Frequently asked questions about the vaccine

It is more important than ever to continue with the vaccination rollout as the vaccine is the way of eventually getting on top of this pandemic.

As more of the population are vaccinated, we expect to see lower transmission of the virus and fewer people becoming ill, and this will lead to the easing of restrictions and a return to a more normal way of life.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an independent advisory body to the UK Government. The Isle of Man vaccination programme follows the JCVI’s evidence-based guidance and the JCVI is referred to in many of the answers below. 

Updated: 30 July 2021

On this page:

• COVID-19
• Vaccination schedule and priority groups
• Second Doses
• Your vaccination appointment
• Blood clots
• The vaccination hubs
• About the vaccines
• Vaccination documentation
• Vaccination and travel
• Vaccination impact
• COVID-19 variants
• Translated information

COVID-19

What is COVID-19 or Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in late 2019. It is very infectious and can lead to severe respiratory disease.

Many people who are infected may not have any symptoms or only have mild symptoms. These commonly start with cough, fever, headache and loss of taste or smell.

How COVID-19 is spread

COVID-19 is spread through droplets expelled from the nose or mouth, particularly when speaking or coughing. It can also be picked up by touching your eyes, nose and mouth after contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.

You are advised to continue to follow current guidance which may include:

• practising social distancing
• wearing a face mask
• washing your hands regularly
• opening windows to let fresh air in

Current guidance is detailed at www.gov.im/coronavirus

Vaccination schedule and priority groups

How is prioritisation for the vaccination being decided?

See Vaccination schedule and priority groups.

How many vaccinations do the DHSC and Manx Care expect to do?

The IOM DHSC and Manx Care aim to vaccinate as many eligible people as safely and quickly as possible.  

If our current expected delivery schedules are met, we hope to have offered a vaccination to everyone who wishes to have one, by early August 2021.

Who will be offered the vaccine?

The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), you can read the latest JCVI COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritisation Guidance.  

Pregnant women should be offered COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as people of the same age or risk group. Please read advice for childbearing, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Children and young people aged 12-15 with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 should be offered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

What other groups will be considered for the vaccine?

A number of vaccination booking slots will be ‘ring fenced’ each day for priority patient transfer patients travelling to the UK for treatment. Confirmation of suitability for the vaccination, taking into account the patient’s current health and underlying conditions will be required from a medical professional directly involved in the patient’s care.

This may be their consultant at Noble’s or in the UK or their GP. Vaccination will be organised by the Patient Transfer Office in liaison with 111 who will contact the patient to arrange a booking for the vaccination.

What about household adults of immunocompromised adults?

Adults who are household contacts of immunosuppressed adults are being prioritised for the vaccine following new guidance based on evidence that susceptibility to infection is reduced in those who have been vaccinated, and so vaccinating individuals aged 16+ living with an adult who is immunocompromised is considered to be a beneficial approach by increasing protection.

Who cannot have the vaccine?

The vaccines do not contain organisms that grow in the body, and so are safe for people with disorders of the immune system. These people may not respond so well to the vaccine. A very small number of people who are at risk of COVID-19 cannot have the vaccine – this includes some people who have severe allergies and people with certain blood disorders.

Is the vaccine compulsory?

There are no plans to make the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory. The Isle of Man operates a system of informed consent for this vaccination before it can be administered.

Should people who have already had COVID-19 be vaccinated?

Yes, they should get vaccinated. There is no evidence of any safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID-19 antibody so people who have had the COVID-19 disease (whether confirmed or suspected) can still receive the vaccine.

You can have the vaccine 28 days after you had a positive test for COVID-19 or 28 days after your symptoms started, so you may need to wait.

It is nearly my 18^th birthday, when can I register for the vaccination?

Individuals can now register for the vaccine if they are within the three month mark of turning 18. 

See:  vaccinating children

For more information please see: a guide for those eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

Second doses

The vaccine is a two dose schedule and is given as an injection into your upper arm.

You will have the second dose three to 12 weeks after having the first dose.

