KSMU News

HOW TO PREPARE FOR VACCINATION
21st October 2021

Recommendations on the ways of proper preparation for vaccination against coronavirus

1. Will an antihistamine medicine (for allergies) taken before or after vaccination help to reduce the reaction to the vaccine, avoid fever, pain and swelling at the injection site?

– No, such a drug “preparation” is not needed. Moreover, it will only hurt. A recent study has shown that antihistamines may negatively affect the immune response after vaccination. Antihistamines may be needed in patients with a relevant allergic history. If they take such medications on a regular basis as directed by their doctor, they should not interrupt the intake due to the vaccination. These drugs are not indicated for other citizens.

2. What to do if the flu-like syndrome occurs after the vaccination – fever, headache, etc.?

– Not everyone may have such a reaction, but this is normal if it occurs. Symptomatic therapy is allowed – you may take paracetamol. For more significant effect, one may take ibuprofen. In general, both of these drugs have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. After vaccination against coronavirus (not because of it, but with subsequent infection with the virus), it is possible to get sick, such cases were described. If symptoms appear, including ARVI in a vaccinated person, one should immediately consult a doctor and do a PCR test. At the same time, people who get sick after vaccination come through the infection easily and do not have complications.

3. What if a person caught the coronavirus after the first component of the vaccine?

– In this case, the second component of the vaccine is not given.

4. What should people with chronic diseases (chronic gastritis, other gastrointestinal diseases, arterial hypertension, etc.) do?

– People with any chronic diseases need to be vaccinated in the first turn, since they are at an increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19, but before vaccination, it is necessary to consult with the doctor.

5. Is it necessary to pass any tests or examinations before vaccination?

– There are no such requirements. The main thing is that a person should feel normal on the day of vaccination. Before vaccination, a doctor examines a patient, measures the pressure, checks the temperature and the condition of the mucous membranes (nose, throat) in order to exclude acute diseases. Taking a PCR test or a test for antibodies to coronavirus in order to make sure that you have not suffered the disease asymptomatically is everyone’s personal choice.

6. May one take sedatives before vaccination so as not to worry?

Yes. Against the background of anxiety, stress, blood pressure may rise. Therefore, on the day of vaccination, it is recommended to check the blood pressure in the morning and, if necessary, take antihypertensive drugs prescribed by your doctor.

7. If a person is allergic, is there a risk of getting a reaction to the vaccine?

If you are allergic, tell the doctor about that before getting vaccinated. The doctor will recommend which vaccine to choose, as they have a different composition.

Stay healthy!