Hello. My name is Doctor Lukasz Henszel.
I am an infectious diseases epidemiologist by training,
and I work for the Public Health Protection Unit for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
I am here to talk to you about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
The vaccine is completely voluntary, no one is being forced to have it.
However, it is important to realise that even if you are young and healthy,
COVID-19 can still result in serious illness or death.
Even though the vaccine was developed quickly,
rigorous testing was still required in order for it to be approved
It continues to be checked while it is being used.
NHS Scotland will only use a vaccine
if it meets the required standards of safety and effectiveness.
The COVID-19 vaccine was able to be developed quickly
because people worked together to meet the huge global need.
Thousands of scientists contributed to the effort.
Tens of thousands of people sign up to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials,
and funding was no obstacle.
There are very few people who cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine.
As with most medicines and vaccines, some people may experience mild side effects
after the COVID vaccine, such as fever or muscle pain.
These usually last for a day or two.
Serious side effects are extremely rare.
There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility,
and you do not need to avoid pregnancy after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
The vaccine is offered to pregnant women
at the same time as other people in their age or risk group.
If you are pregnant,
you should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your doctor.
With regard to what is in the vaccine,
the COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any animal products or human matter.
It also does not contain a chip that links to surveillance,
or any other form of information gathering.
This is one of the many rumours circulating about the COVID-19 vaccine.
These conspiracy theories are false information and are risking lives
as they are stopping people from getting the vaccine.
I have now had two doses of the vaccine and I feel completely fine,
and I am happy knowing that I am helping to protect my community,
and everyone else close to me,
here in Scotland and when I travel to Poland to see my family and friends.
When it is your turn to get the vaccine, get both doses.
You will receive your appointment letter from NHS Scotland.
If you have missed your appointment but would now like to get the vaccine, it is not too late.
Look out for the drop-in vaccine units in your area,
or contact the COVID helpline.
You can use the NHS telephone translation service to call.
For details and a step-by-step guide, go to the website.
Thank you.