concerns, trained staff will be available at the vaccination sites to help put you at ease and answer your questions. 

The vaccines are currently being offered to people aged five and over.

There are very few individuals who cannot receive the Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Where there is doubt, rather than withholding vaccination, appropriate advice should be sought from the relevant specialist, or from the local immunisation or health protection team.

The vaccines do not contain living organisms and are safe for people with disorders of the immune system. These people may not respond so well to the vaccine.

The vaccine should not be given to those who have had a previous systemic allergic reaction (including immediate-onset anaphylaxis) to:

• a previous dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine
• any component (excipient) of the COVID-19 vaccine e.g. polyethylene glycol

A very small number of individuals have experienced anaphylaxis when vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Following close national surveillance, the MHRA is no longer advising that individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to any vaccine, medicine or food do not get the vaccine. Anyone with a previous history of allergic reactions to the ingredients of the vaccine should not receive it, but those with any other allergies (such as a food allergy) can now have the vaccine.

Yes – it’s really important you finish your course of the Covid-19 vaccination. The Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MRHA) have said vaccines are highly effective but to get the best protection possible, people need to come back for their second dose and then a further booster dose.

A third dose is specifically for people who are immunosuppressed, it is not a booster, but a third dose, which is given 56 days after their second dose to ensure they receive the same protection given by two doses for those with normal immune systems. 

These people should then go on to also receive a booster dose (their 4th dose), 3 months after their third dose. 

People who are not immunosuppressed should have 2 doses and then have a booster dose, 3 months after their second dose. 

You can prove your vaccination status on your NHS app, or if you don’t have access to technology you can request a letter.

Details on this are here.

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. A pilot of outbound calls was launched on 3 August to patients identified as having a second dose but where no first dose is showing on the national immunisation database (NIMS). This service continues to operate. An inbound service has now been launched, and referrals to the VDRS can be made via any of the services accessed via 119.    

Please note: 119 and VDRS call agents will not provide clinical advice and cannot assist at this time with queries related to vaccinations received overseas. If the query relates to personal information that is incorrect on the patient record (e.g. name, address), these will still need to be resolved by their GP practice. 

If a member of the public believes they have missing or incorrect COVID-19 vaccination data, please advise them to call 119 and ask the call agent to make a referral to the VDRS team on their behalf. The VDRS team will then call the person back within five working days. 

National and local statistics on the COVID-19 vaccinations can be accessed here: Statistics » COVID-19 Vaccinations (england.nhs.uk)

You can keep up to date with COVID-19 statistics and the vaccine on our CCG website news webpages.

We are working closely with our partners as well as voluntary and community groups to help us to reach our communities. As part of the vaccination programme we are using “pop up” and mobile clinics to allow the community to have access to vaccines in sites which are more well-known and convenient to them.

Letters that are sent to communities offer the provision of information in a different format should this be required. We are also running vaccine question and answer sessions within communities to allow the public to ask questions to a clinician in person without any obligation of having a vaccination.

The national medical advice is that the second dose of the vaccine remains effective when given up to 8 weeks after the first dose. This helps to make sure that many people as possible benefit from the first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible. You can read more here.

You can receive a booster 3 months after your second dose.

Currently, official guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) says anyone already given the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Oxford-AstraZeneca jab should get the same vaccine for both doses. You may be given a different vaccination for your booster dose.

There is information on the government website, click here.

You can have your second dose after 8 weeks (56 days).

The Government is funding the vaccination programme via the NHS. Please visit the Government website for further information on liability.

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get serious COVID-19 or be admitted to hospital or die from it  The vaccine is given in two doses followed by a booster dose. Once you have had all three vaccines you will be as protected as possible from current and future variants. 

No. If you are eligible, you can book your appointment straight away or go to one of our walk-in clinics.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

No, absolutely not. We want to get everyone vaccinated who is eligible.

If you are eligible, you can book online via the NHS website or call 119. You can also walk into selected sites for your first or second dose. Find out about walk-in clinics here.

The CCG is working closely with the local councils during the pandemic.  Nottinghamshire County Council is supporting us with managing requests for information and assistance related to the vaccine rollout so if you have any questions that are not answered by the information here please email enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk or call 0300 500 80 80.

We are delivering the vaccine in Hospital Hubs, Vaccination Centres, pharmacies and GPs across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

You can view all the sites here.

When you arrive at the site to be vaccinated, you will need to ensure that you are wearing a face mask. Social distancing will also be in place. Questions will be asked about your medical history and it is important that you inform staff if you are pregnant or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction in the past. The vaccine will be given as an injection into your upper arm by a trained professional.

You should not attend your appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fit and well. Vaccination should also be delayed until 4 weeks after a positive COVID test.

You will require two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination to ensure best protection. Like all medications, vaccinations can also have potential side effects. To read more about potential side effects, the effectiveness of the vaccine, guidance on what to do if you are unwell for your second dose of vaccine and information on whether you can spread the virus to others after the vaccine can be found on the government website. You can report suspected side effects also on the online Coronavirus Yellow Card Reporting website.

Housebound residents will receive a Covid-19 vaccine within their own home or place of residence. A special ‘mobile team’ of vaccinators are delivering the service to housebound residents. Those who are housebound will have been identified by their registered GP.

No, you do not need to provide your NHS number at the vaccination site. However, if you do know your number it will make the process quicker at the site.

If you cannot avoid bringing your children or other family member then please let the staff at the entrance know so that we can make the appropriate arrangements to keep everyone safe.

