There is no doubt that COVID-19 vaccinations such as Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (Comirnaty), Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Moderna vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been found to lower the risk of getting infected. They are even effective in lowering the risk of having severe illness in case someone gets infected.

Though these COVID-19 vaccinations are effective, they do have some side effects such as:

• Fever

• Headache

• Nausea

• Muscle pain

• Redness and swelling on the arm

• Chills

• Tiredness

People who are planning to get the COVID-19 vaccination but are worried about their regular medication then they must contact their doctor. The side effects that are mentioned above can affect their day-to-day activities. Where some people face no side effects, a few experience long-term health problems.

Side effects are the signs that the body is building protection from vaccination. It is vital to know that side effects must go away in less than a week. But if they do not subside, then one should consult their healthcare professional.

It is highly advised that people should not delay seeking medical help if the symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, heart palpitations, persistent abdominal pain, a rash, and shortness of breath do not go away within a few days after getting vaccinated.

Should you stop taking routine medications before your vaccination?

Firstly, one should not take any over-the-counter meds like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen prior to vaccination in order to prevent the side effects of the vaccine. But those who consume these medications regularly due to their underlying issues shall continue taking them before vaccination. Also, people must not consume antihistamines prior to getting the vaccination in order to prevent any allergic reactions.

People who routinely consume any one of the following medications can get a COVID-19 vaccine:

• Blood pressure medications

• Asthma

• Diabetic meds and insulin

• Anti-depressant meds

• Antibiotics

• Steroids

• Chemotherapy and related treatment meds

• Thyroid medications

• Meds for other common health conditions

These are just some of the common medications. They can be consumed before being vaccinated.

Though most people don’t need to discontinue their regular medication, it is still crucial to get advice from the doctor. People with underlying diseases, especially those who take medication that suppress the immune system, must ask their doctor about the best timing for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Apart from this, pregnant women and breastfeeding ladies must contact their doctors before getting a vaccination. Though they can get vaccinated, consulting their doctor can take away their stress, worries, and they can clarify any questions they might have related to the vaccination.

Why should we be cautious about medication- or treatment-related issues before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Health is an important concern. People must be careful about what is being taken into their bodies. Those who have some underlying health conditions and consume regular medications have to be more vigilant. As mentioned previously, side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination go away in a few days, but some do face side effects for a longer time. Apart from the side effects stated above, people may face other mild effects such as:

• Joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Vomiting

Many people may not face any side effects after the first dose but can experience intense side effects after the second dose. It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause side effects that are similar to the COVID-19 signs. So if an individual does not recover within three days and the signs continue, then one must self-isolate and should get tested.

People need to understand that the FDA has approved COVID vaccinations as they can lower the risk of developing COVID-19 infection. However, it is mandatory that people who have allergies, low immunity, and have serious underlying health conditions should check with their doctor before they get their first shot. The COVID-19 vaccine is not dangerous for such people, but one must seek a health professional’s advice to keep oneself safe from getting severe effects.

What to Avoid Before and After COVID Vaccination?

There are a few things people need to make sure to avoid when preparing for the vaccination and after getting vaccinated, which are as follows —

•  People must not drink alcohol as it can lead to allergic reactions. Alcohol consumption must be avoided for 24 hours before and after vaccination. In fact, it is best to avoid alcohol and tobacco for a few days as these can aggravate the vaccine’s side effects.

• Another thing people need to avoid is doing vigorous exercise and taking hot showers 2 hours before and after getting the vaccination. The reason being these can trigger allergic reactions in people. Also, the body needs time to recover, so putting stress on the body can extend the recovery time.

• Smoking is suggested to not be done for a few days before and after.

People should understand that they must take complete rest after getting the vaccine so that they can recover soon and get back to their normal life. For a few days, they must eat clean food and consume a nutritious diet. A day off and a good night’s sleep is a must to give the body the proper rest and recovery time it needs.

It is imperative to note that people may contract COVID-19 even if they get vaccinated. The vaccination can protect them from serious diseases, hospitalization, and death. So, they need to continue with the precautions such as using masks, hand sanitizers, and practicing social distancing.

How Centric Healthcare’s Medication Management Helps You with Managing Your Medications

Those who have health conditions and are worried about their medications and COVID vaccination can consider getting help from Centric Healthcare’s Management. Our team of proficient professionals will assist the people when they plan to get their first or second shot. Our experienced doctors and nurses will make sure people safely consume their regular medications and the medication for the side effects they may face after getting the COVID vaccine.

The treatment for a particular side effect can vary depending on the medicine, and some individuals are especially susceptible to health issues due to their underlying conditions. It is recommended that people work closely with their healthcare providers to avoid any misunderstandings.