After an entire year of going through the pandemic, the people are finally getting an opportunity to get vaccinated for COVID19. Getting the COVID19 vaccination is indeed a significant thing, as it brings you one step towards breaking down the chain of transmission and preventing the spread of the disease.
However, getting the COVID vaccination can also be a stressful event, especially if you are someone who has been isolated for quite some time and fears the risk of being infected.
It is important to understand that getting the COVID19 vaccination is important for ensuring not only your own health but also the health of your loved ones. As of now, there are three types of vaccination options available for COVID19 in the market, which are Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik V.
There is no specific distinction between these three COVID vaccination types. All your options are equally adept at arming you with the antibodies needed by your immune system to fight off COVID19. They are especially useful for people belonging to the higher end of the age spectrum since they are at an increased risk of being infected.
Let us understand a few more things about the COVID19 vaccination and what steps you can take to ensure that you get the best out of your vaccine.
Qualifications For Getting The COVID19 Vaccine
The COVID vaccination is a safe option for most people who are above the age of 18. This includes even patients with preexisting conditions that hinder the functioning of the immune system. Medical conditions including hypertension, liver and kidney disease, chronic infections, pulmonary conditions, and asthma are just some of the few diseases that have been taken into account while gathering the data for COVID19 vaccination trials.
This means that you are pretty much good to get vaccinated without having any concerns. However, there are certain scenarios in which it may be better for you to consult a medical health practitioner in case you plan on getting the vaccination for COVID19, such as:
- In case you have a compromised immune system.
- In case you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
- In case you have been diagnosed with an allergy to a specific type of vaccination or have a long history of being allergic.
- Currently suffer from malnutrition.
While people in the age bracket of about 20 to 45 are not at as big a risk of contracting the coronavirus, it is people who are minors or above the age of 45 who stand at a severe chance of being infected by COVID19. This is all the more reason for them to get vaccinated, especially if they are suffering from chronic health conditions. However, children under the age of 18 cannot get the COVID vaccination as there is more time for the vaccines to be studied and adjusted in order to suit growing bodies.
As per the guidelines issued by the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund, people who have been diagnosed with severe allergic reactions to any of the ingredients present in the COVID19 vaccine are not eligible for getting the COVID19 vaccination. Additionally, people who are currently ill, even from conditions such as the common cold are not allowed to get vaccinated unless they are completely recovered and have a seal of approval from their doctor.
Steps To Consider Before Getting Vaccinated:
There are certain things that you need to consider before going to get the COVID vaccination, such as:
- Medications: For the most part, it is recommended that you continue taking any of the medication that you may be prescribed around the time that you will be taking the COVID19 vacation. However, you must also make it a point to consult with a healthcare provider and identify the pros and cons, as well as the actual effect itself of the vaccine as some of the medications that you are taking can potentially hinder the functioning of the immune system.
This recommendation is only for prescription medication. People are advised to halt the consumption of any over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or acetaminophen before getting the COVID vaccination in order to prevent any potential side effects. Preliminary trials are still being run regarding the effectiveness and the interactions of these medications in combination with the vaccines. It is also recommended to avoid consuming antihistamines before getting the COVID19 vaccination as a way to prevent any potential allergic reaction from the body.
- Gathering Knowledge: One of the most important things to do before getting the COVID vaccination is to fully understand it. Educate yourself on the various types of vaccines available in the market, gain an understanding of how they work and what kind of effects they might have on your body. You can always check these facts with established health organisations such as UNICEF and WHO, both of which have set up numerous helplines and websites that try to make as much information about this COVID19 vaccine to the general public as possible. In case you still have any doubts about how getting the COVID19 vaccination works, you can always consult with your medical health practitioner.
- Be prepared: It is important for you to have the right kind of equipment before stepping into a COVID vaccination center wherein hundreds of potentially COVID19 infested people can step in. Along with the notification for getting the appointment for the COVID vaccination, you must also make sure to wear a mask that covers your mouth and face. It is also important to take other essentials such as a mini hand sanitizer, some proof of identity. Make sure to properly time your departure from your residence to the vaccination centre. Factor in some extra time and be early to the center and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Also, make sure to wear clothes that have no or loose sleeves so your arm can be easily accessible.
- Cancel your appointment: On the day of your appointment, in case you have any COVID19 symptoms or are not feeling well, it is better for you to reschedule your appointment. Walking into the vaccination center without being diagnosed or treated can make you a potential carrier of COVID19 for all the people in it. Make sure to convey your condition to the vaccination centre and confirm whether or not there is a possibility of revisiting within the next two weeks, so you can get vaccinated once you are rid of the symptoms.
Steps To Consider During the appointment
Once you are inside the COVID19 center, make sure that your mask is properly sitting on and maintain a distance of at least six feet from all the people in there. Be patient for your turn, carry along a water bottle with you so you won’t get dehydrated. Once your turn comes up, make sure to communicate with your healthcare professional and let them know in case you have any preexisting conditions that could potentially interfere with the COVID vaccination. The same applies for pregnancy as well. Once you are done with the COVID19 vaccination, do not linger around the premises, and be sure to get back home as soon as possible.
Steps To Consider After Getting The COVID Vaccination
Given below are some of the measures that you need to continue taking after getting your COVID19 vaccination:
- Continue Social Distancing: Even after you do get the COVID vaccination, make sure that you maintain a distance of six feet at all times. This also acts as a safeguard for your immune system. This step is especially important in the initial weeks of getting the first dose for the vaccine, wherein your body is still vulnerable to any potential infections.
- Report Side Effects: In case you are experiencing any sudden changes in your body after getting the COVID vaccination, make sure to contact your healthcare provider and follow up with them regarding the side effects.
Conclusion
Finally, understand that getting the COVID19 vaccination is somewhat of a privilege taking the current scenarios into account. If you are someone who is capable of getting vaccinated, please make sure to provide it for yourself and your family. Failing to do so means you will only be playing a role in the spread of the chain of transmission.
