10 essential actions to take and avoid before getting the COVID-19 vaccine, read now to be proactive and minimize mistakes when it's your turn to get vaccinated

Given the complex situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinating the population is extremely urgent. Information from the Ho Chi Minh City Disease Control Center (HCDC) indicates that all residents aged 18 and over in Ho Chi Minh City will be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Here are 10 things to do and avoid before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Check them out to be proactive and avoid mistakes when it's your turn to get vaccinated. Information is sourced from the official website of the Ministry of Health.

Learn more: How to quickly register COVID-19 vaccine for family members

1. Prepare personal documents

Prepare identification documents proving your age and occupation to demonstrate your eligibility and priority for receiving the COVID vaccine. Declare personal information on the electronic health record application when required by authorities.

• How to set up the Electronic Health Record to track COVID-19 vaccine injections

2. Prepare health status documents

Prepare relevant health records and documents. If you have underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, medication allergies, etc., you need to provide evidence of your condition and consult a doctor before vaccination.

3. Avoid using steroids before vaccination

Health experts advise against using steroids one week before vaccination. Steroids like prednisone and dexamethasone are commonly used to treat low-grade joint inflammation and other autoimmune diseases.

Do not use steroids one week before, during, and after vaccination because they strongly inhibit the inflammation process and may weaken the body's immune response, leading to reduced response to COVID-19 vaccines.

Inform your treating physician about your COVID-19 vaccination plans. If you are using steroids, your doctor may prescribe alternative medications with similar effects but without immune suppression.

4. Attend vaccination appointments on the scheduled date and time, and adhere to 5K measures at the vaccination site

Arrive at the exact location on time, avoid delays and crowds. This is especially important as vaccination sites open in large numbers. Observe fellow vaccinees to maintain recommended minimum distance and follow 5K guidelines.

5. Avoid painkillers before vaccination

Experts advise against using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or non-steroidal drugs immediately before COVID-19 vaccination as they may reduce the vaccine's effectiveness.

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that can hinder the vaccine's efforts to train your immune system to react to the virus by increasing inflammation in the body.

If you experience side effects after vaccination such as arm pain, chills, and muscle aches, it is because your immune system is learning to produce antibodies against the virus.

6. Stay adequately hydrated for your body

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

7. Avoid alcohol consumption before and on the day of vaccination

Moreover, during the pandemic, experts recommend avoiding alcohol to optimize health. Maintaining good health helps keep your immune system in top shape, aiding in virus resistance upon exposure or generating antibodies against the virus during vaccination.

8. Wear appropriate clothing

Wear appropriate clothing for easy access to the upper arm area for vaccination.

9. Inject in the non-dominant arm

This helps prevent pain at the injection site and difficulty in arm movement. Using the non-dominant arm allows you to perform daily activities with ease.

10. Proactively educate yourself about vaccine side effects before vaccination

After vaccination, wait at least 30 minutes to observe for any reactions or serious side effects. If any symptoms occur, inform the healthcare provider at the vaccination site. Keep the COVID-19 vaccination confirmation document.

Avoid driving immediately after vaccination to prevent unexpected situations. Use the electronic health record app to report any post-vaccination reactions.

Do not apply any medication or substances to the injection site. Remember the name, address, and phone number of the monitoring physician and healthcare facility to contact in case of emergencies.

Health expert advice

Currently, there are various COVID-19 vaccines available, and some individuals may have preferences and wait for their desired vaccine. Health experts recommend getting vaccinated as early as possible with any available vaccine locally. Early vaccination helps build community immunity and ensures safety while living with the pandemic.

Continue practicing preventive measures such as handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing, as full protection is not immediate after vaccination.

Ho Chi Minh City has implemented Directive 16 social distancing measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, except for urgent or necessary situations, stay at home and await instructions from authorities.

Recently, the Ministry of Health has established a hotline for health declaration support at 18001119. This phone number connects directly to the COVID-19 National Steering Committee's health declaration support hotline. Alternatively, refer to official COVID-19 hotline numbers for more information.

Calling the health declaration support hotline helps assist more efficiently with health declarations, avoiding congestion and overload. Save this phone number immediately to ensure maximum safety for yourself and your family.

Vietnam is determined to defeat the pandemic!

Learn more:

• How to register for COVID-19 vaccination on your phone quickly
• How to receive COVID-19 test notifications via Zalo quickly and conveniently
• How to check your COVID-19 vaccination certificate on your phone