You will have two doses of the same vaccine. The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should give you good protection from COVID-19 from three or four weeks after you've had it.

But you need to have the two doses of the vaccine to give you longer lasting protection.

There is a chance you might still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have the vaccine but it is likely to be a less serious illness.

Should both vaccines be given in two doses?

The MHRA authorisation is individual for each vaccine. Currently all authorised vaccines require two doses for longer term protection.

If I get coronavirus after having my first dose, should I delay my second dose?

Having two doses of the vaccine is the best way to make sure you have long-lasting protection against the virus. Even if you catch COVID after having your first dose, you should still have a second dose. If you're still ill with the virus or you're self-isolating at the time of your second dose appointment, you should postpone it, but rebook as soon as possible with 111. If you have COVID-19 please alert the 111 team and wait four weeks until you have recovered before having the vaccine.

What happens if I miss my second appointment and don’t get the second jab within 12 weeks?

It is highly recommended that you attend your booked appointments and get a second dose within 12 weeks of having the first dose. However, if that isn’t possible for some reason, you should get a second dose as soon as you can to give you better long-term protection against the virus. You do not need to restart the programme, just have the second dose of whichever vaccine you had originally. 

What if I’m pregnant or under 40?

It's preferable for you to have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. This is because they've been more widely used during pregnancy in other countries and have not caused any safety issues.

What should I do if I am not well when it is my next appointment?

If you are unwell, it is better to wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible.

You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or within 4 weeks of having a positive COVID-19 test.

Can I choose which vaccine I get as a second dose?

You need to have the same vaccine for your second dose as you did for the first dose.

Do I need a second dose if I’ve already had the coronavirus?

Yes, you do. Having two doses of the vaccine is the best way to make sure you have long-lasting and effective protection against the virus.

Does the second dose have the same risks as the first?

You may get relatively minor side effects (chills, headaches, tiredness and pain in your arm) after either the first or second dose. It can vary between individuals and between types of vaccine whether the side effects are more noticeable at first or second dose.

Out of many millions vaccinated, a very small number of people developed a specific type of blood clot in the brain, accompanied with low blood platelet levels, after their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

There have been an even smaller number of reports of these rare specific types of blood clots in the other two vaccines available - Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

Will the side effects be worse for the second dose?

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.

You may get a high temperature or feel hot or shivery 1 or 2 days after having your vaccination.

But if you have a high temperature that lasts longer than 2 days, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste you may have COVID-19. Stay at home and get a test.

If your symptoms get worse or you are worried, call 111.

For the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, side effects tend to be milder with the second dose. For the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, side effects tend to be milder with the first dose.

I've heard protection from one dose of the vaccine is really good - why do I need the second?

The first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines offer good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection from COVID-19, everyone will need to get a second dose.

What can I do after I have had the COVID-19 vaccine?

Several studies of vaccine effectiveness have been conducted in the UK which indicate that a single dose of either vaccine is between 55 and 70% effective against symptomatic disease, with higher levels of protection against severe disease including hospitalisation and death. Additional protection is seen after a second dose. There is now also evidence from a number of studies that the vaccines are effective at protecting against infection and transmission.

But it is still important to think of others to help stop the spread of the infection.  Remember to protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you MUST still follow any national or local restrictions and:

• wash your hands regularly
• open windows to let fresh air in
• follow the current guidance

Your vaccination appointment

How will patients be invited for a vaccination?

See Your vaccination appointment

What happens at the appointment?

See Your vaccination appointment

Can I book an appointment and/or complete the consent form for the vaccination on behalf of a less able relative?

In the Isle of Man, the regulations around Power Of Attorney do not extend to an individual being able to provide consent for a relative. The consent must come from their GP so you can make an appointment or complete a consent form for a less able relative, but you must be aware that the form will not be accepted at the vaccination hub unless the individual who is to receive the vaccine can clearly demonstrate:

• they have read or can read the Patient Information Leaflet
• they fully understand the reasons for the vaccination and can provide answers to the consent questions
• they have signed the form themselves, you cannot sign on their behalf.

