Getting vaccinated is a huge moment in current circumstances as you are not only protecting yourself but also the loved ones around you. Vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal. Vaccines help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe as they have been developed using science that has been around for decades. These vaccines have gone through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective.
Planning for the Vaccination
Do some research before booking the vaccination to know about different types of vaccines available and the way they work. Make sure you read the vaccine information from reliable sources like Ministry of Health, WHO or UNICEF.
If you have any doubt or concerns, consult a doctor or a medical staff.
Serum Institute of India has launched ‘Covishield,’ and Bharat Biotech has introduced ‘Covaxin.’ These two are majorly available across vaccination centers. The imported brand Sputnik V has also received approval for use in India.
Vaccine Eligibility
Anybody above the age of 18 can book slots and get vaccinated as per Indian government guidelines.
Vaccination Registration
Vaccination registration is an important step as you will get vaccine as per your booked slot and center. You can register through the Co-Win website https://www.cowin.gov.in/home or Arogya Setu app.
Follow these steps for vaccination registration:
Before the Vaccination
After the Vaccination
Observation Period
by the vaccination staff.
Typically, they will ask you to stay in an observation area for 15-30 minutes to monitor vaccine reaction on your body if any.
Expect some minor side effects
Some side effects are normal and expected after the Vaccination. Side effects are a sign that the vaccine is working, and your body is building immune protection. Common side effects after Vaccination includes:
These side effects typically do not last long and go away within a few days.
Care for the arm where your vaccine was injected
You can reduce any pain or discomfort in the arm where you got the vaccine, by applying a cool, clean, wet washcloth over the area.
Plan for second dose
Download your vaccination certificate and mark your calendar for second dose of the vaccine.
Keep up preventive measures
Remember that the antibodies that develop after the second dose of the vaccine reach a protective level after 15 days. Also, COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective at stopping people developing the virus, but we do not yet know whether they prevent people from passing infection onto others. Hence, be careful and do not relax the preventive measures.
Continue to protect yourself and others from Covid -19 by following these steps:
Stay Safe and Get Vaccinated