Does BCG vaccine protect you from getting the coronavirus disease?

There is no evidence that the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG) protects people against infection with COVID-19 virus. Two clinical trials addressing this question are underway, and WHO will evaluate the evidence when it is available. In the absence of evidence, WHO does not recommend BCG vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19. WHO continues to recommend neonatal BCG vaccination in countries or settings with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

Can you still get Covid after vaccine?

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

How long after having COVID-19 can I get the spring booster vaccine?


If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. If you have had confirmed COVID-19 you should ideally wait 4 weeks before having your spring booster.

Can I get COVID-19 or other infections even if I am vaccinated?


Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, however even if you are vaccinated there is a chance you might catch COVID-19 or another respiratory infection and pass it on to other people.

Can you catch COVID-19 after 2 doses of vaccines?

Although 2 doses of vaccine will greatly reduce your own risk of becoming unwell with COVID-19, it is still possible to contract the virus and pass it to others.

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Can I develop immunity to COVID-19 after testing positive for PCR?

If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19, you will probably have developed some immunity to the disease. However, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone will develop immunity, or how long it will last. It is possible for PCR tests to remain positive for some time after COVID-19 infection.

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are unwell?

People currently unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until they have recovered.

You can have the vaccine 28 days after you had a positive test for COVID-19 or 28 days after your symptoms started, so you may need to wait.

What are the most common adverse reactions to the covid-19 vaccine?

The most frequent adverse reactions in trials were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, myalgia (muscle pains), chills, arthralgia (joint pains), and fever; these were each reported in more than 1 in 10 people.

Can you go back to daily activities after having your COVID-19 vaccine?

You should be able to resume activities that are normal for you 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.

What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?


Common side effects

  • having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccination
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • general aches, or mild flu like symptoms

How long do I have to wait for my booster after having COVID-19?


If you have a COVID-19 positive result, when can you have a booster? You will still need the booster but you should wait at least 4 weeks from your COVID-19 infection.

Who can get a spring booster for the coronavirus disease?


People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those with weakened immune systems will be offered a spring booster of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Appointments will be available from the National Booking Service shortly.

Does the COVID NHS pass show a COVID-19 booster?


COVID-19 booster vaccinations. You should get your COVID-19 booster as soon as you are eligible, but you do not need a COVID-19 booster vaccination to get an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use. If you've received a booster vaccination it will show in your NHS COVID Pass for travel within 5 days.

How do we achieve herd immunity against COVID-19?

To safely achieve herd immunity against COVID-19, a substantial proportion of a population would need to be vaccinated, lowering the overall amount of virus able to spread in the whole population.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine affect your ability to drive and use machines?

Driving and using machines

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, some of the effects mentioned under section 4 'Possible side effects' may temporarily affect the ability to drive or use machines.

Are smokers more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19?

Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory infections and increases the severity of respiratory diseases. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.

Can you get a fever or temperature after the COVID-19 vaccine?

Although a fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test.

What are some common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in children?

Common side effects their arm feeling heavy or sore where they had the injection feeling achy or like they have the flu feeling tired having a headache

What are ECDC’s recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination?

ECDC strongly encourages those who are eligible for vaccination but have not yet been vaccinated to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in a timely manner according to national recommendations.

What are the possible side effects of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine?

The most common side effects with BNT162b2 (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever.

Can you take the COVID-19 vaccine if you have allergies?

Most people with allergies (including food or penicillin allergies) can be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Tell healthcare staff before you're vaccinated if you've ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis). They may ask what you're allergic to, to make sure you can have the vaccine.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?


The MHRA confirmed on 9 September 2021 that the COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca can be used as safe and effective booster doses. Following review of data for the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna vaccine, the MHRA and CHM experts also concluded that this vaccine can be used as a safe and effective booster dose.

All vaccines and medicines have some side effects. These side effects need to be continuously balanced against the expected benefits in preventing illness. The COVID-19 Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine was evaluated in clinical trials involving more than 44,000 participants. The most frequent adverse reactions in these trials

How do I know if Im clinically vulnerable for COVID-19?


You may previously have received a letter or email identifying you as someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable ( CEV ), and you may have been advised to shield during earlier stages of the pandemic.

Does having a kidney disease make me high risk for COVID-19?


Having chronic kidney disease of any stage can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?


If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.