Up until now, people receiving the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have been asked to wait for 15 minutes before leaving the vaccination centre. This was because the rate of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) reported after these two vaccines is slightly higher (around 5 to 10 per million doses) than after other vaccines (normally 1 per million).
The COVID-19 booster programme is being sped up because of the Omicron variant, and as part of this, and given the very low rate of anaphylaxis, the Chief Medical Officer, with the support of the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that the 15 minute wait be suspended.
If you have a history of allergies, particularly to other vaccines, or if you had an immediate reaction after your previous doses, you may still be advised to stay for the 15 minutes. Please make sure you tell the vaccination centre. Please also tell them if you have previously fainted following vaccination.
Otherwise you will be able to leave the centre straight after your vaccine as long as you feel OK. However, you must not drive for 15 minutes after the vaccine – this is because of the risk of fainting.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include a persistent cough, a hoarse voice, swollen tongue, difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded or fainting, clammy skin, confusion or being unresponsive or unconscious. These symptoms, if they develop, typically happen within 15 minutes of vaccination. If you experience any of the these, call out for help and/or ring 999 immediately (or ask someone to do this for you).