Important messages are being shared on our CCG website, our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), in the local media and via the COVID19 toolkit with community representatives across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

You can assist by sharing important messages from these platforms and the COVID19 toolkit with your community members and networks.

This FAQ page can also be shared widely with your communities to help address any concerns around the COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you are interested in other roles, you can visit the Sherwood Forest Hospital Website for different paid opportunities to support with the vaccination roll out.

The COVID-19 vaccination toolkit is produced by NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to provide community representatives with important updated information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme. To subscribe to this toolkit, please email nnccg.team.engagement@nhs.net

If a patient, or someone on their behalf, is unhappy with the care received at one of the vaccination centres we would ask that they talk directly to the staff involved at the time. However, if this is not possible, or if they feel staff have been unable help, or they remain dissatisfied they can contact the Sherwood Forest Hospital’s Patient Experience Team:

Telephone: 01623 672222, Monday – Friday, between 9am – 5pm
Email: sfh-tr.pet@nhs.net

Please check back daily, we are releasing appointments every day and do have enough vaccine for everybody.

You can also walk-in to many of our site without an appointment. Details are here.

Yes – you can book an appointment for someone else. To book an appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Over 40s, care home residents and adults of any age with certain medical conditions are at high risk of the complications of COVID-19. The MHRA and the JCVI advises that those in these groups should still receive any of the available COVID-19 vaccines. The benefits of vaccination in protecting you against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any of the rare risks associated with the vaccine. 

You can read this information leaflet.

If you are unsure or would like to speak to someone, there are clinicians on site to speak to and discuss any questions you may have.   

• Always arrive five minutes before your appointment time
• Check the weather and wear suitable clothing as you will need to walk from the car to the vaccination building. If it is cold, please bring warm clothing, if it is hot, please bring a hat, sun cream and drink
• If you arrive early stay in the car until five minutes before your appointment time
• On your arrival, if you need a wheelchair and have not pre-arranged this, please tell the volunteers at the entrance
• Wear a short sleeved t-shirt or top to so you are comfortable when your vaccinator gives you the vaccine
• Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 which are any of: a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste should not attend their vaccination appointment and will need to rebook

Don’t worry if you missed your appointment, you can still get your vaccine. Go to one of our walk-in appointments, or book online or by calling 119.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

If you are unsure or would like to speak to someone, there are clinicians on site to speak to and discuss any questions you may have. 

It’s really important you get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. The Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MRHA) have said vaccines are highly effective but to get the best protection possible, people need to come back for their second dose.  

The COVID-19 booster programme is the rollout of an additional vaccine dose to people who have previously received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure continued protection for those most at risk from COVID-19.

The booster vaccine is important as it provides people with the best possible protection from the virus and any future variants.

Independent experts, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), have said that all adults aged 16 and over will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

The JCVI advises that the booster vaccine dose should be offered three months after completion of your second dose.

JCVI have advised that individual who are severely immunosuppressed get an additional third dose of vaccine as part of their primary course of immunisation.  This offer is separate to the booster programme. More information is available here: JCVI issues advice on third dose vaccination for severely immunosuppressed – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There are very few people in the eligible groups who should not have a booster.  If you have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine you should discuss this with your doctor.

You cannot usually choose which vaccine you have. If you book online, you’ll only be offered appointments for vaccines that are suitable for you.

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

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

Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine.

This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccine you had for your first 2 doses.

As with your previous dose the common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines used in the UK, and include: 

• having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine 
• feeling tired 
• headache 
• general aches, or mild flu like symptoms

You can rest and take paracetamol (follow the dose advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better. Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for 2 to 3 days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection.

Although a fever can occur within a day or 2 of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test. Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111.

If you had serious side effects after any previous dose you may be advised to avoid or delay further vaccination. You should discuss this with your doctor or specialist.

The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. It may take a few days for your body to build up some protection from the booster.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

The COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine can be given on the same day and for people that are eligible for both, there may be opportunities to have both together. We would encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible and get fully protected rather than waiting as it may not always be possible to get them together.

Everyone that is eligible that hasn’t already had their first or second COVID-19 vaccination is still be able to get vaccinated.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking about trying for a baby then you can safely receive the Covid-19 vaccination. You can find out more on the NHS website.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that a third primary dose of the vaccine should be offered to people aged 12 years and over who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose. Such patients may not mount a full response to vaccination and therefore may be less protected than the wider population. 

The JCVI advises that for those aged 18 and older, either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines should be administered for the third primary dose. For those aged 12 to 17 years, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should be offered, unless contraindicated.

NHSE/I has asked all specialists working in hospitals as well as all GP practices to identify individuals they care for who are eligible under the JCVI’s definition. Letters are being sent from specialist teams or GPs to invite those eligible to receive their vaccine. 

If a person believes they are eligible for this third primary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but have not been contacted by the specialist team from the hospital, they can contact their GP or hospital consultant to discuss eligibility and provision of an appropriate letter. 

People who are eligible can book using the information provided in their letter. People must bring their eligibility letter to the vaccination site to receive this third primary dose. Alternatively, you can book on the NHS website.

To book your appointment visit the NHS website or call 119.

Find out about walk-in clinics here.

Patients will be eligible for a booster dose six months after their third primary dose. A third primary dose is an extra dose for those who may not have generated a full immune response to the first 2 doses. In contrast, a booster dose is a later dose to extend the duration of protection from the primary course of vaccinations.