The COVID Vaccination drive - Here is all that you need to know

 Taking the vaccination is a small, yet significant step towards fighting the corona pandemic. Get yourself vaccinated and encourage others too! #SayYesToTheJab

The third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination is scheduled to start in India on May 01, 2021. With the government now including anyone above the age of 18 to take the vaccine for COVID-19, this is going to be one of the world's largest vaccination drives.

However, due to the shortage of enough vaccines, some states might not be able to start phase 3 of the coronavirus vaccine on May 1, 2021. You will have to wait for the official announcements released by your respective state government.

The coronavirus vaccine rollout began in a phased manner in mid-January 2021, starting with inoculating the country’s frontline workers. This was followed by the senior population and individuals with comorbidities above 45 years of age and next in line, were all others above the age of 45.

With the aim to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection amidst the rising cases, phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccination drive is something the entire nation has set its eyes and hopes on. 

If you are between the age group of 18 and 45 and are looking forward to getting your jab, here’s all you should know. 

What to do Before, During and After Getting The COVID-19 Vaccination: Tips From Health Experts

Before The Vaccination

• Learn about the different types of approved COVID-19 vaccines that are being administered across the country.

• Do your research from trusted sources like the Union Health Ministry of India or WHO (World Health Organization).

• If you are currently taking any medications or undergoing treatment, discuss this with your healthcare provider, to understand if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

• After consulting your doctor, register yourself for getting the vaccination slot, either through the CoWIN App, or the Arogya Setu App. You can discuss with your general practitioner and follow his/her guidance as well for registration.

• You should be aware of the proofs needed to be produced at the time of the vaccination (government photo identity proof and other documents). Once you have a confirmed vaccination slot, ensure to block your calendar in advance and keep your family, friends, and managers at work informed. 

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, breathlessness, sore throat, cold, cough, body ache, headache, or loss of sense of taste or smell, a day or two before the vaccination appointment or on the day of your appointment, consult your doctor immediately and do NOT go for your vaccination.

Ensure to eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated, at least 2 to 3 days prior to your vaccination appointment. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. 

On The Day of Vaccination

A. Before Reaching The Center

• Keep all necessary documents (medical prescription or a letter from your healthcare provider), photo identification proof, and the notification or message of confirmation of your vaccination appointment, ready.

• Wear loose or short sleeves shirts or tops that can be rolled up easily, so that the medical staff/healthcare workers can have easy access to your upper arm.

• Wear a proper-fitting and comfortable face mask (you may choose to wear two layers of mask), carry a hand sanitizer and a bottle of water if you wish.

• Ensure to drink an adequate amount of water and eat a proper meal (breakfast or lunch) before heading to the vaccination center.

B. At The Center

• Strictly adhere to the protocols of the vaccination center.

• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet at all times, especially while in the waiting room and the observation room.

• Wear your face mask always at the vaccination center.

• Avoid touching common surfaces such as railings, rods, doorknobs and handles, etc., and do not touch your face.

• Sanitize your hands after touching any common surfaces.

During The Vaccination

The available vaccine (Covaxin/Covishield/Sputnik V) will be injected into the deltoid muscle (thick, triangular muscle forming the rounded contour of the human shoulder) of your upper arm. 

Administration of the vaccine shot will take no longer than a few seconds. Remember to:

• Keep your mask on while receiving the coronavirus vaccine and turn your face away from the face of the vaccinator.

• In case you are feeling anxious or nervous, take slow deep breaths and do not look at the needle. 

After Vaccination

After receiving the vaccine for COVID-19, you will be asked to wait in the observation room at the center and monitored for 20-30 minutes for any untoward allergic reaction. You can expect to have slight pain and redness at the injection site while at the center. 

If you are doing fine and do not show any signs of allergic reaction to the vaccine, the health workers will ask you to leave and advise you to speak to your doctor in case of any emergency. 

• Before leaving the center, know approximately when you have to go back for receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Expect minor side effects after receiving the jab. You may have swelling, pain or discomfort at the injection site, pain in your injected arm, headache, body pain, muscle or joint pain, fever (with or without chills).

• Call your doctor immediately if you experience extreme discomfort after taking the coronavirus vaccine and take the necessary medications.

• Eat nutritious food to improve your immunity and ensure to get good sleep and avoid alcohol, smoking, etc.

Remember there is a gap of about 4 to 8 weeks between receiving the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Even after receiving the first jab, it is important to wear proper masks and follow all social distancing measures while stepping out. 

Stay Home, Stay Safe & Get Vaccinated!