DNU Nursing Faculty Lecturer recommends 10 important notes before getting vaccinated against Covid-19

1. Prepare documents proving your age and job to prove that it is your turn and priority to receive the COVID vaccine. Declare personal information on the Electronic Health Book application when requested by the authorities.

2. Prepare your health records and documents. If you have underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, drug allergies, etc., you need to present evidence that you have that condition and consult your doctor before getting the injection.

3. Avoid using steroids before vaccination: Medical experts recommend avoiding steroids one week before vaccination. Steroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Steroids should not be used one week before, during, or after vaccination, as steroids strongly suppress inflammation and can suppress the body's immune system, leading to a reduced response to the COVID-19 vaccine. You should inform your doctor about your plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you are taking steroids, your doctor may prescribe drugs that have similar effects but do not suppress the body's immune system.

4. Go to the vaccination site on the scheduled date and time and follow the 5K at the vaccination site: Go to the exact location and on time to avoid delays and congestion in the crowd. This is especially important when vaccination sites open in large numbers. You need to observe the people going to the vaccination site to keep the recommended minimum distance and follow the 5K.

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5. Don't take painkillers before the shot: Experts advise against taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs right before getting a COVID-19 vaccine because they can reduce the vaccine's effectiveness. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that will interfere with the vaccine's efforts to train your immune system to respond to the virus by increasing inflammation in your body. If you have side effects after the shot, such as a sore arm, chills, and muscle aches, it's because your immune system is learning to create antibodies to fight the virus.

6. Stay hydrated: Water is not only important for daily health, but can also control or even prevent discomfort caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.

7. Do not drink alcohol before and on the day of vaccination: Not only that, during the pandemic, experts recommend avoiding alcohol to optimize health. Staying healthy helps your immune system stay in the best condition, helping to fight the virus if you are exposed or help create antibodies against the virus when you are vaccinated.

8. Wear appropriate clothing: Wear appropriate clothing to facilitate vaccination (easy access to the skin on your upper arm).

9. Inject into your non-dominant arm: In case you have pain at the injection site and difficulty moving your arm. Your dominant arm allows you to perform daily activities.

10. Take the initiative to learn about the side effects of the vaccine before getting vaccinated. After getting vaccinated, wait at least 30 minutes to see if there are any reactions or serious side effects after the injection. If any symptoms arise, immediately notify the doctor at the injection site. You need to keep the COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Do not drive immediately after getting vaccinated to prevent unexpected situations. Update the Electronic Health Book application about any post-injection reactions you encounter. Do not apply or cover the injection site with medicine or anything else. Remember the name, address, and phone number of the supervising doctor and the medical facility to contact in case of emergency.

Dr. Nguyen Van Giang - Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing, Dai Nam University