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Understanding the Side Effects of Each COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know

As the UK continues to manage COVID-19 as an endemic virus, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness and hospitalisation. 

However, it’s perfectly natural to want to understand what side effects might occur after getting your jab or booster

Here’s a straightforward guide to the most common, less common and rare side effects for each of the main vaccines used in the UK: Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Novavax, and the earlier AstraZeneca vaccine.

Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)

Pfizer is the most widely used COVID-19 vaccine in the UK and has an excellent safety record.

Common side effects:

Soreness or redness where the injection was given

Fatigue and mild headache

Muscle or joint pain

Slight fever or chills

Feeling generally under the weather for a day or two

Less common effects:

Swollen lymph nodes (especially under the arm where you were jabbed)

Nausea or mild dizziness

Rare effects:

Myocarditis or pericarditis (inflammation of the heart or its lining), particularly in young men. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fluttering heartbeat. This reaction is rare and usually mild.

Moderna (Spikevax)

Moderna works in a similar way to Pfizer and offers strong protection.

Common side effects:

Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site

Headache and tiredness

Mild fever or chills

Muscle or joint aches

Less common effects:

Swelling of the lymph nodes

Temporary skin rash or itching

Menstrual cycle changes, though these are short-term

Rare effects:

Myocarditis and pericarditis, again mainly seen in younger men after the second dose. These cases are rare and usually resolve with rest and medical care.

Novavax

Novavax, a protein-based vaccine, is sometimes offered as an alternative for those who cannot have an mRNA vaccine.

Common side effects:

Tenderness at the injection site

Headache, fatigue, or feeling feverish

Muscle pain or nausea

Less common effects:

Mild swelling of lymph nodes

Dizziness or slight changes in blood pressure

Rare effects:

Allergic reactions (very uncommon and treated immediately if they occur)

AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)

While no longer routinely used for boosters in the UK, many people received AstraZeneca for their primary doses.

Common side effects:

Soreness or mild swelling at the injection site

Fatigue and headache

Mild fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms lasting 24–48 hours

Less common effects:

Nausea or mild vomiting

Feeling faint or light-headed

Rare effects:

Blood clots with low platelets (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) – a very rare side effect, affecting fewer than 15 people per million doses

Severe allergic reactions (extremely rare and treated promptly)

What You Should Do After Vaccination

If you experience mild side effects such as soreness, headache or fever, these can usually be managed with rest and paracetamol. They are signs that your immune system is responding as it should.

However, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 111 or your GP if you develop:

Chest pain or persistent pressure

Shortness of breath

Swelling, blurred vision or severe headache

Unusual bruising or bleeding

A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

COVID-19 vaccines continue to undergo thorough safety monitoring by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

Millions of doses have been safely administered across the UK, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the small risk of side effects.

For personalised medical advice, especially if you have a history of allergic reactions or heart conditions, speak to your GP or local vaccination centre before booking your next dose.

Stay informed. Stay healthy. Stay protected.

For more updates on vaccination, health and wellbeing, visit That’s Health.

Why BMI Shouldn’t Be the Be-All and End-All of Weight Management

BMI is often used as the main measure of health and weight, but it can be misleading. 

Discover why BMI isn’t the full picture and what to focus on instead for better weight management and wellbeing.

Understanding BMI and Its Limitations

Body Mass Index (BMI) has long been used to classify people as underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It’s calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres squared).

While it’s easy to use, BMI doesn’t show what your body weight is made of, and that’s a serious limitation. It can’t tell the difference between fat, muscle, or bone, so it often gives an incomplete or misleading picture of overall health.

Why BMI Alone Can Be Misleading

Two people can share the same BMI but have completely different health profiles.

A rugby player or gym-goer might register as “obese” due to muscle mass.

Someone with a “normal” BMI might have higher visceral fat, the dangerous type that wraps around organs and raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

BMI can’t tell the difference between fat and muscle, nor does it show where that fat is stored. That’s why it should be used only as one part of a wider health picture.

