Beating Ill Health

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists worked tirelessly to develop a vaccine. Globally, the vaccine makes a positive contribution to reducing the severity of symptoms and deaths. If you're looking into COVID vaccination appointments, it might help to learn more about what to expect and how to stay well.

Understand Your Eligibility

Although being registered for Medicare makes it easier for you to book COVID 19 vaccination appointments, you don't need to be eligible to receive a vaccine. The Australian government encourages everyone to get a free vaccine to protect the community. If you're over the age of 18 or you're immunocompromised, you may be eligible for a booster dose. Having a booster dose means your immune system remains toughened to the virus during new strain outbreaks. If you do attend an appointment, make sure you secure proof of your vaccination status. By doing so, you may make it easier to travel or engage in certain social activities.

Hydrate Before the Appointment

There is some anecdotal evidence that staying well hydrated ahead of your appointment reduces potential side effects afterward. Said side effects include pain around the injection site and fatigue. Precisely why water helps isn't clear. It may be that by staying well hydrated, you're optimising your health prior to your immune system forming a post-vaccine response. As dehydration can result in fatigue, not getting enough water ahead of your appointment may exacerbate that particular symptom. Some medics also believe you're less likely to faint when you drink water ahead of the vaccine, as you're giving your blood volume a much-needed boost.

Be Careful With Medications

Some people recommend taking paracetamol or other painkillers ahead of your COVID vaccine appointment. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against this. This is because it isn't clear whether medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen could affect the vaccine. Similarly, don't take an antihistamine with the aim of reducing your risk of an allergic reaction. While antihistamines are useful for mild allergies, they're unlikely to have a big effect on severe anaphylaxis. It isn't clear whether antihistamines affect the vaccine's efficacy. If you're concerned about anaphylaxis, discuss your worries with the person performing the vaccine. They may advise that you wait for a short while following your appointment to stay safe.

Finally, if you suffer from a chronic medical condition then discuss it with the person providing the vaccine ahead of your appointment. That way, they can offer advice that's specific to your health profile.

For more information on a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, contact a professional near you.