What to do and What to avoid  before and after of Vaccination?

The second wave of Covid-19 is on a decline in most parts of India. More drives to get people vaccinated against the deadly virus, both public and private, are slowly taking off, after a period of being affected by severe shortages and government policy U-turns. 

A lot of people still have some anxiety and questions around the vaccination process. So Mid-day.com asked two Mumbai-based experts – Dr. Rajeev Boudhankar, (MD) medicine and CEO Bhatia Hospital, and Dr. Tushau Prasad, consultant emergency medicine, Wockhardt Hospital – to answer some queries that are frequently asked in the context of pre-jab preparations and post-jabs care. 

What are some important points to keep in mind/preparations to be done before taking the vaccine?

• If you are taking any medication then do so with the guidance of your expert.
•  Discuss any serious health issues with the expert or if have undergone any surgery. 
• If you have any allergies then get the right treatment from the doctor, and get vaccinated only after the clearance. 
• Stick to a well-balanced diet before vaccination. 
• Eat turmeric, ginger, green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, whole fruits, pulses, legumes, and whole grains. 
• Don’t have alcohol, processed and junk food, smoking, and carbonated drinks.
•   Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. 
• Avoid salty, saturated fats, and foods with high calories.
•  Do not eat sugary foods, and avoid taking the vaccine on an empty stomach.

What are the possible side effects after taking the vaccine? Are side effects a sign that the vaccine is working? What does having no side effects mean then?

Dr. Prasad: Common side-effects of vaccination are fever, chills, nausea, muscle pain, headache, swelling at the site, and fatigue. Yes, the side effects mean the vaccine is working. If your body’s immune response is more, then you will have a flu-like illness.  It’s like your body is building protection against the virus. But, do not panic even if you don’t get any side effects. Not having symptoms does not mean there is a problem.

Dr. Boudhankar: While the symptoms show your immune system is responding to the vaccine in a way that will protect against disease, evidence from clinical trials showed that people with few or no symptoms were also protected. “Don`t feel bad if you don`t feel bad”, the experts say.

Scientists have noticed that people above the age of 65 are having fewer side-effects to the vaccine. This can be attributed to the gradual age-related decline in immune activity. Although this can be related to lower antibody levels, they still have immunity against the virus.

Adverse effects of Covid-19 vaccines should only last for a few days. If they last longer, contact a doctor especially since some side effects, such as a fever, chills, and fatigue, are also symptoms of Covid-19.

Should one take painkillers, paracetamol after vaccination? Which drugs, when, and what dosage is advisable?

Dr. Boudhankar: Take a paracetamol (Crocin) 500mg, only if you have fever or 650 mg if there is unbearable pain at the injection site or severe body ache.

If the arm in which the shot was taken remains sore for days afterwards, is it a cause of concern?

Dr. Prasad: Generally, the soreness goes away within 2-3 days, but if it is persistent for a long time then just consult the doctor.

What are the do’s and don’ts after taking the vaccine? 

Dr. Boudhankar: Do not rub the injection site. Wait for at least half an hour in the post-vaccination area for the healthcare personnel to observe you. Inform them if you suddenly feel “unwell”, dizzy, lightheaded, feeling faint, etc. Rest after going home for the rest of the day, if possible.

Dr. Prasad: There will be side effects like pain at the injection site or swelling, tiredness, fever, body pain, or chills. Take medicine as suggested to you at the vaccination centre. Do not smoke or have alcohol after vaccination as it can lower your immunity and dehydrate you. Even after inoculation, follow the Covid-19 protocol of masking, hand sanitising, and social distancing. Avoid going to crowded places. Eat anti-inflammatory foods like strawberries, cherries, oranges, mackerel, salmon, tuna, green vegetables, tomatoes, and nuts after vaccination. Opt for fibre-rich food will improve your immunity. Eat citrus fruits, salmon, sardines, and eggs. A healthy diet will boost your immunity and lower the inflammation in the body. Drinking enough fluids will reduce the possibility of side effects and keep you energised. Rest enough and get a good night’s sleep. 

How long does it take for immunity to start building after the first dose? How much is that immunity boosted after the second dose?

Dr. Boudhankar: The immune system revs up within the first 12-14 days after the first dose of vaccination and after the second dose within 2 weeks the immune system starts fully priming up.

How long will the immunity last after getting vaccinated?

Dr. Prasad: The immunity from the vaccine will last at least 6 months.

What are some of the myths about vaccination and post-vaccine care that you would like to bust?

According to specialist Prasad—

Myth#1: Menstruating women need not take vaccination

Fact: Note that your periods have nothing to do with inoculation. So, it is safe to get vaccinated even while you have your period.

Myth#2: Lactating and breastfeeding mothers should avoid vaccination

Fact: No harmful effects of vaccination have been recorded or noted in lactating or breastfeeding mothers. It is safe for them to get the jab.

Myth#3: Covid vaccines induce infertility

Fact: There is no study or a research to validate this claim of infertility due to the vaccine.

Myth #4: Those with comorbidities like diabetes, heart conditions, and cancer must avoid vaccination.

Fact: In fact, those with comorbidities are at an increased risk of getting infected with Covid.

Myth #5: Covid vaccine causes long-lasting side effects

Fact: The side effects after vaccination are seen only a few days after the vaccine. There will be no serious consequences of the vaccination that can haunt you in the long run.

Myth #6: One can get Covid from the vaccines

Fact: Not at all, the vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus. So, you can’t get Covid. You get side effects as your body is creating the immune response and not because of the Covid infection.