COVID-19 vaccination: Keep these things in mind after getting jabbed
Vaccines are manufactured from the same pathogens that cause infections, and they help you develop immunity without diseasing you.
Vaccination is a critical tool to solve the current COVID-19 crisis. By taking the COVID-19 vaccine, a person not only protects himself/herself but also his/her loved ones, his/her community and the world. India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive -- the largest in the world -- is underway, and on May 1, it was expanded to cover those above 18 years of age.
Good news is that the total number of COVID-19 vaccine shots given in the country neared the 18 crore mark on Thursday (May 14), according to the government. There are some important things that must be kept in mind after you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Make sure that you don’t experience any immediate reactions after taking the shot. Severe reactions, immediately after the shot are rare, but a watch for them must be kept.
- Vaccines are manufactured from the same pathogens that cause infections, and they help you develop immunity without diseasing you. However, some people, after getting vaccinated, may develop minor health complications including fever, chills headache, fatigue, muscle pain and diarrhoea. Don’t panic; it is normal. But if these health problems persist for more than a few days, then get in touch with a doctor.
- Don't miss your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine after getting the first dose. Health experts say that your body generates antibody response to build effective and lasting immunity only after you take both shots of the vaccine. Therefore, they strongly advise against not taking the second shot.
- You don’t develop immunity against coronavirus infection immediately after you get your COVID-19 vaccine shot. Your body’s defense system, after you complete the two-dose vaccination, takes around two to three weeks to make you immune to the deadly pathogen. So, be patient.
- Last but the most important thing to keep in mind is that you can
contract COVID-19 infection even after getting jabbed. Vaccination
protects you from severe illness. Therefore, you must continue strictly
adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour.