Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine? Here Are Some Tips

If you are living with HIV, chances are your doctor may have talked to you about getting your COVID-19 vaccine.

Depending on where you live, you may have already been vaccinated. In some countries, vaccination rollout has yet to hit high-risk populations of health conditions that deem them vulnerable to the virus, such as people who are HIV-positive.

Below outlines some tips to prepare you for your first dose. Not only will it make your life easier, but for your vaccinator as well!

Tips for getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Dress appropriately and bring ID

It can be incredibly frustrating for those waiting behind you in line to wait as you take off layers of clothing. Everyone should be mindful of their vaccination attire. The vaccine needs to be administered into the deltoid of the upper arm, so wearing a t-shirt or a tank top provides the best access. Wearing a cardigan is a great idea as it can be easily slipped off.

Make sure you bring your ID, as the vaccines are highly tracked and regulated. If you are going in for the second dose, bring the immunization card that you received from the first dose.

Key points to inform your vaccination

Let your vaccinator know if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. In addition, be prepared to list your allergies. For those who faint after vaccines, be sure to tell your vaccinator so they can be prepared with a fainting mat prior to vaccinating you.

Ask questions

Your vaccinator will likely inform you what type of vaccine you are getting and provide you with an immunization card. If your vaccinator does not provide you with this information, be sure to ask. This is because if a second dose is required, it is recommended that you receive the same vaccine you did for the first dose.

If an immunization card is provided, store it somewhere safe. I recommend that people take a picture when possible in the event they lose the card. We may need these immunization records to be eligible for travel in the future!

Understand the potential side effects

It is important to know what isn’t a common side effect and what is. Muscle pain at the injection site and fatigue are very common. On the other hand, a cough and/or sore throat is not a side effect of the vaccine and should be investigated further.

Post-vaccination

Once you have been vaccinated, some questions may arise such as whether you must continue social distancing and wearing a mask. You will not gain immediate immunity against COVID-19. It takes on average 2 weeks to gain an antibody response.

It is not clear yet whether getting the full series of the vaccine will prevent those who are vaccinated from spreading the virus to others. You may not get as sick from COVID-19 if you are vaccinated. But, you may still be able to transmit the virus to others. That is why wearing a mask and practicing social distancing are important until the majority of the population has been vaccinated.

Getting the vaccine can bring on so many emotions - including nervousness and excitement. Be prepared so that you know what to expect. Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine? Share your experience below!

This article was originally shared on our sister community HepatitisC.net and was written by Nour Sahib, a pharmacist working in the field of speciality medicines.