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Testing for COVID-19 following vaccination

Stephen ErhornPublished
Topics: All vaccines: Answers to QuestionsTesting and diagnosis

Following vaccination, different groups may require testing dependent on symptoms; or may require different vaccination management dependent on test results.

General guidance

PHE Guidance for healthcare practitioners on the COVID-19 vaccination programme states that the COVID-19 vaccine will not interfere with testing for COVID-19 infection. The DHSC Guidance on COVID-19 antibody testing further states that the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect the result of antibody tests indicating previous infection.

Testing in different groups

Individuals with post-immunisation fever

This group should isolate and arrange to have a test if symptoms persist for longer than two days.

Further detail:

  • The Green book states that vaccinated individuals should be advised that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause a mild fever which usually resolves within 48 hours. This is a common, expected reaction and isolation is not required unless COVID-19 is suspected for other reasons.
  • PHE Guidance on what to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination advises that if the vaccine recipient has any other COVID-19 symptoms or their fever lasts longer than two days they should stay at home and arrange to have a test.

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms

This group should be tested.

The most commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

Individuals who receive a first vaccine dose and subsequently test positive

There is currently no published advice on management of this particular group.

However, we have summarised advice on vaccinating individuals with a history of COVID-19 which includes updated guidance on scheduling of the second vaccine dose.