COVID-19 updates
The NHS continues to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Thanks to the thousands of people involved, in less than four months the health service in England has given the vital first vaccine dose to more than half the adult population.
Reports of very rare blood clots
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is carrying out a detailed review of reports of a very rare blood clotting problem affecting a small number of people who have had the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
The problem can also happen in people who have not been vaccinated and it's not yet clear why it affects some people. The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus. For people aged 30 or over and those with other health conditions, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh any risk of clotting problems.
For people under 30 without other health conditions, it's currently advised that it's preferable to have another COVID-19 vaccine instead of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
Call 111 immediately if you get any of these symptoms starting from around 4 days to 4 weeks after being vaccinated:
- a severe headache that is not relieved with painkillers or is getting worse
- a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over
- a headache that's unusual for you and occurs with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures (fits)
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin
- shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal (tummy) pain
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting on GOV.UK
The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) statement
Ramadan begins on Monday 12 April 2021, at a time when many people will be getting their second COVID-19 vaccinations, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has issued the following statement:
“Taking the COVID-19 vaccines currently licensed in the UK does not invalidate the fast, as per the opinion of Islamic scholars. Individuals should not delay their COVID-19 vaccinations on account of Ramadan.”
Information and communications resources are available from the BIMA website.
Covid-19 campaign resources
As gradual easing of the current COVID-19 restrictions happen new communications materials are available on the campaigns resource centre including messaging for; Hands. Space. Face. Fresh Air campaign, Workplace Testing, Community Testing and a British Sign Language video.