Omicron variant: Epidemiologist explains why we need third jab
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To tackle the Omicron “tidal wave”, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that Covid booster jabs will be offered to everyone over the age of 18 in England this week. As more people are going to be injected for the third time, what side effects can be expected? Regarded as some of the “most common” side effects, as with the other jabs, there may be pain and heaviness in the arm and shoulder area where the injection took place.
Furthermore, it is very likely for people to experience tiredness as their body prepares antibodies.
The NHS explained: “All vaccines contain ingredients that help your immune system make antibodies (proteins that fight off infection and disease).”
Coronavirus has a spike protein on its surface that enables the virus to enter human cells.
Coronavirus vaccines, including the booster, help the body create antibodies that recognise this spike protein so that it can fight off the virus.
“The vaccines contain ingredients that give your body instructions to produce the spike protein, using the virus’ genetic code,” the health body elaborated.
“Then, your body makes antibodies that can recognise the spike protein on the coronavirus if it enters your body and help fight it off.”
Thus, it is best to have all the “recommended doses of the vaccine” for longer-term protection against Covid.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) added that a headache, fever, and chills are also common side effects of the Covid booster.
Having the booster can also lead to aches or muscle pain, and general flu-like symptoms.
However, anybody experiencing side effects should be prepared to feel the effects only for a few days.
The main benefit of having the booster vaccine is that it helps to prevent severe disease from the disease.
Thus, the NHS is less likely to be overwhelmed during the winter when hospitalisation typically increases for other illnesses.
To help manage side effects of the booster, rest and paracetamol are two ideal solutions.
Latest Government figures show that 23,561,729 people have had their booster or third Covid jab.
Thankfully, the number of deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test is still on the decline.
However, the number of patients admitted to hospital is now steadily increasing.
As part of Boris Johnson’s implementation of Plan B, people have been told to work from home this week “if they can”.
Boris Johnson said: “It is now clear that two doses of vaccine are simply not enough to give the level of protection we all need.
“But the good news is that our scientists are confident that with a third dose, a booster dose, we can all bring our level of protection back up.”
To help carry out the mammoth task of booster vaccination, 42 teams of the military are to be deployed across every region.
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