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MFine's Guide To Post COVID-19 Vaccination Care

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

4 Min Read

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While the COVID-19 pandemic has been a cause of worry for over a year now, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. India has geared up to fight the pandemic with full force as many of its citizens have already taken at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine available in the country. The vaccine, although deemed to have good efficacy rates by the Indian government, has still posed some concerns because they are fairly new. It’s normal to worry about what happens after – from symptoms you may experience, to the importance of taking both doses, this article is your-go-to guide to post COVID-19 vaccination care.

Now that you’ve taken the vaccine (first or second dose), it’s important to understand how your body reacts to it. What are the side effects? When should you take the second dose? These are all crucial questions that our experts answer.

What should you eat before and after the COVID-19 vaccine?

There are a lot of questions on what food to avoid before and after taking the vaccination. In order to help your body cope with the vaccination, it is recommended that you eat a sufficient meal the day before. Make sure that the meal isn’t too spicy or has too much grease. Suggestions would include meals just as rice, vegetables, etc.

Day of vaccination:
Eat a well balanced meal that should include vegetables, and fruits.
– Avoid caffeinated drinks.
– Always keep yourself hydrated: this doesn’t have to be just water. You can have some coconut water, watermelon juice or even some soup. Keeping well hydrated will help in the development of a proper immune response.

After vaccination:
– Avoid processed foods, spicy and oily food.
– Try to cook meals at home so you’re in control of the fresh ingredients used.
– Have ample protein such as dal or meat, some vitamins such as vegetables and carbs such as rice
– Avoid spicy food because that could initiate or aggravate gastro symptoms which could make you nauseous and impair digestion.

Symptoms you may experience after the COVID-19 vaccine

Local symptoms
– Tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site

Other symptoms
– Fatigue and myalgia (pain in a muscle or group of muscles)
– Headache and nausea
– Arthralgia (joint pain)
– Pyrexia (fever) and chills

Adverse side effects:
– Excessive swelling at jab site
– Skin rashes
– Respiratory system symptoms

Rarely, Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) can occur leading to low BP and facial swelling with severe breathlessness.

These side effects are caused by the inflammation that is ongoing within the body post vaccination. The symptoms that you are experiencing is your body building a strong and healthy immune response to the virus. To learn more about post-vaccination symptoms, watch the video below.

Post-vaccination care tips from qualified health experts

To reduce pain and discomfort at the site of injection
– Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area
– Use or exercise your arm
– If on blood thinners, use palm pressure for around 3-4 min to help reduce the bruising/hematoma formation at the injection site

To reduce discomfort from fever
– Drink plenty of fluids
– Dress lightly

While it’s good to be informed about the possible side effects that can be caused by the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to know when to consult with a professional. If you notice that your symptoms gradually or suddenly continue to worsen, or you have a fever that won’t break, or if you feel severely ill – you should consult with a general physician immediately.

With MFine, you can consult with a physician from the comfort and safety of your own home. Our qualified professionals will assess your situation and let you know if you need to go to a hospital or if your symptoms can be managed at home.

How does being vaccinated help you and those around you

– Should you contract the COVID-19 virus, the vaccine will help reduce the severity of the dreadful symptoms.
– There are many people that are at high risk of contracting the virus. Getting the vaccine protects you and those around you.
– The COVID-19 vaccination helps build immunity and protection, which is beneficial to your overall health

What does it mean to be FULLY vaccinated?

There are two required doses for the COVID-19 vaccines available in India – Covaxin, Covisheild, and Sputnik V. It is important to take both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine so you are FULLY protected.

– The first dose/shot helps your body recognize the virus causing the illness and gets your immune system prepped up for an immune response against the virus.
– The second dose strengthens the immune response to the virus

There is a possibility that you can contract the COVID-19 virus even after you’ve taken the first dose of your vaccine. If this happens, you need to get the second dose after 3 months of contracting the COVID-19 infection as per the latest guidelines from the Indian government. There is no need to get a test done before you get vaccinated.

Since each individual has their own set of health concerns and medical history, consult with a physician to help you understand how to navigate through your symptoms should you get infected while waiting for your second dose. You will be advised for further treatment and care, and can also confirm when you should take your second dose.

Each of the three vaccines have a different duration between their doses. Refer to the table to know when to take your second dose.

** Both your doses have to be of the SAME TYPE of vaccine.

Vaccine name	*Duration between doses*
Covaxin	The second dose should be taken 4-6 weeks after the first dose.
Covishield	The second dose should be taken 12-16 weeks after the first dose.
Sputnik V	The second dose should be taken 21 days after the first dose.

Do’s and Don’t Post-Vaccine

Do’s	Dont’s
– Do make sure to control condition such as hypertension, diabetes and/or High or low BP – Do continue to ensure you follow social distancing – Do double mask whenever you leave your home – Do take your second dose of the vaccination as per your schedule	– Don’t self-medicate with OTC meds without the advice of a physician. – Don’t medicate with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptoms before you take the dose of the vaccine. – Don’t stop any ongoing medication without doctor’s consult – Don’t drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before and after vaccine