Thursday, April 18, 2024
The COVID vaccination has commenced in all parts of India and people have many doubts regarding do’s and don’ts after taking the first vaccine shotâ€
COVID vaccinations for 18 and above have started across all states. There is a lot of misinformation about the vaccine on the internet. The two COVID19 vaccines which is being administered in India have 2 doses each. Immunity will build against COVID in the body after taking both the doses and two weeks past the last dose that is taken. Many people think that they are immune after taking the first dose and move carelessly. But this should not be done. One has to take both doses of vaccine for complete immunity against infection. Here is some information regarding precautions to be taken after COVID vaccine.
After being vaccinated, you will need to stay in observation area for 15 – 30 minutes. This is to measure your reaction to the vaccine. Consult with the healthcare worker if you feel any severe side effects.When the vaccine is administered, immune system of body attacks the cells. However, people may experience some side effects like pain, redness, itching and swelling, tiredness or headache, fever and chills, muscle or joint soreness, nausea and vomiting, swollen lymphnode under armpit. These side effects may come after 24 – 48 hours of taking the vaccine. Severe side effects after receiving the vaccine are rare. If you develop any serious side effects or severe allergic reactions, seek medical attention right away.One can apply a cool damp cloth or a wrapped ice pack in painful areas. You can take medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort from side effects. Pregnant ladies should not take ibuprofen. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need to take any other vaccine before the second dose of the COVID vaccine. Avoid strenuous physical activity 2-3 days after vaccination. It would be better not to have alcohol for a few days after taking the vaccine however there have been no studies that state alcohol with vaccine may cause adverse effects. Still it is safer to refrain from consuming alcohol. In case you tested positive for COVID after the first dose, then the second dose should be taken after you have recovered from it. One should wait for at least 8 -12 weeks before taking a second shot. No vaccine has 100% success rate. If you get COVID after taking first dose, there can be mild symptoms. There is also a possibility that you may transmit COVID to other unvaccinated people around you. So, you have to wear a mask, maintain hand hygiene and follow social distancing. You can consult the doctor in case symptoms get worsened. The body takes time to build protection and you may not be protected from the virus until two weeks after your second shot. So, you have to keep up preventive behaviors especially until two weeks after your second vaccination for the body to build immunity against the virus.
