AS Covid Omicron rates continue to rise, the Government has urged everyone over the age of 18 to get their booster jab.

Earlier this week, the UK recorded its highest number of daily cases for two days running as health chiefs urged people to continue coming forward for the jab.

In the North East, the NHS and local health authorities have been continuing to run their booster campaign in a bid to try and get ahead of a spread at Christmas.

Read more: How North East Covid Omicron cases compare with rest of the UK

However, some have taken to social media to say they have been feeling a little sore and rough after having either the Pfizer or Moderna jabs.

The Northern Echo: Covid vaccine clinic

So we've looked at the Government guidance to see what side-effects are totally common - and what you should do if you are feeling concerned.

In the UK, most people are being offered either Pfizer or Moderna jabs for their booster jab - even if they have received a different set of initial jabs.

MODERNA BOOSTER JAB 

Some have reported feeling slightly worse with the Moderna vaccine with a range of side-effects, including chills and sickness.

A Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency statement says: "Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

"Most side effects go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol."

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

Swelling/tenderness of the underarm glands on the same side as the injection site

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Muscle ache, joint aches, and stiffness

Pain or swelling at the injection site

Feeling very tired

Chills

Fever

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

Diarrhoea

Rash

Rash, redness, or hives at the injection site (some of which may occur at a median of 4 to 11 days after the injection)

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

Itchiness at the injection site

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

Temporary one sided facial drooping (Bell’s palsy)

Swelling of the face (Swelling of the face may occur in patients who have had facial cosmetic injections.)

Dizziness

Decreased sense of touch or sensation

PFIZER BOOSTER JAB

Those who have received Pfizer/BioNTech as their booster jab have also reported some side-effects, with the majority understood to be common.

A Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency statement says: "Like all vaccines, Covid-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

"Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol."

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

injection site: pain, swelling

tiredness

headache

muscle pain

chills

joint pain

diarrhoea

fever

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

redness at injection site

nausea

vomiting

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

enlarged lymph nodes

feeling unwell

arm pain

insomnia

injection site itching

allergic reactions such as rash or itching

feeling weak or lack of energy/sleepy

decreased appetite

excessive sweating

night sweats

Rare side effects: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

temporary one sided facial drooping

allergic reactions such as hives or swelling of the face

WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED DIFFERENTLY

Earlier this year, Darlington GP Amanda Riley explained that some may experience more prominent side effects depending on the type of jab.

Read more: Darlington GP reassures residents over AstraZeneca jab side effects

However in the case of boosters, according to Dr Christopher Johnson, the Moderna and Pfizer jabs have slightly different side effects due to the immune response it triggers. 

Speaking to WalesOnline, he urged people not to become put off by the side-effects, which often fade after a few days.

He told the newspaper: "The vaccine works by triggering a response in your immune system. It is that response that gives those side effects.

"The most common of those side effects is just a sore arm at the injection site.

"Many people won't experience anything. For a few people, they might just get something mild, it might last a couple of days. But the really important thing is that shouldn't put anyone off getting the vaccine."

WHY VACCINES ARE SAFE

An NHS spokesperson said: "All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you or your child.

"It often takes many years for a vaccine to make it through the trials and tests it needs to pass for approval.

"Once a vaccine is being used in the UK it's also monitored for any rare side effects by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

"Anyone can report a suspected side effect of vaccination to the MHRA through the Yellow Card Scheme."

If you are concerned, you can contact the NHS on 111.

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