What you should do before you receive the Covid-19 vaccine

Francis Dunn, Miami, FL

Some pre-planning before taking the Covid-19 vaccine can help you and your family build trust in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, while allowing you sufficient rest to let the vaccine take effect. Here are some areas to consider before receiving the vaccine.

Your second dose – Note down the date for your second dose and make sure you are free on that specific date. The booster for the Pfizer vaccine is 21 days while the Moderna requires 28 days.

Inform your doctor if you have had Covid-19 – If you have been infected and received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma while you were ill, you will need to wait 90 days before you receive the vaccine. If you have tested positive in the last 14 days with the virus, it is best not to receive the vaccine until you are fully recovered.

Avoid mixing vaccines – It is best to receive the same vaccine as long as it is given within 28 days.

Allergies – If you experience mild to severe allergies while receiving other vaccines, you must inform your doctor before you receive the covid-19 vaccine.

You will still need to wear a mask and social distance – Although you have received the vaccine, you will still need to wash your hands, wear a mask, and social distance.

Be informed – When examining data about the vaccine, always read reputed websites or speak to a doctor who can advise you on the facts about the vaccine.

Prepare and rest – Two days before receiving the vaccine, consider stocking up on some essentials like food and basic medicine. The day before the vaccine, make sure to rest, hydrate, and stay away from strenuous exercise.

Wait at the vaccine site to assess your reaction – You will be advised to stay at the vaccine site for at least 15 minutes to monitor your side effects.

Side effects – You may notice mild side effects like pain near the vaccine site, a mild temperature, body pains, and tiredness. Consider taking time off work for 1-2 days to let your body adjust to the vaccine.

Francis Dunn is based in Miami, Florida. He has worked as a health entrepreneur for over two decades using the latest technology to transform patient experiences. Over the course of his career, Francis Dunn has been fortunate to work with three tech startups, launching 25 technology products. At DMDconnects, he worked on a team that delivered over a 900 percent growth rate by implementing a range of innovative business drivers for the organization.