What you should do after your Covid-19 vaccination

Here is a short NHS video with very important information about what you should do after you have had your Covid-19 vaccine.

The Covid-19 Vaccine can prevent you from becoming seriously ill, but protection from the vaccine takes two to three weeks to kick in.

However, being vaccinated does not mean you are fully protected. It is very important that you return for a second dose when called in. This will give you a higher level of protection.

Even after you have had both doses of the vaccine, you may still give Covid-19 to someone else, so after being vaccinated you should continue to do this simple things to protect yourself and the people around you:

Stay at home, unless you need to leave for work, clinical appointments, exercise or essential supplies

Follow all the rules on social distancing:

  • Stay 2m apart and always wear a face mask in enclosed public places
  • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, for at least 30 seconds
  • Clean surfaces regularly and ventilate indoors as much as possible

We know is hard, but please do not be tempted to let your guard down. Until the NHS have vaccinated millions of people and got infection levels right down, we must all carry on with our behaviours to protect each other. YOUR ACTIONS MATTER.

Side effects

Most side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

  • A sore arm where the needle went in
  • Feeling tired
  • A headache
  • Feeling achy
  • Feeling or being sick

You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to. However, if your symptoms get worse or you are worried, call 111.

You can also report any side effects following your Covid-19 vaccine here.

Covid-19 infection following vaccination

If after you had your Covid-19 vaccination you develop a high temperature you may have coronavirus or another infection, so please get a Covid-19 test.

If you develop Covid-19 more than 10 days after your vaccination, a healthcare professional should report this to Public Health England, so we can gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of the vaccine.

More information on the Covid-19 vaccine

If you would like to read more information about the Covid-19 vaccine or  book your vaccination, please visit please visit the NHS website.