INJECTION OF HOPE

Most of us will never have seen a mass vaccination programme like this in our lives. We find out what you need to know and answer some common questions

Kingsbury Temple The rollout of the NHS COVID vaccination programme is on track in Brent, with more than 100, 000 of the lifesaving jabs delivered by the end of February 2021. Across the UK, 20 million people have received the vaccination by the end of February.

So far, the vaccine has been given to Brent’s highest priority residents: people living in care homes, frontline health and care workers, people aged 70 and over and people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Thank you to all the hard working doctors, health workers, support staff and volunteers who are making us safer and saving lives every day.

Wembley vaccination centre Wembley vaccination centre

Wembley vaccination centre Kingsbury Temple

NHS GUIDANCE

The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it’s your turn to be vaccinated. In the meantime, it’s vitally important that we all continue to follow the public health guidance: • wash your hands regularly • wear a face covering indoors • stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you don’t live with • stay at home wherever you can. Find out more about the NHS vaccination programme at www.nhs.uk

Kingsbury Temple Willesden Centre

Kingsbury Temple

A LARGE NHS VACCINATIONCENTRE opened in Wembley Park in January. Frontline health and care workers were among the first patients to receive their vaccinations. The site is capable of delivering thousands of the life-saving jabs every week. SHREE SWAMINARAYAN Mandir in Kingsbury became the UK’s first Hindu temple to become a vaccination centre in London. Members of the Mandir community are also volunteering to provide healthcare staff with additional admin and logistics support. HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS across the borough are helping to deliver the NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in the health service’s history, at GP-led and hospital services including Willesden Centre for Health & Care.

COVID-19 Vaccine THE FACTS!

Medical consultant with expertise in vaccines, Dr John Licorish, part of Brent’s Public Health team, answers your questions about the COVID vaccine

IS THE VACCINE SAFE?

Yes, the vaccination is safe for everyone and is our best way out of this pandemic. The NHS only offers vaccinations to the public once independent experts – who have nothing to do with the government, by the way - have signed it off as being safe. Over 10 million doses of vaccines have been given in the UK and there have been no major safety concerns.

HAS IT BEEN POSSIBLE FOR THE VACCINE TO BE DEVELOPED SO QUICKLY?

There are three main reasons. One, while this coronavirus is a new virus, work was already underway to produce vaccines against the coronaviruses which cause SARS and MERS – two other highly contagious and deadly viruses. Two, there has been an unprecedented level of cooperation between academics and the pharmaceutical industry around the world. Thirdly, a huge financial investment by governments around the world, including the UK.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE VACCINE?

After having both doses of the vaccine, most people will be protected against coronavirus. It takes a few weeks after getting the second dose for it to work. So it’s important to still continue social distancing and following the guidelines to keep us all safe.

IS THE VACCINE AS EFFECTIVE FOR BLACK, ASIAN AND OTHER MINORITY ETHNIC GROUPS?

Yes, it works the same way – and has the same effectiveness – among all ethnic groups.

THERE ARE NEGATIVE RUMOURS ONLINE ABOUT THE VACCINE. HOW DO I KNOW WHO TO BELIEVE?

Firstly, I want to say that it’s ok, in fact it’s good, to want to know more. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation online, on Facebook and on WhatsApp about the vaccine. If you have questions please speak to a trusted source of information, such as your GP, or visit www.nhs.uk

CAN MUSLIMS HAVE THE VACCINE UNDER ISLAMIC LAW?

Yes, after discussion with experts, the British Islamic Medical Association encourages individuals to take the COVID vaccine as advised by their GP. DOES THE VACCINE INCLUDE PORK, GELATINE OR OTHER ANIMAL PRODUCTS?

No, there is no material of animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.

CAN I CHOOSE WHICH VACCINE I GET?

There are currently two vaccines being used in the UK: The Oxford/ AstraZenica vaccine and Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine. Both require two doses and offer a high level of protection. Because the vaccine is being delivered in phases to make sure those most at risk are vaccinated first, it’s not possible to choose which one you get.

CAN I WAIT AND SEE, AND HAVE MY VACCINATION LATER?

You can. However my strong advice to you, if you are offered the vaccine, is attend your appointment. Every day individuals from our communities are getting very unwell and in some cases dying. So, to protect yourself and others, there really isn’t much time to wait.

Dr John Licorish: the vaccine is safe for use by all members of the community

IF I AM UNSURE, SHOULD I ATTEND MY VACCINATION APPOINTMENT?

Yes, attending doesn’t mean that you have to accept the vaccine. It gives you a chance to learn more, to talk through any concerns you might have, and then make your own decision.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Most side effects, such as a sore arm, feeling tired or a headache are mild and shouldn’t last longer than a week. It’s very rare for anyone to have a serious reaction to the vaccine. All staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with and treat any reactions straight away. WHY DO YOUNGER PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT LONGER TO GET THE VACCINE?

The initial phase of the vaccination programme is prioritising those most vulnerable to the virus. However, although younger people have a lower risk of serious illness, they can still spread the virus. So we must all continue to follow the guidance to control the virus and save lives.

WHO CAN I SPEAK TO FOR MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any questions about the vaccination programme, please speak to a trusted source of information – the NHS or your GP. CAN I GET THE VACCINE PRIVATELY?

No, the COVID vaccine is only available through the NHS. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for your bank account, card details, PIN or banking password. They will never arrive unannounced at your home. And the NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.

Please look after yourself, look after your families, and look after each other. And my advice to you, if you are offered it, is to take that vaccine.