VACCINE INFORMATION
This area is for OUH staff only - please visit the NHS website for general information about Coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination for NHS staff
NHS England and NHS Improvement are clear that colleagues have a professional duty to get vaccinated and that it remains the best line of defence against COVID-19.
COVID-19 boosters
You can book COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 booster vaccinations via the NHS website:
Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
You must leave at least three months between your vaccination and a booster.
Vaccination following infection with COVID-19
If you have already had COVID-19 you should still get vaccinated. There is no evidence of safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID-19 antibody.
However, if you are unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until you have recovered.
You can have the vaccine or booster 28 days after you had a positive test for COVID-19 or 28 days after your symptoms started.
Allergic reactions to vaccines
People with history of a severe allergy to the ingredients of the vaccines should not be vaccinated.
Our specialist High Risk Clinic operates independently and is designed for people with:
- a history of systemic anaphylaxis, within two hours, to any vaccine
- a history of allergies / immediate anaphylaxis to multiple, different drug classes, with the trigger unidentified (this may indicate PEG allergy); idiopathic (unexplained) anaphylaxis; complex reactions to medicines, or vaccines; or an uncertain history
- a history of a systemic allergic reaction to any of the COVID-19 vaccines
- a history of an allergic reaction to any component of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Please contact your general practitioner (GP) if you would like to be considered for vaccination in a high-risk setting.
Vaccine information
The vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.
If you have any concerns about receiving the vaccine please read this leaflet:
Coping with your COVID-19 vaccination (pdf, 106 KB)
You need two doses of the vaccine to get the best long-term protection from the virus, but you will have a significant level of protection at 22 days after you received the first dose.
For more information please visit:
Contraindications
The Green Book COVID-19 chapter provides full details about the contraindications and precautions to COVID-19 vaccine.
After vaccination
You should be able to work as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and two doses will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill.
Continue to follow current Infection Prevention and Control Trust guidance when you are at work.
Side effects
Mild side effects such as pain at the injection site and symptoms such as headache and tiredness for a day commonly occur.
If you have more serious symptoms seek medical advice from your GP or 111 as you would normally, as they may be unrelated to the vaccine.
If you have acute side effects visit your nearest walk-in centre or Emergency Department.
Lateral Flow Testing (LFD) after vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine takes one or two weeks to generate immunity, therefore it is possible to contract the infection within two weeks of the vaccine.
The vaccine will not cross-react with the lateral flow device (LFD). If your LFD is positive, it is very likely that you have the COVID-19 infection.
Last reviewed:09 January 2024