Ethnicity, Age and Sex All Play a Role

BMI fails to account for natural variations between people.

Women naturally carry more body fat than men.

Older adults often lose muscle and bone density, lowering BMI without improving health.

People of South Asian or Black heritage may face increased risks of diabetes or heart disease at lower BMIs than standard NHS guidelines suggest.

Health is personal, and one size, or one number, doesn’t fit all.

Better Ways to Assess Health

For a clearer picture of your wellbeing, consider these more reliable tools:

Waist-to-hip ratio or waist circumference – A better measure of fat distribution and heart disease risk.

Body composition analysis – Shows fat, muscle, and water percentages.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels – Key indicators of metabolic health.

Fitness and mobility – Flexibility, endurance, and energy are better measures of wellness.

Lifestyle habits – Nutrition, sleep, hydration, and stress levels all play major roles.

Chasing a “perfect” BMI can damage self-esteem and lead to unhealthy dieting or over-exercising. True wellbeing includes mental and emotional balance, not just physical weight.

If you’re working on improving your health, focus on how you feel — not just what you weigh.

Practical advice on ditching diet guilt and creating a healthier, happier approach to eating.

A Holistic Approach to Weight Management

Real, sustainable health comes from small, consistent habits — nutritious meals, regular movement, good sleep, and self-care.

Rather than striving for a number on a chart, focus on vitality, energy, and confidence. When you take care of your body as a whole, your natural healthy weight will follow.

BMI can provide a rough guide, but it shouldn’t define you. Every body is different, and health can’t be reduced to a single statistic.

If you want to understand your weight and wellbeing more deeply, speak with a GP, nutritionist, or fitness professional who looks at the full picture, not just your BMI.

How to Cope When Your Spouse Has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Practical advice for couples facing the winter blues.

As the days shorten and the light fades, many people notice a dip in mood and energy. For some, however, this goes far beyond feeling “a bit low.” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised type of depression that appears during the darker months, and if your spouse suffers from it, both of you may feel its effects.

This guide from That’s Health explores how you can support your partner while looking after your own wellbeing too.

Understanding SAD in Relationships

Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused primarily by reduced sunlight, which disrupts the body’s internal clock and affects serotonin and melatonin levels. Common symptoms include:

Persistent low mood or loss of interest in usual activities

Increased need for sleep or difficulty waking up

Irritability, withdrawal, or low motivation

Cravings for carbohydrates or comfort foods

Difficulty concentrating

When your spouse’s personality seems to shift with the season, it can be upsetting, but recognising that SAD is a genuine medical condition, not a choice, helps you respond with empathy rather than frustration.

Encourage Professional Help

If your spouse hasn’t yet sought medical support, encourage them to talk to their GP. There are effective treatments available, including:

Light therapy lamps that mimic natural sunlight and help regulate mood

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which teaches coping techniques

Medication (such as antidepressants) for more severe cases

Offer to help them book an appointment, attend with them, or keep a mood diary to share with their doctor. Sometimes, simply showing that you take their condition seriously can be reassuring.

Create a Light-Filled, Positive Environment at Home

You can make your home a brighter, more uplifting space with a few small adjustments:

Open curtains fully during the day and trim back any outdoor plants blocking windows

Use bright, warm lighting indoors

Encourage time spent near windows or outdoors when possible

Consider using a dawn simulator alarm clock that gradually brightens in the morning

Even subtle increases in light exposure can make a noticeable difference.

Coping as a Couple During the Darker Months

When one partner is struggling, it affects the relationship as a whole. Try to face the season as a team.

Plan together: Schedule small, enjoyable activities to look forward to

Keep communication open: Talk honestly about how you’re both feeling

Don’t take withdrawal personally: Your partner’s quietness or irritability is likely a symptom, not a reflection of you

Remember, the goal is to support your spouse, not to “fix” them. Listening and being present can often be the best medicine.

