Tips for when it is your turn to get your vaccine

Before your vaccination

• Ensure you have a 14-day gap between other vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine.
• If you feel sick on the day of the vaccine, check with your health care provider if you should get the vaccine now, or if you should rather postpone.
• Please also speak to your doctor if you have a history of severe allergic reactions or other health issues that concern you in relationship with the Covid-19 vaccine.

At the vaccination site

• The health care professional that administers your vaccine received specialised training for the Covid-19 vaccine. If you still have any concerns about the vaccine or your well-being, ask them for advice.
• Your vaccine will be administered in your arm. Wear clothes that allow easy access to your upper arm.
• Take your ID, Voucher number and AMS membership card or Medical Aid number.
• The health care provider will keep you at the vaccination site for 15 min to look out for any immediate reactions, although they are very rare.

After your vaccination

• Keep the record / prove of your vaccination.
• Be careful about posting selfies with vaccination certificates containing your personal information such as ID numbers on social media.
• Know that side effects are normal and expected. It could be a pain or swelling in your arm, mild fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint aches, chills, or diarrhoea. If they take longer than a few days or if you have a stronger reaction, please consult with your health care provider.
• If you received the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, please watch out for the second-dose appointment.
• Remember that your immune system needs 2-3 weeks after your vaccination before it fully protects you. If you receive the Johnson and Johnson this would be 2-3 weeks thereafter, if you receive the Pfizer vaccine, 2-3 weeks after the second dose.
• The vaccine won't necessarily stop you from catching the virus, it will protect you f rom severe infections and limiting the need for hospitalisation and ventilation therapy.

Read more on sacoronavirus.co.za.