By Dt. Manoli Mehta
COVID-19 vaccine: Scheduled? Check. Excitement at the thought of returning to pre-COVID activities? Check. Anxiety about the vaccine? Also… check.
For a lot of people, the COVID-19 vaccine is giving rise to some anxiety. It’s normal to feel nervous about getting your COVID-19 vaccine. It is, after all, a fast-tracked vaccine that lacks in data compared to the decades of research we have on other vaccines. However, the COVID-19 is regarded as safe by public health officials, and it’s important that we all do our part to end the novel coronavirus pandemic.
To dampen any anxiety you might be feeling about your vaccination appointment, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind.
Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to follow before and after getting vaccinated.
Dos:
- Talk to your doctor. Understand how the vaccine works.
- In case you have allergies to any medication, or drugs, it is important to get an all-clear from your family doctor or medical practitioner.
- Eat a light meal before leaving home. You may not be able to have anything immediately after, at least for a few minutes.
- Relax. Its like any other vaccination drive. Stay positive and cautious. If you are feeling anxious, a health counsellor can help you cope.
- Wear light, comfortable clothes. In all probability, you will be sitting while being given the shot in your arm.
- Go to the vaccination centre with a proper mask covering your mouth and nose, and stay at least six feet away from others until it is your turn to take the shot.
Don’ts
- Do not hide any ailments/conditions or allergies from your certifying doctor who gives you the go-ahead for the vaccination.
- While at the vaccination centre, don’t touch items or other patients around the place. Basically, maintain regular COVID-19-appropriate protocol.
- Do not self-medicate: Do not listen to any ‘friendly’ advice to take any Over-The-Counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen – painkillers etc – in anticipation of potentially having side effects from the vaccine. Your doctor knows best. Consult the expert.
Pro Tips by Dt. Manoli Mehta
- Ample water- 2-3 ltrs per day
Soups/ veg juice/coconut water/fruits/buttermilk/sattu drink
- No alcohol/smoking- No alcohol one day pre and post vaccination
- Rest/Sleep
Enough sleep(7-8hours)
- Wear Proper Clothing
When you go to your appointment, make sure that you’re properly dressed for the occasion. That means wearing something that gives the person giving you the shot easy access to your upper arm area.
- Eat up
Eat enough and heavy meal before the vaccination. As going empty stomach, the vaccination wont work.
- Rest
Take enough rest post vaccination and keep a day or two light on schedule to avoid exertion.
Toss your mask and stop social distancing afterward
You’re not considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 until 14 days after your final dose of the vaccine. Even after that time, you should continue to wear a mask until the CDC and WHO deem that it’s OK to stop using them.
