Question reference: S5W-35302
- Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 18 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 24 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action clinicians must take to obtain the informed consent of people prior to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, and what information they should provide regarding possible side effects.
Answer
If people receive an invitation letter from NHS Scotland by post, an information leaflet about the COVID-19 vaccine is included. The information leaflet contains details about:
- What vaccine will be given and the disease that will be prevented.
- Benefits/risks of vaccination versus risks of the disease.
- Any new information that has become available since consent to previous doses of this vaccine were given if applicable.
- Any possible vaccine reactions and how to treat these.
- Follow-up/information as to any further doses required.
- How any personal data will be stored and kept.
People are advised to contact the clinicians who manage their clinical conditions, to check that there are no reasons for them not to receive the vaccine. There is time built in to each appointment for information to be shared and questions to be asked and answered, so that the person invited for the vaccine has an opportunity to discuss any further issues or concerns with the trained vaccinator. The vaccine is only given once the person is fully satisfied that they have all the information they need before proceeding.
After vaccination, all patients are given a leaflet to take away called ‘What to expect after the COVID-19 vaccine’. This contains information on common side effects and what to do if they are mild or more severe.