So you have finally chosen to take the leap and get the Covid-19 vaccine. Well, let us be the first to say congratulations. You are taking a major step towards helping control the Covid-19 pandemic in the world. Nonetheless, though there have been some vaccines being distributed in the market currently, there is still a lot of talk on the side effects that these vaccines have on the body after taking them. In this article, we discuss various tips to help you with your covid-19 vaccine aftercare and assist you in managing any side effects that may occur.
What To Do Immediately After Vaccination
After vaccination, you will need to stay in the observation room for 15-30 minutes. This is to ensure you have medical care at your disposal in case you experience any severe reactions to the vaccine. However, there is usually nothing to worry about as these reactions are usually very rare, and will likely manifest themselves in the first thirty minutes of your vaccination. These reactions include:
- Itching
- Severe allergic reaction
- Vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Fainting
Kindly notify the nearest health worker if you experience any of these symptoms.
At Home Aftercare
After your observation period, you can safely go home. Kindly note that you can experience some side effects a day or two after your vaccination. The side effects can be an indication of your body building immunity. Nevertheless, not experiencing any side effects doesn’t mean the vaccine was less effective. Each of our bodiesare different and will experience the vaccine differently. The most common Covid-19 vaccine side effects include:
- Pain, redness, itchiness, or swelling on the injection site
- Swollen lymph nodes under injected arm’s armpit
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Fever or Chills
- Nausea
- Muscle or Joint Soreness
Managing The Side Effects
Avoid Alcohol
There is little data on the effect alcohol has on the Covid-19 vaccine’s effectiveness. Thus in situations like this, it is usually better to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol as much as possible during this period.
Apply a cool Clean Wet Washcloth over The Injection Site
Applying a cool compress on your vaccinated arm can help you reduce the swelling and redness on your arm and relieve any pain you may be feeling.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Ensure you stay well-hydrated after vaccination. Being dehydrated can escalate any side effects your experience after your vaccination. Thus be safe and stay hydrated!
Use Over-The-Counter Pain Killers to Help Relieve Pain
Utilize over-the-counter medication like Tylenol, or Ibuprofen according to your doctor’s instruction to relieve any pain or discomfort you may have.
When To Call The Doctor
Your side effects should usually go away within a few days. However, you should call your doctor if:
- If the redness or swelling on your vaccinated arm gets worse after 24 hours
- If your side effects persist after a few days.