On March 9th it was the 5th anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In those five years the virus has evolved through multiple variants and is now considered endemic. Covid – 19 is here to stay and as the virus continues to circulate around the globe causing illness, hospital admissions and death, Covid – 19 vaccination remains an important vaccination for all travellers and others to consider. Find out more here:

Covid 19 – the Current Situation

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, in the European Region alone, over 2 million people have died from the disease.

The Omicron Covid 19 variant quickly became the most common strain worldwide and now there are many new variants of Omicron circulating and evolving that continue to cause morbidity and mortality to many people across the globe, particularly the vulnerable. These different variants may affect how easily the virus spreads, the disease severity and the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutic medicines, so prevention and vaccination are still very important.

Any natural immunity to previous Covid -19 wanes after a year, and new strains and variants of Omicron appear to not provide such protection, making re infection much more common.

Who is at Risk?

Everyone is at risk of Covid -19 infection. Individuals with immunosuppression or living with a chronic health condition such as heart disease, chronic lung disease diabetes and immunosuppression are more vulnerable to Covid -19 infection and risk severe infection. The COVID-19 virus is easily spread by close contact with people who have the virus, through speaking, singing, coughing and sneezing. Droplets can be inhaled or deposited in the nose and mouth or on the eyes. Risk is increased in crowded places.

Risks when Travelling Abroad.

For those who are travelling, being in a confined space with other travellers may increase the risk of infection, for example, cruise ship holidays, long haul flights, crowded concert venues, festivals and religious pilgrimages like the Hajj.

It is important to be prepared for the unexpected and continue to consider the risks of COVID-19 when planning your trip how you are going to protect yourself from infection and the benefits of the Covid vaccination.

Prevention

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Wash your hands with soap and water especially before you eat or handle food and after using the bathroom coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
Your mouth and nose should be covered with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or using your sleeve at the elbow.

If you touch something that others touch regularly, such as a lift button, door handle or handrail, make sure to clean your hands afterwards. Hand sanitizer is useful when required.

Those more vulnerable to infection should consider wearing a face cover that fits snugly against the face when in close contact with other people, or in crowded places.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Covid – 19 include headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, a high temperature, blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and feeling or being sick.

Compared to previous variants, Omicron is less likely to cause loss of sense of smell and more likely to cause a sore throat. In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure and death.

Treatment

Diagnosis is now generally based on the symptoms and usually self-diagnosed. Symptoms can usually be treated with rest, fluids and analgesics such as paracetamol for a fever or pain.

Private Availability of the Covid – 19 Vaccine

The COVID- 19 vaccine is offered to all but primarily those who are not eligible for the NHS free Covid -19 vaccinations and who want to protect themselves from the risk of morbidity and mortality of SARS- CoV- 2. when travelling abroad, protecting vulnerable friends or family, occupation and employment.
Nomad Masta offer the Covid 19 vaccine: Pfizer BioNTech COMIRNATY® KP.2 COVID-19 mRNA

How does COMIRNATY® KP.2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine work?

Comirnaty KP.2 is a vaccine used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.
The vaccine causes the immune system to produce antibodies and blood cells that work against the virus, so giving protection against COVID-19. It cannot cause COVID-19 infection.

Who can have the Vaccine?

Adults and children aged 12 years and older can receive the vaccine.

Possible Side Effects

Local reactions at the injection site are fairly common such as pain at the injection site, a heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm. Other symptoms are generally mild and short lived and can include feeling tired, headache chills, fever, general aches or mild flu-like symptoms.

Administration and Cost

Pfizer/BioNTech Comirnaty KP.2 vaccine is a single dose vaccine. The cost is £98 per dose. Make an appointment online or by calling our customer service team today.

References

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d8a1979dc953ac3bfe9382/GreenBook-chapter-14a-COVID-19-17_3_25.pdf
https://www.pfizer.co.uk/products/prescription-medicines/comirnaty-kp2
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.100164.pdf
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/how-to-avoid-catching-and-spreading-covid-19/#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20spreads%20very%20easily,touching%20surfaces%20covered%20in%20them