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Covid Jab: Know the dos and don'ts

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Published on March 9, 2021 | Est Read Time: 3 min

The year 2020 was an unprecedented one that forced us to adapt to the new normal in a jiffy. Now, thanks to the Covid-19 vaccines, we all can hope to return to our usual lifestyle. A vaccine prepares our immune system to recognise and combat an external threat, which is the coronavirus, in this case.

In India, two vaccines are currently being used - Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN. As part of the ongoing second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive, people above the age 60 years and those above 45, but with co-morbidities are being given the dose. The body typically takes a few weeks after vaccination to build immunity against the virus. It means you can still get infected (if exposed to the virus externally) after getting the shot as the body didn’t get the requisite time to develop immunity. Therefore, some precautionary measures are essential after vaccination.

Just like we were very cautious and adhering to the rules and guidelines to stay away from infection, we must also follow a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to the vaccine. Till now, more than 1.5 crore people in India have received a coronavirus vaccine and lakhs of people are signing up every day. Some recipients have reportedly shown some side-effects in the form of mild fever and cold, but according to medical experts and the government, that is no reason to dissuade people from taking the shot. So, here are a few things you should keep in mind during the vaccination process to ensure that the dose works efficiently.

How to prepare for vaccination

1. If you have allergies to medication, you should consult a medical practitioner and take medicines, if prescribed, ahead of vaccination. Your doctor may ask for some routine examinations like a complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), or Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) before giving the green signal. Don’t lie about any pre-existing ailments or allergies to get the vaccine.

2. You should eat well and stay relaxed. Take out some time to read and understand how the vaccine works. It will help you calm your nerves.

3. Those with diabetes or high/low blood pressure must keep their sugar and BP in check.

4. Cancer patients, especially those on chemotherapy, must follow their doctors’ advice.

5. Those who received blood plasma or monoclonal antibodies as part of Covid-19 treatment or those who got infected in the last few weeks are advised to not take the vaccine right now.

What to do after vaccination

1. Don’t forget to wear your face mask, maintain hand hygiene, and physical distancing in public places even after getting the vaccine. Even if you get immune, it doesn’t mean those around you are safe.

2. Vaccine recipients’ health is monitored at the vaccine centre to ensure that they don’t suffer from any immediate severe allergic reaction. So, don’t be in a hurry to leave as you will be allowed to go only after it has been ascertained that you are not showing negative symptoms. Also, wear comfortable clothes and have proper food before going as it may take some time.

3. It is important to know that side effects like fatigue, chills, or fever are common. There is absolutely no need to panic, as these will go away in a few days. Also, don’t take any unprescribed medicine to alleviate the pain. After vaccination, give your body some rest. All this, however, doesn’t mean you will hesitate to report a vaccine reaction.  

4. Do not consume alcohol or any intoxicating substance before, during, or after the vaccination shot.

5. Don’t get swayed by naysayers. You should not delay vaccination.

6. Don’t mix and match: Get the same vaccine in the same dose by the same manufacturer. If the second dose is not immediately available, it’s fine to wait instead of taking a different one.
Make sure to keep these dos and don’ts in mind before signing up for your turn to get the much-awaited Covid-19 jab!

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.