Frequently Asked Questions about COVID 19 Vaccination

1). Most Common Side-effects of COVID-19 Vaccine?

After getting vaccinated, you might have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling in the arm where you received the shot, as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea throughout the rest of the body. These side effects could affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

2). Can a person presently having  COVID-19 (confirmed  or suspected)  infection be vaccinated? 

Person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection may increase the risk of spreading the  same to others at vaccination site. For this  reason, infected individuals should defer  vaccination for 14 days after symptoms  resolution.

3). Is it necessary for a COVID recovered person to take the vaccine? 

Yes, it is advisable to receive complete schedule of COVID vaccine irrespective of past history of  infection with COVID-19. This will help in  developing a strong immune response against the disease.

4). If one is taking medicines for illnesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension etc, can she/he take the COVID- 19 vaccine? 

Yes. Persons with one or more of these comorbid conditions are considered high risk  category. They need to get COVID -19 vaccination.

5). When would antibodies develop?  After taking first dose, after taking second dose, or much later? 

Protective levels of antibodies are generally developed two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

6). Should patients with CKD, including those on dialysis or living with a renal transplant, take COVID-19 vaccination? 

 Yes, as they have very high chances of mortality. Although, the immune conversion will be less, whoever gets vaccinated can still be saved.  

7). Does one need to wear a mask or take precautions after getting vaccinated?

Even when vaccinated, one must follow COVID appropriate behaviour like wearing a mask & maintaing social distance.

 8).How many doses of the vaccine would  have to be taken by  me and at what  interval? 

Two doses of vaccine, 28 days apart, need to be taken by an individual to complete the  vaccination schedule. 

9).What is herd immunity and how does it relate to the COVID-19 vaccination program?

Herd immunity occurs when enough people are vaccinated to prevent the COVID-19 virus from easily spreading from person to person. Eventually, most of the population may be able to be protected from a particular disease if the vaccine is sufficiently protective and enough people in the population are vaccinated. 

10).  What happens if the second dose is given late or is missed?

If the second dose of COVID 19 is overdue (i.e. past the recommended interval) the second dose should be given as soon as possible. A single dose likely only gives provide short-term protection. The second dose will be effective regardless of how late it is given. Even if the second dose is late, no vaccine doses need to be repeated.

11). Can COVID-19 vaccines be co-administered with other vaccines (eg, influenza vaccine)?

Routine administration of a COVID-19 vaccine on the same day as another vaccine, including an influenza vaccine, is not recommended. The preferred minimum interval between receipt of COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine is 14 days.

©Dr. Mohammad Abas Reshi