Before you are vaccinated
Discover when you are eligible: Government Gavin Newsom has announced that the state will transition to an age system for vaccinations in hopes of speeding up and simplifying the process.
Residents 65 years and older and some essential workers – including educators, food and agricultural workers and first responders – can now receive vaccinations. Individual provinces can only vaccinate a subset of these groups, based on the limited supply. To be eligible, this will change to a system based on age starting mid-February.
The change is “probably the best because it will speed up the whole process,” said Dr. Jeanne Noble, an emergency physician at UCSF. “It really is a race against time.”
The state has launched MyTurn, a website where people can sign up to be notified when they are eligible for a vaccine and can schedule appointments. Anyone can sign up now, but is currently only available to book appointments for Los Angeles and San Diego residents.
Know where to vaccinate: Bay Area Provinces is setting up mass vaccination sites such as those operated at City College’s main campus in San Francisco. As more vaccine becomes available, you can be vaccinated through a major health care system if you provide primary care or pharmacies. You must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and stays at least 6 feet away from others.
Get vaccination information from trusted sources: Beware of social media posts that spread disinformation about COVID-19. Instead, look at the websites of reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, or state and provincial health departments. You will probably not be allowed to choose which vaccine you receive.
Pregnant women should consult their doctors before getting the vaccine.
Eliminate vaccinations for other diseases: After receiving a coronavirus vaccine, you should wait at least 14 days before receiving any other vaccine, including flu or shingles. Conversely, if you are vaccinated against another disease, you should wait at least 14 days before receiving your coronavirus vaccine, says the CDC.
Do not get a chance 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 a vaccine during that time.
But take a chance if you have recovered from COVID-19: Even if you have had the coronavirus before, the CDC says you should get vaccinated. Experts do not know how long a person can be immune after being infected. Vaccinations provide a more consistent and optimal immune response.
“With the vaccine, we know your immune system is fully alerted and ready to fight COVID if it sees it again,” Noble said. “It’s an extra layer of protection.”
If you are vaccinated
Know what it feels like to get the chance: The coronavirus vaccine is similar to a flu shot. You will get a sharp stab in the arm that can cause temporary pain or soreness.
Be prepared to wait: The coronavirus vaccine is a shot in the arm, like the flu shot – but it’s a more complicated process. Bring a good book and be prepared to wait 30 minutes afterwards, possibly in your car. Healthcare professionals will use the time to monitor you and others for bad allergic reactions, which occur as anaphylaxis, which rarely occurs.
If you have a history of allergic reactions to injections, you should have an EpiPen on hand and let your vaccination provider know before you get the chance.
There have been reports of people having cosmetic injections, such as fillers using skin to smooth out wrinkles, and swelling developing in the areas where they were previously treated a few days after receiving the coronavirus vaccine. The American Society for Dermatological Surgery has said that this side effect, which is common in other vaccinations, is rare and temporary. It should not discourage people from being vaccinated.
“It’s not unique to the COVID vaccine,” Noble said.
After you get your chance
You will receive a vaccine passport: After receiving your shot, 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 may also receive a paper or electronic fact sheet detailing the vaccine administered.
Evidence of vaccination may be required in the future to travel or return to work or school.
Prepare for side effects: The coronavirus vaccine often causes side effects lasting 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,” Noble said. ‘Some people get headaches or fever. In general, these symptoms are very mild and last for a short time. ‘
How to deal with the pain and discomfort: If you have pain or discomfort in the area where you get the shot, 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, cool, wet washcloth over the area where you feel uncomfortable. If you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids and keep your body cool. Contact your healthcare provider if the symptoms do not go away after a few days.
Schedule follow-up appointment for second survey: The vaccines are given in two doses, one at a time. You will probably plan your follow-up appointment when you get the first dose. Make sure you get both within the time frame recommended by your healthcare provider.
You will only have peak protection until at least a week after the second dose.
Do not mix and match: Whether you are receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, health officials say both doses should be from the same company.
Continue to follow the prevention protocols: You should continue to wear masks, refrain from socializing, maintain good hygiene, and follow other coronavirus safety precautions, even after being vaccinated.
This is for three reasons: First, the 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. Thirdly, it is not yet known whether people who have been vaccinated can still spread the virus to others.
“It’s too early for us to change our behavior,” Noble said. “The risk reduction is going to be huge. This important information is: can a vaccinated person transmit COVID to others? We will know much more in three months. ”
Aidin Vaziri is a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected]
