What To Do After Getting Vaccinated

28 September 2021

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The whole world was caught off-guard when the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 infected the global population. This is an infectious disease produced by the SARS-Cov-2 virus that can make people suffer from mild to severe respiratory infections. This pandemic is tagged as a global crisis as it may strike anybody at any time, leading to serious health problems or death. This particular event also led to an economic slump worldwide wherein investors and businessmen were all of a sudden blown away by the draconian changes and emergency that occurred in the society.

This is the reason why the World Health Organization or WHO has collaborated with nations and regions in the Western Pacific Region on public health efforts in order to limit or halt the spread of COVID-19 virus since it began. So far, WHO determined that the following vaccinations against COVID-19 satisfied their required safety and efficacy criteria: AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BionTech, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.

In the Philippines, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration or FDA approved and given the following vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA): Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, CoronaVac (Sinovac), Gamaleya Sputnik V, Johnson and Johnson's Janssen, Bharat BioTech, Moderna, and Sinopharm.

Health workers prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine

Health worker are part of the Priority Groups for vaccination

Healthcare workers have become the main point of contact for residents with the outside world during the lockdown of long-term care institutions, making them the most probable carriers of COVID19. This is especially alarming in light of the high probability of asymptomatic spread.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, health professionals have fought to save lives while being often exposed and inadequately protected. Despite the widespread use of personal protective equipment or and pre-visit symptom screening, health care workers are seven times more likely than the general population to acquire COVID19 and develop severe COVID19 illness than the general population.

And this is why WHO’s key priority for the COVID-19 are the healthcare workers, regardless of the number of infected cases in that country or area. According to them, because of the nature of the pandemic, the virus has the potential to spread to any part of the world and this is enough reason why all healthcare workers should be immunized to help prevent the spread of disease.

This is the same scenario in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health or DOH, as a result of the initial limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, frontline health professionals and uniformed personnel are prioritized because their immune response face a greater risk of exposure while doing their jobs and because doing so allows them to continue working in both the public and private sectors. Also, they give assurance to the citizens that the concept of equality prioritizes vulnerable populations like the elderly, the poor, and people with chronic health conditions.

After getting the jab

fully vaccinated of Covid-19 vaccine

As the Philippines began immunizing against COVID-19 in March 2021, with a goal of 100 million inoculated people by the end of the year, around 21.4 million Filipinos have already received their COVID-19 vaccinations as of September 30th, 2021. Comparatively, about 24.2% of those scheduled to get the second dose of the vaccine had not yet received it.

As per experts’ recommendation, the target for inoculated individuals was raised to 90% from 70% of the population in order to achieve herd immunity because the new COVID-19 variants decreased the efficacy of the vaccines.

If you already had your first vaccination appointment, here are the things you need to do after getting vaccinated:

Stay in the vaccination site for observation

Stay at the immunization location for 15–30 minutes after getting the vaccine, or as directed by the healthcare providers on site. Health professionals will keep an eye out for any adverse reactions to the vaccination and provide first aid if necessary.

Be prepared for any adverse reactions

Adverse side effects are possible with this vaccination, like other immunizations so make sure to take note of them once encountered. When it comes time for the second dosage, having this record handy can help set expectations and alleviate any anxiety about side effects. Ask your doctor about the possible medications to take like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines.

Common Side effects

On the arm where you get inoculated: Pain, redness, and swelling

In other part of your body: Mild fever tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea

Maintain good personal hygiene and healthy routines

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and drinking enough water can help your body stay in good shape. Even after the vaccination, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining proper hygiene will help to boost your immune system.

Don’t drink or smoke

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it's best to abstain from alcohol and cigarettes since they may impair immunity and reduce the vaccine's efficacy. Alcohol intake may also cause dehydration and increase stress on the body.

Take note of the second vaccination appointment

The second dosage is usually given three to twelve weeks after the first dose. This schedule is often

provided at the time of your first immunization so make sure to take note of it.

Stay safe by following the health guidelines

Even after immunization, you can still be contracted by the virus so see to it that you still follow the existing health procedures including wearing a mask and face shield, washing or sanitizing hands on a regular basis, staying away from busy areas, keeping a one-meter physical distance, and maintaining good ventilation at home.

What to do in case of a severe allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions usually occur 4 hours or less after vaccination and include hives, swelling, and wheezing as well as other respiratory distress signs. A severe allergic response needs to be treated immediately and requires hospitalization. Experts called it Anaphylaxis, a medical term for life-threatening allergic responses. In this case, you need to consult your physician to see whether you would need a different kind of COVID-19 vaccination.

Second dose for boosting the immune system

Two Dose Vaccines depending on vaccination provider

One dosage of the two-dose vaccinations can give you some protection, though it can’t be determined how long that protection will continue. Getting only half of the second dosage isn't as beneficial as getting the full amount. The second dosage is highly advised in light of the virus's rapid spread and the severe health risks it presents.

Getting the vaccination in two doses increases your chance of developing complete immunity to it as a single dose of the vaccination will not offer you complete protection or maximize the vaccine's efficacy.

Let’s do our part in stopping the spread of this pandemic. Schedule for a vaccination now Kabarangays and help our nation to achieve herd immunity!