Is there evidence that the vaccine actually works given it has been developed so quickly?

Yes. Evidence shows Pfizer vaccine is 95 per cent effective. The Astra Zeneca (Oxford) vaccine is 70 per cent effective and the Moderna vaccine provides 95 per cent protection. (Dr Giovanna Satta, ELFT NHS webinar)

Yes, we are not starting from scratch. With Covid affecting everyone around the globe there has been unprecedented numbers of volunteers for human trials, diverse enough – across all groups, ages and ethnicities – to allow the Covid vaccines to be developed and tested so quickly. (Anne Bowers, Covid Champions consultation January 20)

How long does it take the vaccine to work and is it safe?

Yes. The Pfizer vaccine and Astra Zeneca have already been given to tens of thousands of people safely without any problems. Remember the body needs time to develop antibodies, it may take up to two weeks to provide protection after vaccination. (Dr Giovanna Satta, ELFT NHS webinar)

How does the vaccine work?

Vaccines work by making the body think it has been ill with a particular virus, encouraging the body to create the fighter cells, to enable the immune response necessary to fight the infection. It achieves this without actually making you ill. Pfizer/BioTech (and also the Moderna vaccine), create a spike protein using bits of harmless code to prompt the body into creating an immune response. Moderna works by using an altered virus (i.e. known not to be harmful to humans) to carry the spike protein to start the immune response.” (Anne Bowers, Covid Champions consultation January 20)

Can I choose which vaccine to have?

People cannot choose which vaccine they would like to have – whether Pfizer, AstraZeneca/Oxford or Moderna vaccine. Different vaccination hubs are supplying different vaccines. (Covid Champions consultation January 20)

Is there a threat to fertility?

There is no evidence that the Covid immunisation jab reduces fertility or interferes with our DNA. (Covid Champions consultation January 20)

Should people suffering from existing conditions get vaccinated?

People with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and generally underlying health conditions, should take the vaccine. In rare exceptions your GP will discuss with you. These patients are “more vulnerable because their immune system is not as efficient and they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.” Regardless of having underlying health conditions or not, you will not be given a jab before having the chance to speak to a member of the NHS staff, to whom you can ask any question you like or share any nervousness. (Covid Champions consultation January 20)

I’ve had Covid, do I need a vaccination?

Those who have had Covid should still take the vaccine as it will increase immunity to the disease. You do not need a Covid test before taking the vaccine, but if you tested positive you should wait 28 days before taking your jab. (Covid Champions consultation January 20)

Do I have to pay?

The vaccine is free and you can only get it through the NHS. Do not pay for the vaccine hoping that you will skip the queue. In some boroughs there are rumours of people queuing outside vaccination centres for leftover vaccines, that is not happening in Newham. Beware of people selling vaccinations. You must also not contact your GP to get the jab, they will contact you. (Covid Champions consultation January 20)

How long is protection after vaccination?

No-one knows for sure yet, but the latest studies suggest at least 6 months protection. Other studies on similar viruses show immunity can last one to two years. but that’s not certain. Six months is a safe bet. (Professor Frank Rohricht, ELFT NHS staff webinar)

What is “herd immunity” and how is it achieved?

This is when most of the population is immune to Covid-19 infection. At least 82 percent of the population needs protection (through vaccination or to have been infected by Covid-19) in order to achieve herd immunity. (Professor Frank Rohricht, ELFT NHS staff webinar)

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