Coronavirus Vaccine: What You Need To Know Before, After & During the Jab

Following the recent rollout of COVID vaccines around the country, we’re all collectively by obvious questions about the much-awaited antidote to the COVID-19 virus.

Homegrown comes to the rescue and answers all your burning questions regarding pre and post vaccination care tips and precautions to be mindful of while getting the vaccine jab.

So, as India gears up to get vaccinated, we answer some questions, common dos and don’ts.

What Special Precautions Do I Take Before Getting The Jab?

There is no official rulebook to follow or adhere to before getting the jab. However, authorities warn people to take a personal decision – research and make a well-suited call to see if the vaccine would be suited for them or not. [whaaaaaatttt?? what what whatt??? please clarify?]

Here are some basic guidelines issued by the authorities that determine pre-vaccine care as reported by Indiatoday [India Today and hyperlink]

i. People who tested COVID positive in the last one-and-a-half months or have received blood plasma therapy or monoclonal antibodies must refrain from taking the vaccine. [for 40 days???]

ii. A person with allergies to any specific medication must get a medical clearance from a doctor prior to the jab. The Serum Institute of India has advised that people severely allergic to any ingredient of Covishield vaccine should not take it.

iii. Pregnant and lactating mothers should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine as they have not been part of any clinical trial so far.

iv. Avoiding stress, healthy diet and being well-rested before getting the vaccine is of utmost importance.

Vaccine: Side-effects And Reactions

It’s normal to experience a few after-shot symptoms. Be prepared to experience the following side-effects post the vaccine that might last up to 2-3 days:

-Fever

-Headache

-Muscle pain/ sensitivity in the area of administration

-Fatigue

-Chills

What Should You Do If Suffer From Reactions?

If the vaccine dosage causes an unprecedented reaction, you are advised to go see a doctor. They will help you decide on the next course of action and specialise treatment.

Extreme reactions include shock, fainting, and breathlessness.

What Should I Do After Taking The COVID-19 Vaccine?

- After receiving the Covid-19 shot, the beneficiary is monitored at the vaccination centre itself for up to 30 minutes to observe any adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) reports Indiatoday. [write India Today as specified above + hyperlink]

- The jab is followed by common symptoms like fever, pain at the injection site, and fatigue but there is no reason to panic as they only last a couple of days.

- In case of persisting discomfort or side effects, choose to visit the nearest health facility and/or call the health worker whose phone number is given in the Co-WIN SMS received after vaccination.

- Protective levels of antibodies generate within two-three weeks after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, which is why it is absolutely necessary to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and hand sanitisation.

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