If your relative is unable to do this, you will need to contact their GP for a best interest decision to be made on their behalf.

Consent for vaccination is an important decision to be made by the person having the jab.

In this video, consultant geriatrician Duncan Gerry explains why consent must be arranged before a vaccination appointment and what to do if the individual can’t give consent themselves.

I am not registered with a GP. Will I still receive a vaccination letter?

People living here temporarily who would like to have the vaccination must be registered with a GP in the Isle of Man.

The route for a vaccination is to be registered permanently with a GP in the Isle of Man.

Anyone who is on the Island and has either been here for more than 3 months or intends to stay for more than 3 months is entitled to register with a GP here. Anyone who is staying for less than 3 months is able to register as a temporary resident with a GP so they can receive any urgent or emergency care.   

Information on how to register and the implications of doing so is available from our Primary Care team. They can be contacted on either fps@gov.im or 642694.

Can I attend my appointment within the 10 days of arrival on the Island?

The following applies to residents who have a first or second COVID-19 vaccination booked within the first ten days of their arrival:

Individuals who have a first or second COVID-19 vaccination booked within the first 10 days of their arrival and have entered the Island from travel within the Common Travel Area (UK, Jersey, Guernsey or Ireland) or any green countries on the travel list will be permitted to enter a vaccination hub after a negative COVID-19 test within 48-hours of their arrival. They should call 111 first in order to arrange formal permission to attend the Vaccination Hub.

Individuals who have a first or second COVID-19 vaccination booked within the first 10 days on their arrival and have travelled from outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Ireland) or any green or amber countries on the travel list must first receive a negative COVID test within 48 hours of arrival, and then a subsequent negative test on day 6. After this, they should call 111 in order to arrange formal permission to attend the Vaccination Hub.

Those attending their vaccination appointment are asked to come to the vaccine hub unaccompanied or if needed, accompanied by someone who has not arrived on island within 10 days. Any individuals attending or accompanying any person are asked to wear a face covering when entering and throughout your period within the vaccine hub.

About the vaccines

Which vaccine is better/more effective?

All three vaccines approved for use (Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna)  are very effective. Comparisons between the vaccine efficacies are unhelpful due to differences in their methodologies, put simply, the way they work.

It’s not as simple as saying one vaccine is better than the other. An effective vaccine will save lives and reduce hospitalisations. Several studies of vaccine effectiveness have been conducted in the UK which indicate that a single dose of either vaccine is between 55 and 70% effective against symptomatic disease, with higher levels of protection against severe disease including hospitalisation and death. Additional protection is seen after a second dose. There is now also evidence from a number of studies that the vaccines are effective at protecting against infection and transmission.

Comparing vaccines on a simple percentage of effectiveness is a mistake. A vaccine with slightly lower headline efficacy than another may prove to be the one that offers more durable protection or a greater effect on transmission.

All three vaccines have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, MHRA. They have passed the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy, so people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get will be highly effective and protect them from Coronavirus.

For more information visit the ‘About the vaccines’

Which vaccines are being used in the Isle of Man?

The programme delivery teams are currently administering all the authorised vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech, Astra Zeneca/Oxford and Moderna). 

How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It's much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years. More information on how vaccines work and why they are important is available on the NHS website.

Can having the COVID-19 vaccine give me COVID?

You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught Covid and not develop the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.

The most important symptoms of Covid-19 are recent onset of any of the following:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you have the symptoms above, stay at home and arrange to have a test by calling 111.

What are the side effects?

See What to expect after your vaccination

Do the vaccines prevent transmission?

Public Health England (UK) are continuously reviewing the information on the vaccines and transmission.

How long will the vaccines protect people?

Public Health England (UK) will be employing existing surveillance systems and enhanced follow-up of cases to monitor how effective the vaccine is at protecting against a range of outcomes including: infection, symptomatic disease, hospitalisations, mortality and onwards transmission.

It is likely to be some time until they have sufficient data to provide a clear picture of how long the protective effect of vaccination lasts.

