Important Do's and Don'ts for Getting your COVID-19 Vaccine

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Approximately 59% of people ages 12 and older in the United States are fully vaccinated. If you're ready to receive your first or second  COVID vaccine, you may be feeling nervous or apprehensive. 

It's normal to be anxious or hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but remember, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. One cure for anxiety is preparation. Curb vaccination concern with preparedness.

"Do":

• Confirm current health conditions and medications with your doctor beforehand.
• Stay up-to-date with current vaccinations.
• Plan and prepare for commonly reported COVID-19 vaccine side effects. 
• Accept whichever vaccine is available. Avoid "vaccine shopping".  
• Schedule your second shot, if needed.
• Contact your physician if have adverse side effects from the vaccine that last more than 72 hours.
• Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is extremely important both before and after the vaccination.
• Eat a well-balanced diet to avoid serious side effects.
• Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. After vaccination, the body relies on immune responses to develop protection.  
• Perform some light exercise/physical activity and listen to your body. Exercise supports blood circulation that can reduce vaccine side effects.
• Wear a mask or face covering.
  
  
  

"Don'ts"

• Post a selfie with your vaccine card.
  • Displaying vaccine cards could be an invitation for scammers. 
  • Vaccine cards have personal information including your full name, birth date, and the location where your vaccine was received. 
• Lose or throw away your vaccine card.
  • Showing your provider the vaccine card timestamp is required in order to receive a second shot. 
  • Public places and transportation companies may begin requiring COVID-19 vaccine documentation. 
• Miss your appointment.
  • Missing an appointment could result in a wasted dose of the vaccine. Once syringes are thawed, they must be used the same day or discarded. 
• Take OTC pain medication before your appointment.
  • The CDC cautions against taking medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen before getting vaccinated. 
  • Public health officials are unsure how these drugs interact with the COVID-19 vaccine. There is a chance they could make the vaccine less effective. 
  • Wait until after the vaccination is administered or until uncomfortable symptoms are experienced to take OTC pain medications.
• Toss your mask and stop social distancing afterward.
  • Full vaccination against COVID-19 is not experienced until 14 days after the final dose of the vaccine.
• Hesitate to report side effects.
  • This information helps the CDC track side effects, monitor severe adverse events, and discover information regarding future vaccine development. 
• Assume others are safe because you got vaccinated.
• Act like the Pandemic is over.

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