Scheduled for COVID-19 Vaccine? Here’s What To Do Before Your Appointment
Monitor your side effects, if any
Vaccine side effects are not a given. Although health officials have released a list of potential side effects that you might experience after getting the COVID-19 vaccine (or any other type of vaccine, for that matter), such as injection site pain, body aches, chills, fever and headache, you may very well have no post-vaccine symptoms. If you do experience any symptoms, these are usually signs that your immune system is working properly and adjusting to the vaccine.
According to the CDC, everyone will be monitored for at least 15 minutes after receiving the shot; people with a history of severe allergies will have to wait at least 30 minutes under medical supervision, to prevent anaphylactic reactions. After the monitorization period, you are free to go home.
RELATED: 7 COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects Dr. Fauci Wants You to Understand
Keep a close eye on your vaccine record card
When you go for your first dose of the vaccine, you will be given a vaccination card with your name, vaccination date and vaccine type (Pfizer or Moderna). This card will be your evidence that you’ve been inoculated but it will also be helpful to health professionals when giving you your second dose, as it’s crucial that you receive the same type of vaccine.
If you are afraid that you might lose the card or forget to bring it with you to your second vaccine appointment, take a picture of it and save it on your phone. It is believed that these vaccine cards will also become important for workplaces and air travel.
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