What are the side effects of the coronavirus vaccine? Does it cause an increased risk of blood clots? Could it bring about fertility issues?

These were just some of the questions fielded by a panel of medical professionals at last night's (Tuesday 16 March) Cheshire West and Chester Council live vaccine Q&A session.

Fertility

During the meeting, local GP Dr Emily Morton answered questions from local residents on the relationship between the Covid vaccine and fertility.

"There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever, not a shred, that the Covid vaccine has any deleterious effect on anyone's fertility or ability to get pregnant," she said.

"There is no evidence that it would cause miscarriage or affect your pregnancy in any way. It doesn't affect men's fertility either. There are no hormones in the vaccine or anything that would affect the genes or development of a baby."

Blood Clots

Meanwhile, pharmacist Joe Garr responded to concerns that having the AstraZeneca vaccine could cause blood clots.

He said that both the MHRA and the WHO have stated that there is: "No increase in the number of blood clots that you would normally see," in people who have received the AstraZeneca jab.

Figures show that, of 17 million doses of AstraZeneca administered in the UK and Europe, 37 resulted in potentially serious blood clots, meaning that this affected one in every 500,000 people vaccinated.

"It's about getting the balance right and the benefits clearly outweigh the risk," said Mr Garr.

He added that a person's risk of blood clots is higher if they are on the contraceptive pill, if they're pregnant, or, indeed, if they have tested positive for Covid-19.

Side Effects

On the subject of side effects, Mr Garr said that recipients of the Covid vaccine may experience a sore arm, tiredness, a headache or flu-like symptoms, which will clear up within the space of a few days.

"No one vaccine is better than the other and no one vaccine has more side effects than the other," Dr Morton added. "You might get some transient flu-like symptoms, but if you think that is bad, Covid is worse."

She also stated that residents are not generally allowed to choose the vaccine they receive, as it all depends on the supply available to the vaccination centre on a given day.

If you have already had your first dose through your GP, you should wait to be contacted by them again if you can, rather than arranging a second appointment through the national booking service.

Catering for all members of the community

Dr Jeevan Crasta then assured listeners that none of the vaccines approved in the UK have animal products in them, and that their alcohol content is no more than one per cent, the same as in most natural foods.

With Ramadan approaching, the Muslim Council of Britain would like to assure the local Muslim community that receiving the vaccine will not invalidate their fast, although the jab can be administered during twilight hours if desired.

Seeing as residents can choose the time and date of their vaccine appointments, they can also avoid going on a faith day such as the Sabbath.

For those who have learning disabilities and autism, there are easy read information documents available, as well as quiet spaces in each vaccination centre to help make the experience as easy as possible.

Carers of those with learning disabilities are also welcome to come along to the appointment if needs be.

Finally, local vaccination teams will soon be providing 'walk through' videos of their sites to help acclimatise people to the environment before they arrive.

You can still send your questions and queries to [email protected]

To watch the webinar, click here.