Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have an antibiotic? Why should I reschedule my mammogram?

DETROIT – Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Dr. Frank McGeorge has kept viewers up to date and informed on all fronts. He has been answering your questions about the vaccine, the vaccination process and more.

Questions have ranged from the impact of antibiotics to whether or not a mammogram should be delayed. Viewers have been posting all sorts of questions about COVID-19 and vaccines.

TO READ: Why should you wear a mask after getting vaccinated? Will vaccinations have to be done every year?

Should I take my blood pressure medication before I get the first shot?

Yes. Keep taking all your usual medications, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory arthritis, if they are part of your daily medication regimen.

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Is it okay to get the vaccine if I have an antibiotic or should I wait?

Antibiotics do not affect the vaccine and it is okay to continue them. In addition, the vaccine will not affect the bacterial infection for which you are taking antibiotics.

I just got the second vaccination against COVID. The annual mammogram was supposed to be done, but I was told I would have to wait six weeks before it could be done. Why should I wait?

COVID vaccines can cause an enlargement of the lymph nodes. Especially in the armpit near the injection site. The problem is that the lymph nodes can sometimes be seen on a mammogram and cause unnecessary concern for the underlying cancer. As a result, the Society of Breast Imaging published new guidelines for scheduling mammograms to avoid possible false positives.

They recommend: “If possible and when it does not unduly delay attention, consider scheduling screening tests before the first dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 or 4-6 weeks after the second dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 “.

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I’ve seen people pull without wearing gloves. Aren’t they supposed to wear them?

This is a completely understandable question. No, gloves are not required when a vaccine is given. The purpose of gloves is to provide a barrier between the patient and the caregiver to prevent exposure to body fluids.

As long as the medical person does not have any open hand injury, gloves are not required for routine vaccinations. If gloves are used, they should be changed between all patients. According to the CDC, hands should be cleaned with an alcohol-based disinfectant or washed with soap and water.

TO READ: More answers to COVID questions