Before being vaccinated
Find out when you qualify: Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state would move to an age-based vaccination system in the hopes of speeding up and simplifying the process.
Residents aged 65 and over and some essential workers – including educators, food and agriculture workers and first responders – can now receive vaccines. Individual counties may be inoculating only a subset of these groups based on supply limitations. Eligibility will change to an age-based system starting in mid-February.
The move is “probably for the better because it will speed up the whole process,” said Dr. Jeanne Noble, an emergency care physician at UCSF. “It is really a race against time.”
The state started MyTurn, a website where people can sign up to be notified when they are eligible for a vaccine and schedule appointments. Anyone can apply now, but is currently only available to schedule appointments for residents of Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
Know where you can get vaccinated: Bay Area counties are creating mass vaccination sites, like the one on the main campus of the City College of San Francisco. As more vaccine supplies become available, you can be vaccinated through a major health care system, if it provides primary care for you, or through pharmacies. You will need to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and be at least 2 meters away from other people.
Get information about vaccines from trusted sources: Be wary of social media posts that distribute misinformation about COVID-19. Instead, consult the websites of trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, or state and local health departments. You will probably not be allowed to choose which vaccine you will receive.
Pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking the vaccine.
Space vaccinations for other diseases: After receiving a coronavirus vaccine, wait at least 14 days before receiving any other vaccine, including for flu or herpes zoster. On the other hand, if you are vaccinated against a different disease, wait at least 14 days before receiving the coronavirus vaccine, says the CDC.
Don’t try if you have COVID-19: If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have recently been exposed to someone infected, follow the CDC guidelines for self-isolation and do not visit the vaccine site during this time.
But try if you recovered from COVID-19: Even if you’ve had the coronavirus, the CDC says that you should be vaccinated. Experts do not know how long a person can be immune after being infected. Vaccines provide a more consistent and optimal immune response.
“With the vaccine, we know that your immune system has been fully alerted and is ready to fight COVID if you see it again,” said Noble. “It’s an extra layer of protection.”
When you are vaccinated
Learn how to make the photo: Getting the coronavirus vaccine is similar to getting a flu vaccine. You will receive a strong sting in the arm, which can cause temporary pain or discomfort.
Be prepared to wait: The coronavirus vaccine is an injection into the arm, like the flu vaccine – but it is a more complicated process. Bring a good book and be prepared to wait, potentially in your car, for up to 30 minutes later. Health care professionals will use this time to monitor you and others for serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, which are rare.
If you have a history of allergic reactions to injections, have an EpiPen on hand and inform your vaccine provider before giving the injection.
There are reports of people receiving cosmetic injections, such as dermal fillers used to smooth out wrinkles, developing swelling in the areas that had been treated a few days after receiving the coronavirus vaccine. The American Society of Dermatological Surgery said that this side effect, common in other vaccines, is rare and temporary. This should not discourage people from being vaccinated.
“It is not exclusive to the COVID vaccine,” said Noble.
After getting your chance
You will receive a vaccination passport: After receiving the injection, you should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you which coronavirus vaccine you received, the date you received it and where you received it. You can also receive a printed or electronic leaflet with details about the vaccine administered.
Proof of vaccination may be required in the future to travel or return to work or school.
Prepare for side effects: The coronavirus vaccine usually causes side effects that last from 24 to 48 hours. This can be especially true after the second shot. These reactions usually mean that the vaccine is working and that your body is responding.
“The most common side effect is fatigue,” said Noble. “Some people have a headache or fever. Usually, these symptoms are really mild and last for a short period. “
How to deal with pain and discomfort: If you experience pain or discomfort in the area where you will receive the injection, it is generally safe to take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, Noble said. If you want to avoid pills, the CDC recommends applying a clean, fresh, moist towel over the area where you feel discomfort. If you experience a fever, drink plenty of fluids and keep your body cool. Contact your doctor if the symptoms do not go away after a few days.
Schedule a follow-up appointment for the second attempt: Vaccines are administered in two doses, one at a time. You will probably schedule your follow-up appointment when you receive your first dose. Make sure you get both within the time recommended by your doctor.
You will not have the peak of protection until at least a week after the second dose.
Do not mix and match: Whether you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, health officials say both doses must be from the same company.
Continue to follow the prevention protocols: You should continue to wear masks, distance yourself socially, maintain hand hygiene and follow other safety measures against coronavirus even after vaccination.
This is for three reasons: First, vaccines are not 100% protective, although they are close. Second, some variants of the coronavirus, which can spread in the region, may be less susceptible to the vaccine. Third, it remains to be seen whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus to others.
“It is too early to change our behavior,” said Noble. “The risk reduction will be tremendous. This important information is: can a vaccinated person transmit COVID to other people? We will know much more in three months. “
Aidin Vaziri is a writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected]
