Covid-19 vaccine: what you need to know when getting vaccinated

Those preparing to roll up their sleeves for a Covid-19 vaccine will be part of the most ambitious vaccination effort in US history. As efforts intensify, here is advice from doctors involved in the vaccine rollout on how to prepare and what to expect.

What is involved in getting the first dose?

Many people will be signing up for a timed rendezvous, aimed at keeping wait times and the potential for crowds to a minimum – although the patchwork rollout so far has also resulted in plenty of queues. After you have completed the consent forms and received the vaccine, you will be monitored for side effects for 15 or 30 minutes depending on your allergy history. In the case of a timed appointment, the whole process should take about an hour, says Julie Boom, co-chair of the Covid-19 Vaccine Task Force at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, which now vaccinates eligible patients who already have. records in the hospital system. Afterward, some people choose to go home and rest.

What should you bring with you to the vaccination site?

In most cases, you will just need your photo ID and proof of your appointment. Some places may require additional documents, such as employee badges for first responders to show they are eligible. People who have been vaccinated generally should not be asked to pay, so ask questions if payment is requested.

Should you consider the differences between Pfizer -BioNTech and Moderna vaccines?

So far, the two vaccines available in the United States have been shown to be just as safe and effective, says Wafaa El-Sadr, professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University in New York. Ultimately, choosing one vaccine over the other can come down to scheduling conflicts, she says. The second dose of Pfizer vaccine is offered 21 days later, while Moderna is offered 28 days later. “The only thing I would consider is convenience,” says Dr. El-Sadr.

Should you fast or avoid certain foods or drinks before vaccination?

No dietary precaution is required. Staying well hydrated before the vaccine is encouraged for people who tend to feel dizzy from vaccines or blood tests, says Gregory Huhn, immunization coordinator for Cook County Health, a Chicago hospital system.