Vaccine FAQs
Q: Can I have it if I’m vegan or have religious dietary restrictions?
A: All four vaccines available in the UK contain no animal products. No cell line (human or animal) have been used in the development or production so is believed to be suitable for anyone with ethical (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, animal rights or pro-life) or religious concerns regarding some components or methods of production of some medicines. However, the AstraZeneca vaccine and the Janssen vaccine do contain a small amount of alcohol, although less than there would be in a loaf of bread.
Q: Can I have it if I am pregnant or trying for a baby?
A: Yes. England’s top midwife is urging expectant mums to get the COVID-19 vaccine. There is additional risk of serious illness from coronavirus if it is contracted while you are pregnant. The NHS has more information, and any pregnant women who have questions or concerns about the vaccine can speak to their GP, midwife or obstetrician to get more information and advice.
More information:
Q: I have allergies/a history of anaphylaxis, can I still have the vaccine?
A: The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency have stated that unless you have a specific allergy to the components of the vaccine, it is safe. Special precautions should be taken if you have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines, and you should speak to an allergy specialist in this case.
More information about allergies can be found on the NHS website: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines side effects and safety – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Q: Will I get a Covid-19 passport / evidence that I have had the vaccine?
A: Yes. The vaccine passport is available using the NHS app or can be downloaded/printed from NHS COVID Pass – NHS (nhsx.nhs.uk). You can also get it sent to you in the post if you are not able to use the app or website Get your NHS COVID Pass letter – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Vaccination Buddy Programme
In your day to day work you may come into contact with people who have questions and concerns about the Covid-19 vaccination. Public Heath Somerset has launched a Vaccine Buddy programme in partnership with Spark Somerset. This programme provides a trained a team of volunteer Vaccination Buddies who can offer 1-2-1 telephone support to people who are worried or unsure about having the vaccine.
The Buddies come from all walks of life and have the right skills to support people to make informed decisions about having the Covid-19 vaccination. There are buddies who speak a range of languages including Dutch, Portuguese, German, Polish, Italian and French.
Individuals can be referred (or self-refer) to the scheme and a fully trained Vaccination Buddy will then contact them by phone to discuss their concerns and offer information and reassurance.
Please share or complete this form to make a referral. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Helen.Fielden@sparksomerset.org.uk at Spark Somerset.
Help with getting to vaccination appointments
Somerset’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
If you have not yet had your vaccination, it might be worth preparing in advance how you will get there. If you are not able to drive yourself, but you have a family member or friend who might be able to support you – it’s always worth having that conversation now.
Somerset County Council is working with bus operators and community transport providers to help vulnerable residents to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
- Current concessionary bus pass rules have been suspended so that bus passes can be used on all public services before 9.30am. This came into effect from February 1.
- Somerset County Council is working with Community Transport and Slinky Demand Responsive Services across Somerset to allow free travel for bus pass holders when attending vaccination appointments. You can find information and contact details for Community Transport Services on Travel Somerset
If you are concerned about getting to an appointment, or need other help or support during the pandemic, please phone the Coronavirus helpline on 0300 790 6275. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.