Encourage Gentle Activity and Fresh Air

Exercise can lift mood and energy, but motivation can be low during a SAD episode. Instead of pressuring your spouse, offer gentle encouragement:

Invite them for a short walk together during daylight hours

Try easy home workouts or stretching sessions

Combine movement with pleasure, for example, a stroll through a Christmas market or along a scenic winter trail

It’s the companionship and gradual reintroduction to light that count most.

Look After Yourself Too

Supporting a partner with depression can be emotionally draining. To stay strong and positive:

Maintain your own social life and hobbies

Share how you’re feeling with trusted friends or family

Seek support if you begin to feel overwhelmed

You can only truly support your spouse if you protect your own mental wellbeing too.

Winter Wellbeing Tips for Couples

Make the darker months more bearable, even enjoyable, by embracing small, cosy routines:

Cook comforting, nutritious meals together

Watch uplifting films under a blanket

Explore seasonal activities such as light festivals or winter crafts

Take Vitamin D supplements (check with your GP first)

Add bright indoor plants to boost mood and oxygen levels

Finding light, warmth, and laughter in simple moments helps combat the gloom of winter.

When to Seek Urgent Help

If your spouse shows signs of deep depression, such as hopelessness, talk of self-harm, or emotional withdrawal, don’t wait. Seek help immediately.

In the UK, you can contact:

Samaritans – Call 116 123 (24/7, free)

NHS 111 – For urgent mental health support

Mind – Visit mind.org.uk for advice and online resources

Supporting your spouse through Seasonal Affective Disorder takes patience, understanding, and teamwork. By combining medical guidance, gentle lifestyle changes, and plenty of compassion, you can help them find hope and stability even in the darkest months of the year.

And remember, spring will come again, bringing warmth, sunlight, and renewal for you both.

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Confusion Over COVID Vaccination Eligibility. Why Many at-Risk People Are Suddenly Left Out

It appears that the government rules on the shingles aren't the only vaccination programme that is causing confusion, upset and misery. 

As winter approaches, many people across the UK are once again turning their thoughts to protecting themselves from seasonal illnesses such as flu and COVID-19. 

But this year, a wave of confusion has swept through communities as changes to the NHS’s COVID-19 vaccination eligibility rules have quietly removed large numbers of people who were previously entitled to free jabs.

Until recently, individuals with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or autoimmune issues were automatically classed as being “at higher risk” and therefore eligible for the free NHS COVID booster. For many, this protection became an important part of their annual health routine, a reassurance that their conditions were being taken seriously.

Now, however, the latest guidance has changed, and not everyone has realised. Under the new rules, only those aged 70 and over, people living in care homes, or those who are clinically extremely vulnerable (such as transplant patients or those on strong immunosuppressive therapy) are automatically offered the jab. Many others who were once eligible have been quietly moved off the list.

This means that someone aged 55 with well-managed Type 2 diabetes or mild asthma, who received free vaccinations in previous years, is now told they are not eligible and must pay privately if they still wish to be vaccinated. 

Understandably, this has caused frustration and confusion, especially given that COVID infections continue to circulate and that many people in these groups still consider themselves at higher risk.

While NHS officials say the new policy focuses on “those most likely to benefit,” critics argue that it creates unnecessary uncertainty and risk for people with underlying conditions that can still make COVID serious. 

It also places extra strain on GPs and pharmacists, who are having to field a flood of questions about eligibility and referrals. 

I booked my regular COVID vaccination through the NHS app and had a confirmed booking at the pharmacist the app suggested. When I arrived at the pharmacy he told me that as someone with Type 2 Diabetes and Asthma I was now no longer eligible for the COVID vaccination and he was shocked that the NHS app had issued me with an appointment. 

