Covid-19 vaccine: Precautions to be taken before and after the vaccine

India has rolled out the world’s largest COVID-19 inoculation drive, over a million people have already got themselves vaccinated and many are still enrolling themselves for the same.

Although both Covishield from Serum Institute of India, and Covaxin from Bharat Biotech, are safe, it sure does come with a range of challenges and side-effects.

Here are a few precautions you can take before and after the COVID vaccine

Before the Vaccine: 

The vaccine is completely safe but if a person is above 45 and with pre-existing medical conditions, it is better to consult their doctor.

Also one must get clearance for certain medications that can elevate chances of developing an allergic reaction.

Eat well and take your regular medication but avoid taking medicines for fever or sickness to avoid symptoms

Don’t take painkillers to try to prevent symptoms as they might curb the very immune system response that a vaccine aims to spur.

Be sure you have not had another vaccine two weeks prior to your coronavirus vaccine.

Those who were infected with the virus in the last 1.5 months or are receiving COVID treatment in the form of blood plasma therapy or monoclonal antibodies must refrain from taking the vaccine.

Although  there  is no evidence that drinking alcohol affects the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, doctors advised people to avoid drinking alcohol in the days leading up to the vaccine

After the Vaccine:

Stay hydrated. This will help you feel better after your vaccine

Safety precautions must be followed even after the vaccine. Continue to wear your masks at all times.

Any allergic reactions to the vaccine must be notified at the clinic itself

Do not panic if you experience discomfort, allergic reactions, pain, itchiness, fever or fatigue. These are just a few ways in which your body’s immune system reacts to the vaccine.

Doctors have advised against drinking alcohol immediately after receiving the shot. It is best to avoid alcohol for the first 48-72 hours after vaccination as this is the usual period one might expect common and usually mild after-effects of vaccination, like fatigue, muscle aches, injection site pain