The Ultimate Guide To COVID-19 Vaccines: Before, During, And After Vaccination

Vaccines play an important role in maintaining public health. They reduce the likelihood of infections and save the lives of countless individuals and even entire communities. Vaccines given on the first day of life are augmented by periodic boosters to ensure lifetime protection. If a person still gets the disease, vaccines diminish the severity of symptoms and even the likelihood of death. There is much success in overcoming serious diseases due to vaccines and booster shots.

This same goal is what countries and healthcare institutions aim for at this time of the global pandemic. There are currently 314 million cases of COVID-19 across 222 countries and territories, with more than 5.5 million deaths.

As the virus evolves into deadlier variants, governments have realized that health protocols and lockdowns are not enough to shield everyone from the dreaded disease. Thankfully, scientists have developed several COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are now available, especially for those who are most likely to contract the virus.

If you’ve made up your mind but don’t have any idea how, when, and where to get the vaccine, this guide will answer your concerns on what to do before, during, and after your COVID vaccination.

Before Vaccination

It’s important to know the basic facts about COVID vaccines so you can make a decision. First off, the government provides vaccines for free. However, countries usually prioritize health workers, adults aged 60 and over, those with existing health conditions, and pregnant women for the vaccine.

If you are included in any of the groups mentioned above, then it’s best to sign up for a vaccine as soon as possible. Should you have any concerns, helpful pages like www.sadakafirm.com/immunization-vs-vaccination/ can help clear your doubts about getting the required shots.

In addition, you may also need to look up your country’s Department or Ministry of Health for vaccination schedules and guidelines. They will provide you with registration links through their website. Aside from this, they may also send an SMS message regarding your schedule and the vaccination venue.

Before going to the clinic, hospital, or any designated location, it’s best to ensure that you do not have any flu-like symptoms and a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do, get yourself tested for COVID immediately. If you are experiencing one or more COVID-like symptoms, it’s best to self-isolate and allow 14 days to pass before you get vaccinated.

During Vaccination

Once you arrive on the site, health workers will verify your registration details by asking for some identification. They will also inform you what type of vaccine is available.

Vaccines could be any of the following: Pfizer/BioNTech, SII/COVISHIELD and AstraZeneca/AZD122, Jansen-Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac-Corona Vac, and Bharat Biotech BBV152 COVAXIN.

You may also need to fill up a consent form before you get vaccinated. Once all requirements are complete, an authorized health worker will proceed with the injection. Youth ages 12 to 17 and adults receive 30 micrograms of the vaccine. Children ages 5-11 receive a lower dose of 10 micrograms.

You are then required to stay for 15-30 minutes so they can observe if you have any allergic reactions or experience a sudden increase in temperature after the vaccine.

It is normal to feel some side effects such as pain, swelling, redness in the injected area, tiredness, headache, chills, slight fever, or muscle pain. However, others may not feel any side effects at all. If you develop allergic reactions after your first dose or have prolonged side effects, you should consult a doctor right away.

Since most COVID vaccines are given in several doses, you will most likely be reminded of when to come back for the following doses. The first and second doses are typically scheduled 28 days apart. Your second dose will also be a vaccine of the same brand as your first shot. Some vaccines require a booster shot about 6 months after the second dose. It's important to complete your required shots to make sure you have enough protection from the worst effects of the virus.

After Vaccination

You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second COVID shot. However, this does not mean that you will no longer be infected. There are some cases where vaccinated individuals still get sick. If you do, your symptoms will be less severe and you will infect others for a shorter period.

Since vaccines are not a 100% guarantee against the virus, you should still follow health protocols as mandated by your government. Continue wearing masks in public places, practicing social distancing, and avoiding mass gatherings or crowded places. You should also continue to practice strict hygiene measures such as washing hands and sanitizing surfaces regularly.

Boost your immune system by getting enough rest, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding stress. Set some time for exercise and enjoy the sunlight and outdoors. These self-care practices can further strengthen your immune system and shield you from the virus.

Final Jab

In summary, COVID-19 vaccines help protect individuals against the virus and its deadly variants. They are particularly helpful to vulnerable populations and for all communities. Knowing what to do before, during, and after getting vaccinated could help you understand that vaccination is an essential component of living in the new normal.

About Author:

Glenn Fabio is a healthcare professional. He's been in the industry for 10 years. He writes guest posts and blog posts to share his knowledge and expertise. Glenn loves to play basketball and badminton in his free time.