Coronavirus vaccine: Professor reveals when immunity will begin
The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine is currently being rolled out in the UK, and in a report released on Tuesday morning, the FDA indicated it could give the green light to the country’s first Covid inoculation in a matter of days.
Two doses of Pfizer vaccine are required for full immunity.
It takes 12 days to start to build immunity after the first vaccine, and 21 days later the second vaccine dose is administered.
Full immunity is then achieved seven days later.
While the vaccine has been deemed safe, vaccine trial participants have warned of some of the side effects.
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One Pfizer trial participant told CNBC that after his second vaccine dose he woke up with chills, and he was shaking so hard he cracked a tooth.
“It hurt to even just lay in my bed sheet,” he said.
Other participants reported headaches and fatigue.
The FDA has stated that while side effects of the Pfizer vaccine are common, there are “no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance of an EUA”.
Most side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, according to the NHS.
It says side effects may include:
- A sore arm where the needle went in
- Feeling tired
- A headache
- Feeling achy
It also advises: “You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to.
“If you have a high temperature you may have coronavirus or another infection.
“If your symptoms get worse or you are worried, call 111.”
The health body adds it’s very rare for anyone to have a serious reaction to the vaccine (anaphylaxis).
But if this does happen, it usually happens within minutes.
Staff administering the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions so they can be treated immediately.
Dr June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has assured people of the safety profile of the vaccine, but says the flu jab should be revived first.
“The safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine is really no different from any other vaccine,” she explained on The Andrew Marr Show.
“Might have a mild symptom, it will probably disappear in a day or two, nothing at all of a serious nature, so you can be confident there.
“It’s as safe as any general vaccine – the kind you might have if you’re going on holiday or of course the flu jab.”
Dr Raine added: “If you’re still due to have your flu jab, please do have it before the Covid vaccine. Not at the same time.”
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