Information about what to do after each dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Like the 1918-20 Spanish flu, the second wave of the COVID-19
pandemic has been more concerning than the first. While
people are attempting all possible precautions to combat the
infection, The Government of India launched their much-anticipated
vaccination drive bringing hope to all. As
million take their vaccine doses, rumours around what to do before and
after vaccination are also spreading. To help you prepare for your
COVID-19 vaccine, here are some comprehensive dos and don’ts.
DOS
Drink a lot of water: Staying hydrated is extremely important both
before and after your vaccination. The most common side effects
of vaccines include muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and fever. Being
properly hydrated will not only prevent you from feeling sick but
may also help to shorten the duration and intensity of side effects.
Eat a well-balanced diet: To avoid serious side effects, a
well-balanced diet is essential. Super foods like green
vegetables, turmeric, and garlic, that are high in nutrients and boost
immunity, should be included in your diet. Seasonal fruits rich in
Vitamin C can also aid in fighting the vaccine side effects.
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep: When you get vaccinated, the body
relies on immune responses to develop protection. It is recommended
that recently vaccinated people sleep for at least 7-8 hours as sleep
deprivation can result in suppressed immunity since the body
rebuilds its defence mechanisms during sleep. Not getting enough
sleep can also trigger stress, which further supresses the immune system.
Do some light exercise/physical activity: Listen to your body.
Exercise supports blood circulation that can help in reducing vaccine
side effects. It is recommended to do something less strenuous in
comparison to your regular exercise routine. For example, going for a
light walk.
Consult your doctor before the vaccination if you are on steroids or blood thinners:
People on steroids and blood thinners can stop their medications for
two days before and two days after the jab to prevent adverse
side-effects. If someone has had an anaphylactic shock to a vaccine,
they should inform their physician and be more careful.
Continue with COVID-19 appropriate behaviour-The most important thing
to do post-vaccination is to continue wearing
masks, regularly washing, or sanitizing your
hands, maintaining physical distance, avoid crowded places and avoid
touching surfaces.
Apply a clean, cool, and wet cloth (or some ice) over the arm after
the vaccination to reduce the pain. One can also do mild exercise or use
the arm for light activities to further lessen the pain and discomfort.
Vaccinated lactating mothers should continue breastfeeding. The
antibodies produced through COVID-19 vaccination could pass to the
babies though milk and it may also offer immunity to the baby like other
vaccines given in pregnancy do. Pregnant women can also take the
vaccine, as approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare India
and WHO.
DONT'S
Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Although there are no approved scientific
studies that quantify the effect of alcohol or smoking on
vaccination, it is advisable to avoid tobacco or alcohol
consumption as it may aggravate and worsen vaccine side effects making
the experience more stressful and unpleasant. Alcohol also affects the
body’s immune system negatively and there is a chance that the immune
response to the vaccine may not be as effective if there is excessive
alcohol in the system. The same goes for tobacco consumption as well.
Do not think that you are completely immune to COVID-19 after
vaccination: No vaccine has a 100 per cent success rate. You may
contract COVID-19 even after being vaccinated but chances are the
infection would be much milder. The vaccine only protects you from
hospitalisation, death, and serious disease. You can still be an
asymptomatic carrier and it is important that you continue to follow
COVID-19 appropriate behaviour such as use of masks, hand sanitizers or
hand washing, and follow physical distancing.
Do not delay consulting a doctor if you experience COVID-19
symptoms even after vaccination: Remember that the vaccination takes a
while to kick in, and you will develop immunity only a couple of weeks
after the second dose. The side effects such as pain and discomfort in
the arm or fatigue usually subsides within a few days. Consult your
physician if there are severe side effects or the symptoms do not
subside.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 2-3 days post
vaccination: As your body needs times to recover from the side effects
of the vaccine, avoid putting it in stress.
Do not miss other necessary vaccines: Some other adult vaccines may be
unavoidable and should not be missed out in case of COVID-19
vaccination. However, it is advisable to keep a gap of at least 28 days
between COVID-19 vaccine and other necessary vaccine(s). If the
schedule cannot be modified, then a different site (arm or thigh) should
be used for other vaccine(s). Consult your doctor before scheduling
your vaccines.
Source: www.UNCEF.org