At the moment we are getting a lot of questions about vaccinations because of the booster shot. We answer the most important questions below. You can also find them at FAQ.
Which vaccines are currently being given?
The booster shot this fall will be given with renewed mRNA vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna. These protect against more variants of the coronavirus, such as the omikron variant. Everyone aged 12 and over can get the booster shot with the renewed vaccines when it is their turn. This is possible from three months after the last corona shot or corona infection.
novavax
In addition, there is currently a possibility to be vaccinated with the vaccine 'Novavax'. This is not an mRNA vaccine but a so-called 'protein vaccine'. For people who have had an allergic reaction to an mRNA vaccine or for other reasons prefer not to have an mRNA vaccine, Novavax is an alternative. However, preference is given to an mRNA vaccine because the effectiveness of Novavax against the omikron variant has not yet been properly demonstrated.
Can you choose which vaccine you want?
It is not possible to choose between Pfizer and Moderna. Among other things, it depends on the availability at the vaccination location which vaccine you will receive. If you want a vaccination with Novavax (see above), you must contact the GGD by telephone in advance. This vaccine is only available at a limited number of locations. You can call: 0800-0174.
The new variants are milder. Why is it still wise to follow the government's advice?
The chance of getting sick from the coronavirus decreases after vaccination, especially in the first three months afterwards. In addition, the chance of transmitting the virus to others becomes smaller, if you do get infected.
I have Post-COVID (Long COVID) and am afraid of a relapse due to vaccination. What can I expect? What does C-support advise?
Of course, the choice of whether or not to vaccinate remains a personal choice. Your personal health also plays a role in this. Do you have underlying conditions that increase the risk of becoming seriously ill, such as lung disease or diabetes? How did you experience the previous vaccinations? A vaccination can cause a temporary relapse in people with Post-COVID. Research has so far not shown that vaccination has a clear negative or positive effect on Post-COVID in the long term. C-support recommends that you consult your GP or specialist if in doubt. You can also call the Doubt Phone, available daily between 8.30:13.00 am and 088:7 pm on 555-777 XNUMX XNUMX (also English, Turkish and Arabic).
Can I expect the same symptoms that I previously experienced after vaccination?
When vaccinated with the same vaccine, it is likely that you will experience similar symptoms. Most symptoms after vaccination are mild and short-lived. The most common side effects are fever, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.
Why are patients with Post-COVID not among the vulnerable groups that have priority for the booster vaccination?
It has been decided to vaccinate vulnerable people with a greater risk of becoming seriously ill, being admitted to hospital and dying from Covid-19 first. These are older people aged 60 and over and younger people with underlying diseases. This last group is the same group that also receives the invitation for the annual flu shot. These are people with a heart or lung condition, diabetes, kidney disease or other condition that reduces their immune system.
People with Post-COVID usually do not have a poorer immune system. However, a disturbed response of the immune system probably plays a role in Post-COVID. A lot of research is currently being done on this. Post-COVID is not a reason for priority for the booster shot. An exception to this is the group of people who have previously been in the ICU with COVID or in whom lung damage has been demonstrated on a CT scan. These people will also be called up for the flu shot and will therefore also be called up with priority for the COVID vaccination.
I have Post-COVID. Can I get the flu shot?
As explained above, Post-COVID, if you are otherwise healthy, is not a reason for an invitation for the annual flu shot offered by the government. You may still want to get the flu shot because you are afraid that the flu could worsen your long-term symptoms. You can discuss this with your GP. Often, if there are sufficient vaccines available at your GP or pharmacy, you can get a flu shot at your own request. This will incur costs for you. A flu shot only helps against getting sick from the influenza virus. There are also many other cold viruses in circulation. The flu shot does not protect against these.
Sources: Municipal Health Service (GGD), Health Council, RIVM, thuisarts.nl
