Who Is This Service For?
- Eligibility: Patients aged 12 years and above.
- Consultation: A face-to-face consultation with a pharmacist is required to ensure the vaccine is clinically appropriate.
Why Use This Service?
- Accessibility: For those who do not qualify for a free COVID-19 jab on the NHS, this private service offers an opportunity to get vaccinated and protect against the virus.
Vaccines Available
- Currently Licensed Vaccines:
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Novavax
- Future Additions: As more vaccines receive private use licenses, they will be included in the service.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
- Common Side Effects:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Feeling unwell
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rare Side Effects:
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of anaphylaxis.
- Myocarditis and Pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle or lining, particularly in males under 30 after mRNA vaccination.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: Rare cases associated with certain vaccines, such as AstraZeneca.
Comparison of Pfizer/BioNTech and Novavax
- Pfizer/BioNTech:
- Associated with rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis.
- Typical side effects include muscle fatigue and nausea.
- Novavax:
- Lower chance of myocarditis or pericarditis.
- Fewer side effects like muscle fatigue and nausea within the first 48 hours.
Immunity Duration
- Factors Affecting Immunity:
- Vaccination status
- Prior infection
- Virus variants
- Individual immune response
- Booster Shots: Enhance and extend protection as immunity can wane over time.
Vaccination with Health Conditions
- General Guidance: Individuals with existing health conditions can usually receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Consultation: It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if there are concerns about interactions with specific health conditions or medications.
This service provides an essential option for those seeking to protect themselves against COVID-19 outside of the NHS framework, ensuring broader access to vaccines as new variants continue to emerge.