Before getting vaccinated
Find out when you qualify: Gavin Newsom announced that the state would move to an age-based vaccination system in hopes of speeding up and simplifying the process.
Residents 65 and older and some key workers – including educators, food and agricultural workers, and first responders – can now be vaccinated. It is possible that individual provinces inoculate only a subset of those groups based on the limitations in the supply. Eligibility will shift to an age-based system from mid-February.
The change is “probably the best because it will speed up the whole process,” said Dr. Jeanne Noble, an emergency care physician at UCSF. “It really is a race against time.”
The state started MyTurn, a website where people can sign up to be notified when they are eligible for a vaccine and schedule appointments. Anyone can sign up now, but is currently only available to book appointments for residents of Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
Know where to get vaccinated: The Bay Area counties are setting up massive vaccination sites, like the one on the main campus of City College of San Francisco. As more vaccines become available, you may be able to get vaccinated through a major health system if it offers you primary care, or through pharmacies. You should wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and stay at least six feet away from others.
Get vaccine information from reliable sources: Beware of social media posts spreading disinformation about COVID-19. Instead, look at the websites of trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, or the state and county health departments. You probably shouldn’t be able to choose which vaccine to get.
Pregnant women should consult their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
Clean up vaccinations for other diseases: After you have received a coronavirus vaccine, you must wait at least 14 days before receiving any other vaccine, including against the flu or shingles. Conversely, if you are being vaccinated against another disease, wait at least 14 days before getting your coronavirus vaccine, the CDC says.
Don’t stand a chance if you have COVID-19: If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, or if you’ve recently been exposed to someone who is infected, follow the CDC guidelines for self-isolation and don’t visit a vaccination site during that time.
But take a chance if you’ve recovered from COVID-19: Even if you had the coronavirus before, the CDC says you should get vaccinated. Experts don’t know how long a person can be immune after being infected. Vaccines provide a more consistent and optimal immune response.
“With the vaccine, we know that your immune system has been fully alerted and is ready to fight COVID when it sees it again,” Noble said. “It’s an extra layer of protection.”
If you are vaccinated
Know what it feels like to take the photo:Getting the coronavirus vaccine is similar to getting a flu shot. You will receive a sharp injection in your arm which may cause temporary pain or pain.
Be prepared to wait: The coronavirus vaccine is an injection into the arm, just like the flu shot, but it is a more complicated process. Bring a good book and be prepared to wait, possibly in your car, for up to 30 minutes afterward. Health professionals will use the time to monitor you and others for serious allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis, which are rare.
If you have had allergic reactions to injections in the past, have an EpiPen ready and let your vaccine provider know before getting your injection.
There are reports of people having cosmetic injections, such as dermal fillers used to smooth out wrinkles, and developing swelling in the areas they were previously treated a few days after they received the coronavirus vaccine. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery said this side effect, which is common with other vaccinations, is rare and temporary. It should not discourage people from getting vaccinated.
“It is not unique to the COVID vaccine,” said Noble.
After you take your chance
You will receive a vaccine passport:After you receive your injection, you will receive a vaccination card or printout stating which coronavirus vaccine you received, the date you received it and where you received it. You may also receive a paper or electronic fact sheet detailing the vaccine administered.
Proof of vaccination may be required in the future to travel or return to work or school.
Prepare for side effects:The coronavirus vaccine often causes side effects that last for 24 to 48 hours. This can be especially the case after the second shot. These reactions generally mean that the vaccine is working and that your body is responding.
“The most common side effect is fatigue,” said Noble. “Some people get a headache or fever. In general these symptoms are very mild and only last for a short time. “
Dealing with pain and discomfort:If you have pain or discomfort in the area where you get your injection, it is generally safe to take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, Noble said. If you want to avoid pills, the CDC recommends applying a clean, cool, and wet washcloth to the area where you feel uncomfortable. If you have a fever, drink a lot and keep your body cool. Contact your health care provider if the symptoms do not go away after a few days.
Schedule a follow-up appointment for the second admission: The vaccines are given in two doses, one at a time. You will likely schedule your follow-up appointment when you get your first dose. Make sure you get both within the time frame recommended by your health care provider.
You will not get maximum protection until at least a week after the second dose.
Do not mix and match: Whether you get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, health officials say both doses must be from the same company.
Continue to follow prevention protocols:You should continue to wear masks, distance yourself, maintain hand hygiene, and follow other coronavirus safety precautions even after you have been vaccinated.
That’s for three reasons: First, the vaccines are not 100% protective, even though they are close. Second, some variants of the coronavirus, which could spread in the region, may be less susceptible to the vaccine. Third, it is not yet known whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus to others.
“It’s too soon for us to change our behavior,” said Noble. “The risk reduction will be enormous. That important information is: Can a vaccinated person pass COVID on to others? We will know a lot more in three months. “
Aidin Vaziri is a staff writer at San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected]
