Those preparing to roll up their sleeves for a Covid-19 vaccine will participate in the most ambitious vaccination effort in U.S. history. As your efforts increase, here are the tips from the doctors involved in deploying the vaccine on how to prepare and what to expect.
What does it mean to get the first dose?
Many people will sign up for a scheduled appointment, with the goal of keeping wait times and crowd potential to a minimum, although patchwork deployment so far has also meant a lot of waiting in long lines. After completing the consent forms and receiving the shot, you will be monitored for adverse reactions for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your allergy history. In the case of an appointment, the whole process should take about an hour, says Julie Boom, co-chair of the Covid-19 Vaccine Task Force at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, which now vaccinates eligible patients who already they have a history of the hospital system. Then some people choose to go home and rest.
What should you bring to the vaccine site?
In most cases, you simply need your photo ID and proof of your appointment. Some sites may require additional documentation, such as employee badges for first responders to prove they are eligible. In general, you should not be asked to pay people who get vaccinated, so ask questions if payment is requested.
Should the differences between Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines be taken into account?
For now, the two vaccines available in the United States are found to be equally safe and effective, says Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University in New York. Eventually, choosing one vaccine over another can result in scheduling conflicts, she says. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is offered 21 days later, while Moderna is offered 28 days later. “The only thing I would consider is comfort,” Dr. El-Sadr says.
Do you need to fast or avoid certain foods or drinks before vaccination?
No food precautions are required. It is recommended to maintain good hydration before the vaccine for people who tend to feel bewildered with vaccines or blood draws, says Gregory Huhn, vaccination coordinator at Cook County Health, a Chicago hospital system.