Vaccination coronavirus

How does a vaccine work?

• The vaccine causes your body to make antibodies. 
• Those antibodies help to fight the virus. 
• If you are then exposed to the virus, the antibodies will protect you. 

Why should you get vaccinated?

• To protect yourself and the people around you.

The coronavirus is dangerous to many people around you: 

• those over 65
• people with lung, heart or vascular disease 
• people with diabetes or a reduced immune system (for example people who have cancer)

But the virus can also be dangerous for young, healthy people.

• To prevent the spread of the virus.

If more than 70% of all people in Belgium are vaccinated, the virus will spread less quickly. This is called herd immunity

•  Your life will get back to normal faster.
• It makes your body stronger against the virus.

Is the vaccine safe?

• People have a lot of expertise with making vaccines. Scientists around the world worked hard to create the vaccine in a short period of time. 
• The vaccine has first been carefully tested by several independent bodies. It is safe. 

Can you develop problems after the vaccination?
You may develop

• some redness, pain or swelling in your upper arm
• fatigue
•  headache
• a little higher temperature

This is normal and not a big deal, the side effects disappear after a few hours or days.

Will everyone get a vaccine?
Yes. All people over the age of 18 can be vaccinated.

• A vaccine is not recommended for some people: for example, people with an elevated temperature or reduced immunity (for example, from cancer). Contact your doctor for more information. 
• Children (under 18) are not yet vaccinated.
• The vaccine is not obligatory.

Who gets vaccinated first?
The vaccination of all people in Belgium takes place in several stages: 

• first, the old people in the residential care centres and care staff
• then people over 65 and high-risk patients
• then all other people aged over 18.

When will you get a vaccine?

• Do you live in a reception centre? When it is your turn, the staff at the reception centre will inform you. 
• Do you not live in a reception centre? You will receive a letter, SMS or e-mail with your appointment for the first and second vaccinations. You must confirm your appointment and go to a vaccination centre in your area.