Since the first COVID-19 vaccination was given to Margaret Keenan on December 8, 2020, more than 32 million people in the United Kingdom have been given the first dose of the vaccine, with nearly 10 million receiving both doses.
The jab has now been offered to everyone over the age of 50, key workers and the clinically vulnerable, with adults between the ages of 45 and 49 being offered the vaccine next.
The first group of people who have been offered the vaccine account for 99% of deaths from COVID in the UK.
The #COVID19 Dashboard has been updated: https://t.co/XhspozbgYH
On Sun 18 April, 1,882 new cases and 10 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported across the UK.
32,849,223 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine & 9,930,846 have received a 2nd dose. pic.twitter.com/dUJtTRPQvA
— Public Health England (@PHE_uk) April 18, 2021
But if you haven’t received your vaccine yet, you may be wondering what happens. Here is everything you need to know about the process.
1. You will be contacted when the time comes
There is no need for you to contact your GP, they will contact you either via text, phone call or email.
You will be directed to a website so you can book a time to go for your jab at the closest vaccination centre, Derby Arena for example is currently being used as one.Â
The government says 98% of people in the country live within ten miles of a vaccination centre.
2. This is what happens when you arrive at the vaccination centre
You must wear a face covering to enter the vaccination centre, unless you are exempt. In addition to this, you will be advised to wear baggy clothing so it is easier to access your upper arm, where the jab will be. You cannot go for your jab if you currently have symptoms of the coronavirus.
When you arrive at your chosen vaccination centre, you will undergo a number of safety protocols such as getting your temperature recorded. Then you will be asked administrative questions in order to make sure everything is in order.
Then, depending on the time, you will join a socially distanced queue that is clearly marked out, which then you will be led to a worker who gives you the jab.
3. Getting the jab
Before the medical professional administers the dose, they will ask a number of safety questions, such as whether you taking blood thinning medication or if you have had a jab recently.
The jab is just a sharp scratch but can have different side effects in the hours that follow. Of course, all the key workers there are wearing full PPE clothing so protection is at a maximum.
After the jab you may be told to wait for approximately 15 minutes in a separate waiting area for monitoring.
A slightly sore arm is inevitable which is the case with most injections but a headache and feeling fatigued are common side effects of the covid vaccine. However, every person will react differently.
If you feel pain for a consecutive number of days, it is recommended to call 111 and they will tell you what to do next.
4. The second dose
You will be booked in for your second dose at the appointment or you may be contacted afterwards.
For more information about the vaccine, visit the NHS website.
