Authored by the local Coordination Group for the Program for Prevention and Control of Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at Hospital Beatriz Ângelo Complete vaccination For Pfizer, Moderna and Astra-Zenece vaccines only people who received the 2 doses of the vaccine are considered completely vaccinated against COVID-19 . In Portugal, on the advice of the Direção Geral da Saúde (DGS), it is not recommended: Vaccination with the Astra-Zeneca vaccine for people under the age of 60; Vaccination with the Janssen vaccine to women under the age of 50. In these age groups, particularly in women, rare cases of blood clots have been reported at various points in the venous circulation, in the 2-3 weeks following vaccination. Despite those recommendations, international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) continue to consider Astra-Zeneca and Janssen vaccines to be safe and unrestricted its administration. DGS itself considers that vaccination can be carried out with these vaccines, if people want them, after being properly informed of the risks. People who complete the vaccination schedule (2 doses or 1 dose, depending on the vaccine in question) are not protected immediately: A period of about 14 days after the last (or the only) dose is necessary to consider the existence of protection. How effective is the vaccine against COVID-19 and how long does protection last? There is no certainty about the degree and duration of individual protection conferred by vaccines against COVID-19, nor about their effectiveness over the different variants. No vaccine is 100% effective. In the efficacy tests carried, which involved several thousand people, average efficacy values were higher than 65%, with values of 95% . Thus, it is not possible to exclude the possibility that a person vaccinated against COVID-19 could become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and transmit the virus to others. However, those who are vaccinated are more protected from severe forms of the disease and will transmit less viruses compared to unvaccinated people. The efficacy of the various vaccines against the new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is not fully known. However, existing studies point to a global effectiveness, even under the new variants. At the present time, ongoint studies assess the duration of post-vaccination immunity, which point to: At least 6 months of effective immunity for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which have been in use for the longest time; Similar efficacy is expected for the other vaccines used in Portugal. Reactions after vaccination After taking the vaccine, side effects may occur , the frequency and intensity of which vary from person to person and depend on the vaccine: The most frequent are pain or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headaches and muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit of the arm where the vaccine was administered, nausea or vomiting; Skin rash may also appear; Other reactions to vaccination against COVID-19 are described but are much rare. What to do when there are reactions to the vaccine Headaches or muscles, chills, joint pain, or fever (temperature equal or higher than 38 o C) usually disappear after 24 hours . Unless otherwise indicated, adults can take paracetamol 1000 mg (maximum 4 times / day) or ibuprofen 400 mg (maximum 3 times / day). Ibuprofen is not recommended when there is a gastro-duodenal ulcer or gastritis. If symptoms persist after the first 24 hours after vaccination, or if you have a cough or other respiratory symptoms, changes in taste or smell, contact LUZ 24 ( 217 104 424 ) or the Linha de Saúde 24 ( 808 24 24 24 ) as it may be due to the virus infection and not to a vaccine reaction. In the case of the Astra-Zéneca and Janssen vaccines, attention should be paid to the appearance of the following warning signs, which may be associated with complications related to the formation of blood clots: Shortness of breathe; Chest pain; Swelling in the legs; Persistent abdominal pain; Intense and persistent headaches or blurred vision; Small patches of blood under the skin, in places other than the injection site. In these situations, you should immediately call the Linha de Saúde 24 ( 808 24 24 24 ) or call 112, depending on the severity of the situation. Vaccination does not exclude protective measures All people, even with the complete vaccination schedule, must maintain the use of personal protective equipment (masks) , measures of respiratory etiquette , social distance , and hand hygiene , until orders to the contrary by the Health Authorities. This recommendation is because the protection provided by the vaccine is not 100%. Theoretically, a vaccinated person can be infected and, with or without symptoms, contribute to the transmission of the virus. What if, having been vaccinated, I have a risk contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 or develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19? Those people that 14 days after having the complete vaccination show symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or have contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should remain in isolation and follow the usual procedures , as if they were not vaccinated, and call Linha de Saúde 24 ( 808 24 24 24 ) I was vaccinated and had a severe allergic reaction People who have developed a severe allergic reaction to one vaccine can be vaccinated with another, when a second dose is needed, under strict guidance from health authorities. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination . Direção Geral da Saúde. Vacinação COVID-19 . Direção Geral da Saúde. Vacina anti-COVID da Pfizer . Direção Geral da Saúde. Vacina anti-COVID da Moderna . Direção Geral da Saúde. Vacina anti-COVID da Astra-Zeneca . Direção Geral da Saúde. Vacina anti-COVID da Janssen . European Medicines Agency. COVID-19 vaccines: key facts . European Medicines Agency. COVID-19: latest updates World Health Organization. Answers to common questions - COVID-19 vaccine updates. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
