Whether you get the AstraZeneca, BioNTech, or Moderna vaccine (rolled out from April) is not up to you. However, none of these Covid vaccinations are appropriate for certain sub-sections of society. Who are they? The British Government released a document detailing the warning signs of a life-threatening reaction to the BioNTech Covid vaccine. In the prescription leaflet – also available on the Pfizer/BioNTech website – three signs of an allergic reaction include:
- An itchy skin rash
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face or tongue
The whole purpose of a Covid vaccination is to “trigger the body’s natural production of antibodies and stimulates immune cells to protect against COVID-19 disease”.
At present, BioNTech has been authorised for people aged 16 and above.
This means the vaccine “is not recommended for children under 16 years” – although this may change.
Pregnant women are advised to “ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before receiving the vaccine”.
“If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given the vaccine,” it read.
The same advice given by BioTech for pregnant women – and those trying to have a baby – applies to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“There is limited data on the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in pregnant or breastfeeding women,” it explained.
“Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will discuss with you whether you can be given the vaccine.”