Does one dose of the vaccine offer protection?

In view of the current serious situation in the UK, the JCVI has recommended that as many people on the JCVI priority list as possible should be offered a first vaccine dose. This is because one dose of the vaccine offers important protection and it is vital that as many people in higher risk groups are offered protection until the second dose can be administered.

Why have you moved the dose interval for the vaccine?

Initially the Isle of Man COVID-19 vaccinations were given at 21 or 28 day’s apart (dependent of the individual vaccine), this was the minimum time recommended between doses.

As time has gone on and the vaccine efficacy studies being conducted are showing, there is merit in delaying the time between 1st and 2nd dose. It remains important to have a 2nd dose for ongoing protection. The current dosage interval is 8-12 weeks, this is in line with the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance. 

Can I choose my vaccine?

The vaccine you have will be based on the available evidence at the time and the authorised vaccines available

Any vaccines that are available will have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy, so people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get will be highly effective and protect them from coronavirus.

All vaccines give very high protection against severe disease and have good safety profiles.

Unless there are clinical indications which prevent the giving of the vaccine (or a particular brand of vaccine) to a person (e.g. pregnant or in a particular age group), we can only offer what is available in accordance with the mandated programme. Manx Care has a mandated requirement to adhere to the terms of recommendations set out by JCVI, and to work to the Patient Group Directions, both which set out the priority of the administration of the vaccine.

Additionally, Manx Care also has to work within the constraints of booking appointments, and the logistics in arranging the storage, retention and opening of vaccines for use. Vaccines must be used in order of receipt, and in accordance with that mandated programme, meaning that the choice of the vaccine is dictated by the vaccine available on the appointment date.

Manx Care is not able to deviate from those mandated requirements, as this might lead to invalidating the Patient Group Direction, through which the Isle of Man Government, together with those administering the vaccine are protected by indemnity arrangements made with the UK Government.

How can you be sure safety was not compromised due to the speed of development of a COVID-19 vaccine?

There are extensive checks and balances required at every stage of the development of a vaccine, and this is no different for a Covid-19 vaccine. No stages in the vaccine development process are bypassed. 

All vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard.

• Phase 1 trials are with a small group of people to make sure there are no safety concerns and determines the appropriate dosage for the best immune response.
• Phase 2 trials are conducted on a larger group of people to check the vaccine works consistently and that the immune response is sufficient.
• Phase 3 trials test the vaccines on thousands of people for scientists to assess if the vaccine is producing immunity that will prevent disease. 

Usually, these phases are run in sequence, but in an effort to find a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine as quickly as possible, once safety has been ascertained through Phase 1, Phases 2 and 3 are being run in parallel. 

The data from each phase then goes to the regulator in a “rolling” review rather than once all the trials have completed, which means the regulator can start looking at the results at an earlier stage than normal.

Companies have made decisions to begin large scale production of vaccines which are still in trials. This means that if the vaccines are not shown to be safe and effective and are not approved for use, the companies will have to destroy what they have manufactured. If, however the vaccines are successful, that means the vaccines are ready to be distributed.

How have the Covid-19 vaccines been developed so fast?

Vaccine technology and the technological approaches to making vaccines are getting better and better. It couldn’t have been achieved in this timeframe until recently – and wasn’t possible in the 2009 pandemic when we had a new virus about which very little was known. We’re in a different place today because of the technology.

When it became clear that COVID-19 presented a global public health emergency, governments were prepared to put in lots of funding to manufacturers, without any guarantee of success, but hoping that they would find a solution

Manufacturers knew this had to be a straight run through, they didn't have time for investment decisions and pausing or thinking about a commercial market at the end of it. It had to happen with real urgency.

But the vaccine trials have been just the same as normal vaccine trials. Phase one, phase two and phase three. Where time has been saved is by recruiting participants in advance, so at the moment the study protocol is in place, the Ethics Committee is in place, so are the vaccine trial participants – which speeds up the process. And that happened at phase one, phase two and phase three and therefore things ran very fast.