COVID-19 Vaccine Further Information

COVID-19 vaccine ingredients

COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved to be used in the UK are:

• Moderna COVID-19
• Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19
• Pfizer/BioBTech COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain egg or animal products.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine contains a tiny amount of alcohol, but this is less than in some everyday foods like bread.

The vaccines are suitable for people of all faiths.

For more ingredients information please visit the following sites.

Moderna                     Oxford/AstraZeneca               Pfizer/BioNTech

Common side effects

The COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the UK and Europe have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. 

As with your previous doses the common side effects are the same for all COVID-19 vaccines used in the UK, and include:

• having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection – this tends to be worst around one to two days after the vaccine
• feeling tired
• headache
• general aches, or mild flu-like symptoms

You can rest and take paracetamol (follow the dosage advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better. Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection.

Although a fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test. Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111.

You can also report suspected side-effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme.

Serious side effects

Worldwide, there have also been recent, very rare cases of inflammation of the heart called myocarditis or pericarditis reported after Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

These cases have been seen mostly in younger men within several days after vaccination. Most of these people recovered and felt better following rest and simple treatments.

You should seek medical advice urgently if, after vaccination, you experience:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart

If you had serious side effects after any previous dose you may be advised to avoid or delay further vaccination. You should discuss this with your doctor or specialist.