A SHOT IN THE ARM

FROM MAD MYTHS TO MEDICAL FACTS, HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COVID VACCINES

- KIRSTEN JONES B

It’s been almost a year since the first case of Covid-19 was reported on home soil and now over three million Brits have caught the virus, which has proved fatal for upwards of 80,000 people.

Thankfully, the much hyped vaccines are now here offering protection and a glimpse of normality to our lives. But despite the anticipation of pub grub, holidays and Christmas 2.0 with the family, wild rumours have made some nervous about being inoculated.

According to a YouGov survey, one in five Brits say they’re unlikely to take the vaccine. We consulted Dr Amir Khan, of GPs Behind Closed Doors, to debunk the myths and answer our most pressing vaccine questions.

WHA TARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE VACCINES?

Three vaccines have been approved for use in the UK – Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna.

“The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work by injecting a small piece of genetic material into your arm,” says Dr Khan. “mRNA enters cells and asks them to start making the spike protein – the key by which the virus infects us. Your immune system recognises it as ‘foreign’ and starts making cells to attack and kill. Memory cells will form which will kill the real coronavirus if you come across it before it causes serious symptoms.

“The Oxford vaccine uses a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees but is harmless to humans. It’s been genetically modified to programme your cells to make the Covid spike protein. Your immune system kicks in and kills the spike protein and will remember it if you come across coronavirus.”

WILL THE VACCINES WORK AGAINST THE NEW STRAINS OF COVID?