Dos and Don’ts of vaccination against COVID-19 for teens
Information about dos and don’ts for teens during vaccination and post vaccination against COVID-19
Since the onset of the pandemic millions of children have found themselves in an utterly clueless state. From not being able to attend school or meet their friends to supporting family members in taking care of relatives recovering from COVID-19. Children have endured it all.
With the vaccination of teens starting early this year in India, we understand the confusion and uncertainty you all must be feeling due to lack of guidance and rampant misinformation around the topic.
In this article we have compiled a list of 8 Dos and Don’ts around vaccination to make it less stressful for all you young fighters out there. Know you are not alone and let us together fight this pandemic.
Read it to get insightful information to help you prepare for your day of vaccination and even post vaccination.
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Book your appointment and reach the vaccination site on time. First and foremost, book your vaccination through a proper channel and get legitimate certificates. You can book your vaccination through CO-Win. There are onsite registrations available too. Remember, this is your chance to support the country in the fight against the pandemic.
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If you have questions regarding the vaccine, coronavirus, or anything related to the pandemic, talk to an expert. You could also look for information on MoHFW, WHO, UNICEF or other reliable sources. Curiosity is good - do not feel guilty about having doubts.
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If you are a child living with a disability or co-morbidities, it is imperative that you consult your doctor before getting vaccinated. If required, even get blood tests done or whatever inquiry is suggested by your doctor. Only go ahead with the vaccination when advised by your doctor and after proper investigations.
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If you are a child living with a disability, check for accessible vaccination centres to make your vaccination experience better.
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Always follow all COVID-19 protocols even within the vaccination centre. Wear your mask and carry a hand sanitizer. Always follow the 3 Ws (Wear your masks, Wash your hands, Watch your distance) and 2 Vs (Vaccinate and Ventilate) of prevention against COVID-19.
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Ensure to eat well and keep yourself hydrated pre and post vaccination. Getting at least eight hours of sleep is also important. These steps might even minimise the side effects of the vaccine.
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Rest well after vaccination. When you get vaccinated, the body relies on immune responses to develop protection. It is recommended that recently vaccinated people sleep for at least 7-8 hours as sleep deprivation can result in suppressed immunity since the body rebuilds its defence mechanisms during sleep. Not getting enough sleep can also trigger stress, which further supresses the immune system.
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Share your experience of vaccination and motivate others you know to get themselves vaccinated too.
Don’ts
Understand that vaccination protects you against sever illness and hospitalisation. Getting vaccinated does not mean that you are immune to COVID-19. It is extremely important to follow all COVID-19 protocols including wearing your mask even after getting vaccinated.
Do not wear long sleeves or sleeves difficult to roll up on your vaccination day. Wear loose sleeves or short sleeves as it will spare you the hassle while getting your vaccine shot.
Do not leave the vaccination centre immediately after getting your shot. Wait for 30 minutes at the centre and in case of any concerns, immediately contact the staff at the centre.
Do not get vaccinated if you presently have COVID-19 or have recently recovered from it. After recovering from the illness, you should wait for 3 months before getting your vaccination as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines.
Do not give into misinformation around COVID-19. Check out our FAQs on children and vaccination (Link) for verified information. Also, check the MoHFW site, WHO pages for information.
Do not ignore if you see your friends and family falling for or participating in spreading rumours, fake news, and misinformation. Question them and guide them to reliable sources.
Do not brag about your vaccination to people who are unable to get it for whatever reasons. Support such people around you. Help them book their vaccination, educate them about COVID-19 protocols and talk to them about vaccine misinformation if you see vaccine hesitancy in them.
Do not forget to schedule your second shot of the vaccine. Complete vaccination is very important.
