Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am taking an antibiotic? Why do I have to reschedule the mammogram?

DETROIT – Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Frank McGeorge has kept viewers up to date and informed on all fronts. He is answering your questions about the vaccine, the vaccination process and more.

Questions range from the impact of antibiotics to whether or not you need to postpone a mammogram. Viewers have been sending all kinds of questions about COVID-19 and vaccines.

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Should I take my blood pressure medicine before taking my first injection?

yea. Continue taking all of your usual medications, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory arthritis medications, if they are part of your daily medication regimen.

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Can I get the vaccine if I am taking an antibiotic or do I have to wait?

Antibiotics do not affect the vaccine and it is okay to continue them. In addition, the vaccine will have no effect on the bacterial infections for which you are taking antibiotics.

I just received my second COVID vaccination. I was supposed to have my annual mammogram, but I was told I would have to wait six weeks before it could be done. Why do I have to wait?

COVID vaccines can cause an increase in lymph nodes. Especially in the armpit near the injection site. The problem is that lymph nodes can sometimes be seen on a mammogram and cause unnecessary concern for the underlying cancer. As a result, the Society of Breast Imaging has published new guidelines for scheduling mammograms to avoid potential false positives.

They recommend: “If possible and when this does not unduly delay care, consider scheduling screening tests before the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4-6 weeks after the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.”

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I’ve seen people give injections without wearing gloves. Shouldn’t they use them?

This is a completely understandable question. No. Gloves are not necessary when giving a vaccine. The purpose of the gloves is to provide a barrier between the patient and the caregiver to prevent exposure to body fluids.

As long as the doctor has no open lesions on the hands, gloves are not necessary for routine vaccinations. If gloves are used, they must be changed between each patient. Hands should be cleaned with alcohol-based disinfectant or washed with soap and water, according to the CDC.

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