COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions

What COVID-19 vaccine is available in Uganda?

• The AstraZeneca vaccine is available in Uganda since 5th March 2021

(SOURCE: Ministry of Health)

What are some of the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

(SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Is it possible for someone who has gotten the COVID-19 vaccine to still get infected?

• It is possible for someone who has been vaccinated to get infected with COVID-19. However the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to provide protection against new virus variants and be effective at preventing serious illness and death.

Who should be excluded from getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

• People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take it. The vaccine is not recommended for persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies.

(SOURCE: World Health Organisation)

Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Pregnant women may receive the vaccine if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks.

(SOURCE: World Health Organisation)

What are the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Provides protection against the disease and develops an immune response to the SARS-Cov-2 virus.
• Reduces risk of developing the illness and its consequences.
• Helps you fight the virus if you are exposed
• Protects people around you from being infected

(SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

• Vaccines are usually tested in adults first, to avoid exposing children who are still developing and growing. Now that the vaccines have been determined to be safe for adults, they are currently being studied in children.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine provide long-term protection?

• COVID-19 vaccines have been developed in recent months which makes it too early to know the duration of protection. However, available data suggests that most people who recover from COVID-19 develop an immune response that provides at least some period of protection against reinfection.

(SOURCE: World Health Organisation)

Does AstraZeneca work against the new COVID-19 variants?

• A study by the University of Oxford, demonstrates that available vaccines, including AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, will provide protection against the and Kappa variants; formerly the ‘Indian’ variants.

(SOURCE: AstraZeneca)

What’s the recommended dosage for the AstraZeneca (AZD1222) vaccine?

• The recommended dosage is two doses given with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks.

(SOURCE: World Health Organisation)