How do vaccines prevent disease?
Vaccines mimic the virus or bacteria that causes disease and triggers the body’s creation of antibodies.
These antibodies protect a person when he is infected with the actual disease-causing virus or bacteria.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?
COVID-19 vaccines that are granted with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are considered safe and effective based on the available evidence to date.
Who should and shouldn’t get vaccinated?
| Should get vaccinated | Should NOT get vaccinated |
|---|---|
| · All ages. There is growing evidence that children can be safely vaccinated against COVID-19. Seniors also need a 3rd dose for greater immunity because they develop less protection than younger people. · Pregnant, Getting Pregnant or Breastfeeding. There are no safety concerns identified for these people that have been vaccinated. |
· With history of severe allergic reactions / anaphylaxis to any of the ingredients of the COVID-19 vaccine · With fever over 38.5ºC on the day of your vaccine appointment · Have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 |
Are there risks of complications when given the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, like all other vaccines, there are risks of complications but severe or life-threatening reactions are extremely rare. The benefit of protection against severe COVID-19 is greater than the risk. Anyone who will get the vaccine will be properly evaluated and closely monitored by health professionals to minimize any risk.
To learn more about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and how they work, please read from the DOH Website here
What are the possible side effects of vaccination?
The possible side effects of vaccine include pain, redness, itchiness or swelling at the injection site (which may last a few hours); fever; chills; muscle pain; feeling of weakness or tiredness; headache; dizziness; diarrhea; or nausea. Consult the nearest healthcare professional if you experience any of these.
Is it normal not to have side effects after vaccination?
The effect of vaccines varies from person to person. Vaccination protects you from COVID whether or not you feel side effects.
For more comprehensive info on COVID-19 vaccine safety, please read from this WHO page
What should I do AFTER getting vaccination?
1. Use or exercise your arm to reduce discomfort.
2. Rest. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep for stronger immunity.
3. Drink a lot of non-alcoholic liquids. Being hydrated may help shorten or lessen the intensity of fever & aches.
4. Take medication (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) to manage pain and fever if needed. Refrain from taking pain medicines before vaccination. As with any medicine, you may take these if you don’t have serious ailments of the organs, guidelines which are provided in the patient information leaflet.
5. Consult a doctor if you notice any unusual effects (difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, loss of speech or mobility)
When should I get booster shots?
You may get booster shots 2-5 months after your primary vaccine, depending on what primary vaccine you had. Those who are immunocompromised may also get booster shots sooner than others. Check the latest guidelines by the DOH.
Other Vaccine Resources
Vaccine Registration: Visit the section on vaccination registration portals of the provinces/cities/municipalities of the regions here
Vaccine Certification: To request for a certification, go to the DOH website here
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Ref No U173P052322AS
Sources:
https://doh.gov.ph/faqs/vaccines
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/advice
https://www.unicef.org/india/stories/covid-19-dos-and-donts-after-vaccination
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html#relieve_side_effects
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/the-use-of-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-(nsaids)-in-patients-with-covid-19
