After a long, stressful encounter with the COVID-19 virus, the entire world is finally relieved to get access to the vaccines. Getting a Covid-19 vaccine is essential as it protects one against the COVID-19 virus. The approved vaccines have been carefully evaluated for safety and efficacy. Furthermore, they also make the infection less severe even if you contract the virus after vaccination.

As you get jabbed at your turn, you must know the expected side effects and practice the safety protocols before and after vaccination. We have some crucial tips for you as you await your turn to be vaccinated.

The process of getting registered for vaccination:

The availability of vaccines in India is the light at the end of the tunnel. You may be curious to know more about the types of vaccines available. Here are a few things you should know as you prepare to register for the vaccine.

• Learn some facts: Two pharmaceutical companies brought their vaccines to the Indian markets. Serum Institute of India launched ‘Covishield,’ and Bharat Biotech introduced ‘Covaxin.’ The imported brand Sputnik V recently received approval for use in India. For more information, do the following:
  • Talk to your family doctor regarding your vaccination.
  • You may also visit genuine websites, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), to know about the types of vaccines and their mechanisms.

• Eligibility for the vaccine: According to the current vaccination status in India, anybody above the age of 18 can get vaccinated from the 1st of May 2021.
• Registration for the vaccine: Registering for the vaccine is mandatory. You may register through the Co-Win website https://www.cowin.gov.in/home or Arogya Setu app. Here are simple steps for registration:
  1. Use your mobile number and a valid photo ID, such as your Aadhar card, to register by entering your details.
  2. Select a vaccine centre for vaccination.
  3. Book your time slot for the vaccine and confirm your appointment.
  4. You will be notified on your registered mobile number about the date, time and name of the vaccination centre.

Tips to follow before vaccination

Once you have registered yourself and got an appointment for vaccination, here are some simple and valuable tips for you:

• Do not take the vaccine on an empty stomach. Eat well before you go for your vaccine dose. Include leafy vegetables, food rich in antioxidants that help boost immunity.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Get good, peaceful sleep at night. The role of a good night’s sleep in boosting immunity is scientifically proven.
• If you regularly take over-the-counter, inform the doctor at the vaccination site. However, do not take any painkiller medicines before taking the vaccine, just to avoid side effects.
• Avoid excess alcohol intake as it may dehydrate you.
• Inform people at work regarding your unavailability and plan your tasks accordingly so that you are not stressed about work as you visit the vaccination centre.
• Be prepared to take any vaccine available at the centre at the given time. Remember, all vaccines have been proven safe and effective.
• Wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt or dress to facilitate getting the injection on your arm.
• Cancel your appointment if you notice any Covid-like symptoms. Talk to your doctor about this.

Carry the ID you used for registration. Visit the centre wearing a double mask and maintain physical distance. Note the type of vaccine you received, as it would serve as a guide to book an appointment for the second dose.

Tips to follow during vaccination:

All COVID-19 vaccines are administered in the same way. The vaccine will be injected into the muscle in your upper arm and should not take longer than a few seconds. During vaccination, you must-

• Keep your mask on and turn your face away from the vaccinator. This will ensure utmost safety for both.  
• Try not to feel nervous or anxious and stay relaxed.
• You may take slow deep breaths and do not move while you are getting injected. 

Tips to follow after vaccination:

Here are some valuable tips that will help you after vaccination:

• After vaccination, stay seated at the vaccination centre for 30 minutes. Health workers will monitor you for immediate reactions. Report if you feel dizzy or have nausea, vomiting or any allergic reaction.
• Drink plenty of fluids and keep your body hydrated after the vaccine dose.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking.
• Soothe your arm. You may place a cool or wet washcloth on the area.
• Swing your vaccinated arm to calm the inflammation.
• Be prepared for some minor side effects as your body builds immune protection. These may go away in 1-2 days. The side effects are:
  1. Pain and redness at the site of injection
  2. Chills and mild fever
  3. Headache
  4. Fatigue and body ache
  5. Joint and muscle pain

• Take paracetamol if you have any of the above symptoms. If they last for more than a week, contact your doctor immediately.
• If you wish to take any other vaccine for a different medical condition, maintain a gap of at least 14 days after taking the Covid-19 vaccine. Inform your doctor about your recent vaccination history.
• Download your vaccination certificate, mark your calendar for the second dose of the vaccine and schedule an appointment.
• After the second dose of the vaccine, you may experience similar symptoms of side effects seen after the first dose. If the side effects persist for more than 1-2 days, call your doctor.
• Remember that the antibodies that develop after the second dose of the vaccine reach a protective level after 15 days. Hence, be careful; do not relax the preventive measures.
• It is also important to discuss with your doctor if you have been on immunosuppressants medicine, such as methotrexate. Your doctor might put the medication on hold for two weeks after the Covid-19 vaccine.

Conclusion:

Remember that the vaccine is merely a prick. Try to overcome your nervousness and anxiety while getting injected. Collect your certificate of vaccination or download it from the Co-Win site. Be responsible citizens and get vaccinated when your turn comes.

Although you have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, remember to take preventive measures, especially in public places. Remember that vaccination does not ensure complete immunity. So continue wearing masks and follow safe hygiene practices for self-protection and prevent virus transmission. Take both doses according to the schedule and encourage other people to get vaccinated. Stay safe, stay strong!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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