THE FIGHT IS ON
The fight against the deadly Corona virus is still on and there are many people coming to the fore to get themselves vaccinated against the virus. While some voluntarily decide on getting the jab, there are some who still feel a little anxious and are quite skeptical about taking the vaccination.
Before you get jabbed, you must know the expected side effects and know in detail about the safety protocols to adhere to before and after vaccination. Listed below are some crucial tips to follow and keep in mind before, during and after vaccination –
BEFORE THE JAB – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Eligibility criteria & Registration – Some healthcare centers/hospitals are administering vaccination to 18+ years category (depending on availability) while others are catering only to 45+ age group. Registration is mandatory and has to be done via Arogya Setu App or Co-Win website. Schedule appointment as per your convenience and slot availability at a healthcare center or hospital listed in the app/website. Remember once the vaccine vial is opened, it must be used on the same day, so make sure that you don’t miss your appointment as it could result in a wasted vaccine dose.
- Armed with Information - There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines, so it’s absolutely important to always get genuine information from trustworthy sources. Refer to the Government of India website for details on eligibility or contraindications/health conditions for the use of the vaccine.
- Consult your Doctor – Although there are no possible dangers of getting yourself vaccinated if you’re hale and healthy, it’s crucial that you consult your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reaction to any vaccination or if you’re above 45 and have any pre-existing medical condition or comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, renal illnesses.
- Rest it up – Your body needs adequate rest, particularly before taking vaccination. Get a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep and refrain from rigorous exercise routines before vaccination as it can drain you out.
- Eat well – Don’t get vaccinated on empty stomach. Make sure to include leafy vegetables and food rich in antioxidants that help boost immunity, before you take your vaccine dose.
- Fluid intake - Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol intake as this can dehydrate you.
- Medical intervention - Seek medical help if you have symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, or diarrhoea before vaccination.
- Wear it right - Wear short sleeved or sleeveless shirt or top to facilitate getting the injection on your arm.
- Carry the ID you used during registration.
- Mask it up – Make sure to cover your nose and mouth properly with an N95 mask or double mask, layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask.
- Distance yourself – Maintain a minimum of 6 feet/2 mtr distance when at the vaccination facility.
- Communicate – Display your online registration confirmation message along with your ID to the person in-charge at the vaccination facility. Let the health care professional know of your medical conditions, if that needs to be taken into consideration.
- The healthcare official will keep you under observation for 15-30 minutes after the vaccine is administered to make sure you don’t have any immediate reaction to the vaccination, which is a very rare occurrence though.
- You will get a confirmation message on your registered mobile number with vaccination details and a link to download your Vaccination certificate.
- Be ready to experience mild to moderate side effects post vaccination that go away within a few days on their own. You may experience – pain at the injection site, tenderness, chills, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, tremors, numbness on the entire arm, mild to severe fever and diarrhoea. If any of the symptoms last for more than a few days or you develop a different type of reaction, consult or contact the healthcare service provider immediately.
- Patience is the key – Most vaccines that are being administered, take about two weeks post the second dose, to show its efficacy.
TAKE AWAY
Experiencing any one or more of the side effects after the jab is a good sign and means that your immune system is responding the way it should.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and getting vaccinated will help protect you against developing severe COVID-19 disease and death from the virus. The vaccines which use dead or live viruses to trigger immune response are even suitable for people with allergies to certain foods and other common allergen, and also safe for lactating and menstruating women.
Source: www.unicef.org | www.mohhfw.gov.in | www.who.intl
