By Largest vaccination programme in British history
More than six million people in the UK have now received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and 472,000 have had both doses, as the largest vaccination programme in British history gets underway.
“This is the biggest medical deployment in British history and it’s one of the biggest civilian operations that this country’s ever undertaken,” said health secretary Matt Hancock.
NHS frontline staff, care home residents and workers, and the over 80s have been the first priority. More than 75% of over-80s and older care home residents in the UK have now been vaccinated.
In many areas, people over 70 and those considered clinically extremely vulnerable are now being vaccinated although different regions of the UK are progressing at different speeds.
When will I get a vaccine?
The priority list is as follows:
- Residents in care homes for older adults and their carers
- 80-year-olds and over and frontline health and social care workers
- 75-year-olds and over
- 70-year-olds and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
By the end of February to April the government hopes to move onto the following:
- 65-69-year-olds
- 16-64-year-olds with underlying health conditions
- 60-64-year-olds
- 55-59-year-olds
- 50-54-year-olds
By autumn the rest of the adult population will hopefully be vaccinated. The vaccines have not been tested in children so they won’t get them until more research has been carried out.
In total, the UK has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and 40 million of the Pfizer vaccine.
Another 17 million doses of the Moderna vaccine are expected in the spring.
How do I get my vaccine?
The NHS will contact you and invite you to book an appointment when it is your turn. You may receive a phone call from your GP practice, or be contacted by email, text message or letter.
The government website states that you should be able to resume your normal activities after being vaccinated, so long as you feel well.
Some common side effects include having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection, feeling tired, headaches, and general aches or mild flu-like symptoms.
While these symptoms should not last long, you can phone NHS 111 if you are concerned. Be sure to tell them about your vaccination.
