Why should I have a COVID-19 booster vaccine this spring?
People who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 will be offered a booster vaccine this spring.
You may be classed as being at higher risk if you take Crohn’s or Colitis medicines that weaken your immune system. These medicines are known as immunosuppressants.
People taking immunosuppressants may have a reduced response to COVID-19 vaccines or lose protection faster. This means they may need additional vaccine doses, known as boosters.
Can the vaccine give me the virus?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine used by the NHS is ‘inactivated’, meaning it does not contain any of the live virus. You cannot ‘catch the illness’ from having the vaccine. The vaccines are safe for people taking medicines that weaken their immune system.
The vaccine may take up to two weeks to be effective. If you catch COVID-19 in those two weeks, you may become ill. That is why we encourage people to have their booster vaccine as soon as they can.
What about the side effects?
You might experience flu-like symptoms as a side effect of the vaccine. But these are usually mild and show that your body is producing antibodies to protect itself.
More serious side effects are very rare. This includes severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
There have been rare cases of inflammation of the heart, known as myocarditis, after COVID-19 vaccination. This could affect up to 1 in 10,000 people. Most people who had this recovered with rest and simple treatments.
Millions of people around the world have had their COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines continue to show a strong safety profile. The health benefits of COVID-19 vaccines greatly outweigh any risks.
How do I know these vaccines are safe?
Unprecedented scientific collaborations allowed COVID-19 vaccine research, development, trials and testing to be completed in record time.
These vaccines have been rigorously tested and are constantly monitored. We know that the benefits of having the vaccine far outweigh any risks. But it’s completely understandable that people may have some concerns about whether it is safe or right for them to have the vaccines.
If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to speak to a trusted healthcare professional. This can be your doctor, practice nurse, pharmacist, health visitor or consultant.
How do I book my vaccine?
If your NHS record says you are eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, the NHS will contact you with information on when and where you can get your booster.
If you live in England, Northern Ireland or Scotland or you may be able to book an appointment yourself using the link for your nation below.
For more on COVID-19 booster programmes, including who is eligible, see the information for your nation:
- England – NHS England
- Northern Ireland – NI Direct
- Scotland – NHS Inform
- Wales – Public Health Wales
Find out more in our information on COVID-19 in people with Crohn’s or Colitis.
