Further information on the vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccine is our best defence against the virus used alongside effective social distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands. Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself and may also help to protect your family, friends and patients from the virus.

The vaccine has been developed and approved following a number of clinical trials involving thousands of people across the world. It has also undergone mandatory safety tests to ensure it is safe for humans.

Safety and efficacy of the vaccine

The public health team at Thurrock Council have worked with local GPs and other health professionals to bust some of the myths and help you understand what is fact and what is fiction.

In the below video, Dr Sharma, a Thurrock GP explains that the vaccine is safe and helps protect people from the serious effects of COVID-19.

Everything COVID – Essex County Council website

A new website answering young people’s questions about Covid has launched. Everything COVID Essex features vaccine experts and NHS staff who:

• Provide advice and guidance;
• Debunk vaccine myths;
• Share with young people what they might want to consider before getting the jab;
• Address concerns like fertility, side effects, boosters and variants; and
• Answer young people’s frequently asked questions on COVID-19.

The website features videos, TikToks and Instagram Reels from experts and young people. You can also hear why they chose to get vaccinated, why they are self-testing and what their experience was like with the vaccine.

Further information

NHS Coronavirus vaccine webpage – information on who can get the vaccine, how to book an appointment, side effects and safety, breastfeeding and fertility etc.

Gov.uk coronvirus home page – Various information on guidance, travel restrictions, testing etc.

NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted – An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus.

Testing for coronavirus – Gov.uk webpage for organising coronavirus testing.

Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread – advice on staying safe on the Gov.uk website. Includes different languages.

Guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable – on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

Travel abroad: step by step – travel information when planning on travelling abroad.