Smart Guide For Covid Vaccine: Before, During, And After
Millions across the globe are now vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus, bringing us all another step closer to going back to the previous normal. We are vowing to go back to the time of doing more things, just like we used to before 2020, more enjoyment, more peace, more good vibes, and more love.
For many reasons, the covid vaccine could not come fast enough. However, others understandably have certain queries about the whole process, including concerns regarding health conditions after the covid vaccine.
So, let’s figure out what is to come if you get jabbed for the first time and what to expect further.
The article is written in conjunction with the health tips by UNICEF experts on the vaccination process, before, during, and after.
How does a covid vaccine work?
Vaccines for Covid-19 work by mimicking the infectious virus behind the disease. Once jabbed, our bodies are “taught” how to react to the actual virus if and when it enters our body. It helps build immunity against the actual virus and respond to it effectively.
Vaccines do this by introducing the weaker form of the infectious virus, allowing our immune system to build a memory of the same. In this way, our immune system can quickly recognize the actual virus and fight against it rapidly before it goes on to make us fall ill.
Most of the Covid vaccines are developed in this manner. Others, however, are developed with other new approaches, such as messenger RNA or mRNA vaccines. So, in these vaccines, instead of introducing our bodies with mimicked antigens and viruses, mRNA vaccines offer our body the genetic code that our bodies require to produce the antigen on its own. mRNA vaccines have been developed carefully after decades of research. Neither do they interfere with the human DNA, nor do they inject a live virus into our bodies.
Are Covid vaccines safe?
Yes, covid-19 vaccines are safe. Even though Covid vaccines were developed rapidly, they went through a rigorous testing process during clinical trials to prove effective on international safety and effectiveness benchmarks.
Only after they satiate the benchmarked standards can these vaccines receive the much-needed validation from regulatory agencies, such as the WHO.
Only those vaccines that meet the already established efficacy criteria and safety standards of WHO are receiving the regulatory approvals.
Which Covid vaccine is the best for you?
All vaccines approved by WHO have shown effectiveness against the virus and have protected people from severe illnesses that arise from coronavirus. The best vaccine you can get is the one that is easily available near you.
Will the vaccine work against the new variants?
According to WHO, vaccines approved to date are expected to offer certain levels of protection against the new variants of the virus as well.
Experts worldwide are researching the changes in the virus’s behavior with every new variant, including any potential impact on the effectiveness of various covid vaccines.
Suppose there is any vaccine that proves to be less effective against more of the new variants. In that case, researchers state that it will be possible to change the composition of the vaccines made further to protect against such new variants. In the future, research also says that changes to vaccines like using booster shots and other such changes will prove necessary.
In the meantime, however, the most important thing you can do is get vaccinated. Apart from getting vaccinated, you also need to ensure that you are still being taken to reduce the risk of spreading the virus; measures like wearing a mask, social distancing, proper ventilation, handwashing, etc. This helps to reduce the chances for the virus to mutate.
When should you not get a covid vaccine?
Speaking to your general health physician is the best way to know if you need a covid vaccine or not. At present, the following people should not receive a jab for the Covid vaccine to avoid any adverse reactions:
People with a history of severe allergic reactions to any of the ingredients of a Covid vaccine
People who are currently sick and experiencing symptoms similar to Covid-19. You can get vaccinated once you have recovered.
So, what happens before, after, and during your vaccinations, and the possible side effects and health conditions after the covid vaccine?
Before you get jabbed
Do your research
There are thousands of rumors and misinformation making rounds online at this point when it comes to covid vaccines. They mainly relate to health conditions after covid vaccines. It is therefore imperative that you get your information from a trusted source, like WHO or UNICEF.
If you have any questions and queries about whether or not you should receive a jab, speak to your general health physician. At present, people with severe allergic reactions to the ingredients of the vaccine and people experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 should not go forward with getting their vaccines.
Talk to your doctor
If you have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction from any vaccines or have any related questions about the vaccine or the medication you are taking, talk to your doctor before booking your vaccine appointment.
Take good care of yourself.
Get a good night’s sleep and hydrate before you go and get jabbed; this will make you feel well on that day.
During your vaccine appointment
Try to be as safe as possible.
Ensure all safety precautions at your local vaccination facility. Make sure you follow all the protocols, like social distancing, wearing a mask while waiting, and other precautions.
Communicate your conditions and concerns
Ensure you talk to your healthcare professional about any concerns you may have or any medical conditions that can be considered precautions. If you are pregnant or have a compromised or weakened immune system, let your healthcare provider know.
Keep your records safe.
Keep your vaccination card and other related documents handy. The documents tell you what Covid vaccine you have received and the time and date for receiving such vaccine. Make sure you keep these documents safely for future references and purposes.
After your vaccination
Stay at the center
Once jabbed, you must stay in the vaccination center for a minimum of 15 minutes after administration. This ensures you do not have any immediate reactions to the vaccine. People rarely see any severe reaction, yet it is crucial.
Be prepared for side effects.
Vaccines are designed to give you a boost of immunity without any dangers and symptoms of the disease. It is entirely normal if you do not experience any side effects; however, if you do, do not get scared either. It is normal to get mild to moderate Covid-19 like symptoms. They usually start from the day you get jabbed but can start from the next day as well. These health conditions after the covid vaccine are completely normal, and there is no need to be scared at this point. They last for about 3-5 days, depending on your health. These symptoms will also go away on their own within a few days.
Some of the mild to moderate health conditions after a covid vaccine are:
1. Arm soreness, especially at the injection site
2. Mild fever
3. Fatigue
4. Headaches
5. Muscle/joint ache
6. Chills
7. Diarrhea
If any of the symptoms mentioned above last for more than a few days, or if you do happen to experience a severe reaction, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Be patient
Building your immunity does take some time. You shall be considered fully vaccinated after exactly two weeks from the date of your second dose of the vaccines Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna; 15 days after you take your second dose of the vaccine AstraZeneca and two weeks after a single dose of J&J/Janssen vaccine.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
While the covid vaccines prove to be highly effective at protecting everyone against severe illnesses from the disease, research is still going on about whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus, even if they are not showing any symptoms. Therefore, it is still very important to continue to practice all necessary safety precautions to protect oneself and others around, including social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask.
Though many rumors surround the current Covid-19 vaccines, you must get jabbed the first chance you get to stop the risk of spreading it further.
