COVID-19 – Intro To The Vaccine

After attending the COVID-19 Vaccination webinar in partnership with the Bolton Health and Care Partnership, we want to share all the critical and relevant information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.

The following information has been presented by Dr Helen Wall – the lead officer for Covid Vaccination across Bolton. Helen is also a GP Partner and Trainer, a clinical director of clinical Commissioning, the lead for women’s and children’s services and works with Bolton CCG and Oaks Family Practice. The facts and advice from Helen were provided on 12th January. Therefore, due to the continual development and updated knowledge of the virus, updated evidence may have already been brought to the surface.

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine introduces a small dose of the virus into your system. The proteins in your body will then encourage your body to create a reaction cell. The reaction cell will then jump into action if you reencounter it, meaning you will be safe from the disease.

What do we know about the vaccination process?

• The vaccination process is currently in phase one. Phase one is the direct prevention of mortality and aims to reduce the hospitalisation figures.

• Despite all the evidence that puts people at a higher risk of death due to COVID-19, the biggest key indicator of mortality rate is age, which is why phase one of the vaccination process aims to vaccinate people aged 50+ and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

• Once phase one has been rolled out, phase two will aim to vaccinate those in specific roles such as teaching and cleaning staff.

• The injection is in the upper arm, and you will have two separate injections to complete the vaccination process. The first dose provides up to three months of protection from the virus. The second jab was originally scheduled to be taken 3-4 weeks after your first dose, but this has since been changed to 12 weeks.

* We hope this information has helped you become clearer on the vaccine, however, please bear in mind that due to the continual development and updated knowledge of the virus, updated evidence may have already been brought to the surface.