He suggested I consider getting a private vaccination and when I asked if he could offer that service he said it wasn't something his pharmacy could offer, but suggested I booked an appointment with Boots. The member of staff I initially spoke to wasn't aware that the eligibility criteria had changed, which added another later of confusion. 

So, f you find yourself newly excluded from the NHS programme, it is worth considering a private COVID vaccination. Many high-street pharmacies, including Boots and Superdrug, are now offering private COVID boosters for around £45–£50 per dose. Appointments are usually easy to book online, and the same approved vaccines are used as in NHS settings.

For people managing chronic conditions, or those who live or work closely with vulnerable individuals, paying for private vaccination may be a worthwhile investment in peace of mind and continued protection.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or health status, check the latest NHS advice online or speak to your GP or pharmacist. But one thing is clear: with the guidance changing so dramatically, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and proactive about your protection this winter.

I was eventually able to book my COVID shot with Boots.

Why You Should Get the Shingles Vaccination – Even If You Have to Pay for It

Shingles isn’t just “a bit of a rash.” It’s an agonising, nerve-related condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. 

Once you’ve had chickenpox, that virus never leaves your body; it simply lies dormant, waiting for an opportunity to reactivate later in life. 

When it does, it reappears as shingles,  a painful, blistering rash that can lead to months (or even years) of nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia.

As a sufferer from shingles I can confirm that it is a nasty, painful condition. And it was my struggles to try to understand the NHS rules that prompted me to research and write this blogpost and to eventually fund my own shingles vaccination.

The NHS Rules: A Maze of Eligibility

In theory, the NHS offers a free shingles vaccination to protect people from this debilitating illness. In practice, the rules about who qualifies and when they qualify are bafflingly complex.

Under current NHS guidelines in England, the free shingles vaccine is available to people aged 70 to 79, and now also those turning 65 on or after 1 September 2023. But if you’re 66, 67, 68 or 69, you’re expected to wait, even though your risk of shingles doesn’t magically disappear until the NHS sends an invite.

Worse still, these rules vary across the UK. In Scotland and Wales, eligibility criteria differ again. The result? Many people who would benefit from the vaccine find themselves excluded simply because of their birth date or postcode.

It’s a frustrating situation, and it leaves a huge number of adults in their 50s and 60s without protection, despite shingles being most common in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Why Paying for the Vaccine Is Worth It

If you’re not eligible for a free NHS jab, it’s well worth paying privately. Pharmacies such as Boots, Lloyds, and Superdrug offer the Shingrix vaccine, which provides excellent long-term protection and can be administered in two doses a few months apart.

Here’s why it’s worth considering, even out of pocket:

Avoid excruciating pain: Shingles can be intensely painful, often described as burning or stabbing.

Prevent complications: The condition can cause scarring, nerve damage, vision loss (if it affects the eyes), and in rare cases, serious neurological problems.

Reduce time off work or daily disruption: Shingles can leave sufferers exhausted and unable to function for weeks. My late father was so ill with shingles that his doctor ordered him to take bedrest for a week. 

Protect your long-term health: The older you get, the more severe shingles tends to be, so prevention is key.

The cost of the vaccine privately is typically around £200–£250 for the full course. That might sound steep, but compared to the months of pain, doctor visits, and medication that shingles can bring, it’s an investment in comfort and quality of life.

The NHS Needs Simplification

While it’s excellent that the NHS provides the vaccine for some, the staggered, age-based rollout has turned something simple into a bureaucratic nightmare. Many people eligible in theory are confused by the shifting rules or unaware they qualify at all. Others are left wondering why they must wait years to get protection that’s readily available in other developed countries for anyone over 50.

Until the NHS streamlines its approach and offers the shingles vaccine more widely, taking control of your own health and arranging a private jab may well be the most sensible move.

Bottom line: Don’t wait for a letter. Don’t risk weeks or months of unnecessary suffering. Whether free or paid for, the shingles vaccination is one of the smartest health decisions you can make.

It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.