A local physician Dr Eric Khumalo, shared sound advice on what to do before taking a vaccination. “Before taking the jab, one must be free of any flu-like symptoms. Remember that the majority of people with Covid-19 infection show no symptoms, and it is possible to take the jab while having Covid-19 already; this might have adverse effects on your health with disastrous consequences.
“It is further important to avoid taking the jab after you have been to any social gathering, funeral or church. At least give yourself 10 days or more after having been to any event where there was a large gathering, before taking the jab, should you have been infected with Covid-19 and you remain without symptoms of illness,” he said.
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“Finally, some people might have allergies to the contents or constituents of the vaccine, and might develop allergies soon after taking the jab, with most allergies being mild, like itchiness. Some people might develop a severe form of allergy known as anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.
“This is why everyone taking the jab is evaluated and has their vitals checked before taking the jab, and are monitored for a brief period before being sent home, but it is still very important for people who have taken the jab to know who to contact or where to go should they develop some adverse effects. The most common adverse effects are pain in the injection area, swelling and redness. Some people might develop flu-like symptoms after taking the jab, which include headache, dizziness, lack of energy and a sore throat, but these are self-limiting in most instances,” Khumalo said.
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He added that people must know that protection is not immediate after taking the jab, as it takes between three to four weeks to gain full immunity after the single jab of J&J and two to four weeks after the second dose of the double-dose vaccine of Pfizer or BioNtech.
What to do after taking the vaccine
Khumalo added that it remains of paramount importance to observe all Covid-19 health regulations, even if one had been vaccinated.
“Even after that, it is still important to observe all Covid-19 regulations and protocols, which include wearing face masks when in public places, social distancing and regular washing and sanitising of hands,” he emphasised.
The vaccine reduces the chances of getting Covid-19, and protects you from severe symptoms and hospitalisation.
South Africa is aiming to vaccinate at least 35 million people, as this will help avert future Covid-19 waves and new infections, as we would have achieved what is call “herd immunity” as a country, when those who are infected no longer pass the infection to others, thus breaking the cycle of infection.
