Vaccine safety

We know the vaccine is safe because it has been through extensive safety trials and was approved by the independent medicine’s regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).  Each one has to meet globally recognised standards of effectiveness, safety and quality before it is approved. This is the same rigorous testing process as all other medicines, drugs and vaccines used in this country.

How they made and tested the vaccine

Scientists have been studying coronaviruses for many years, so they didn’t start from scratch. Additionally, lots of people from around the world came together to support this work. Clinical trials could be completed quickly due to large financial support from governments and because a lot of people were recruited to help in a short space of time.

Side effects

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short term lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them. Common side effects include a sore arm, feeling a bit achy and a headache – all of which go away quickly. However, the benefits of protecting yourself from COVID-19 far outweigh any risks involved with developing side effects.

There is no evidence that people from Black, Asian or other ethnic communities are more likely to get side effects. However, residents in these communities are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19, which is why it’s so important to protect yourself from the virus by considering having the vaccine when it’s your turn.

Making sure vaccine information is from a trusted source

If you receive information through your door or read anything online or via chat groups, please always consider whether it’s from a trusted source before you read or share it. If you’re not sure, fact-check the information from trusted sources first – including the NHS, British Islamic Medical Association, Camden Council or the Government.

You can find more information on the vaccine from the NHS website.