Scheduled for COVID-19 Vaccine? Here’s What To Do Before Your Appointment
Get informed about the vaccine
Knowledge is power, and in the case of a vaccine that could put an end to a global pandemic, knowledge is health. Therefore, do your research on the COVID-19 vaccine and gather your information from trustworthy sources so that you can make an informed decision.
Check the CDC official page for information or ask your doctor to explain how the vaccine works and whether it is recommended for your demographics or not. There are a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding the vaccine’s efficiency, the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) and the possible side effects. This post about the 7 Biggest Myths About COVID-19 Vaccine That Could Jeopardize Your Life might shed some light on the matter.
Get plenty of rest and eat beforehand
One night before the vaccination, you need to get plenty of rest so that your immune system is working properly. According to health experts, it is also recommended that you eat and hydrate before a vaccine, especially if you’re scheduled to have it around a mealtime. Feeling hungry or thirsty will give you a state of discomfort that you don’t really need.
What you should definitely stay away from before the vaccine appointment is alcohol. “If we go with what we know about the body, the immune system and the effect of alcohol in general, it can be an immunosuppressant,” and can affect the vaccine’s effectiveness, says Dr. Jeffrey Elder, a board-certified emergency physician at Maple Grove Hospital North Memorial Health Hospital.
