In order for the body to respond well to the COVID-19 vaccine, there are several things that you must prepare before undergoing the vaccination. In addition, you also need to know the right steps to deal with the side effects that may arise after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
The government continues to carry out the COVID-19 vaccination program in Indonesia, from big cities to remote areas. The goal is to break the chain of transmission of the Corona virus and encourage the formation of herd immunity against COVID-19.
In order for this goal to be easily achieved and the COVID-19 pandemic to end quickly, your participation in the COVID-19 vaccination program is very necessary.
The types of COVID-19 vaccines used in the national vaccination program in Indonesia are Sinovac or Coronavac, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines. And, most recently, after obtaining permission to use from BPOM, the plan is that Johnson & Johnson's vaccine will also be used in the vaccination program.
Preparation Before Vaccination COVID-19
Whatever type of vaccine you use, you need to prepare yourself well so that your immune system remains strong, so that your body is able to form immunity to the Corona virus optimally, with minimal side effects.
Therefore, you need to prepare a few things before getting the COVID-19 vaccine:
- Eat healthy and nutritious foods that contain protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Avoid strenuous activity or excessive exercise.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, at least 1 day before vaccination.
- Don't stay up late and make sure you get enough sleep, which is for 7-9 hours every night.
- Get treatment from a doctor if you have a comorbid disease. Also make sure your condition is feasible and safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine by consulting a doctor.
Handling Side effects Vaccination COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine can cause some side effects. Symptoms of side effects that appear can vary from person to person, depending on the body's response to the vaccine and the type of vaccine used.
For more details, the following are some of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine available in Indonesia:
Side effects | Types of COVID-19 vaccines in Indonesia | |||
Sinovac | AstraZeneca | Moderna | Pfizer | |
| Fever | 13% | >30% | 15.5% | >10% |
| Pain at the injection site | - | >50% | 92% | >80% |
| Swelling at the injection site | - | - | 14.7% | - |
| Headache | 22% | >50% | 65% | >50% |
| Fatigue | 35.8% | >50% | 70% | >60% |
| Muscle ache | 39.6% | >40% | 62% | >30% |
| Joint pain | 13% | >20% | 46% | >20% |
| Nausea and vomiting | 1.5% | >20% | 23% | - |
| Shivering | - | >30% | 46% | >30% |
| Diarrhea | 26% | 2.2% | - | - |
Although rare and very rare, the COVID-19 vaccine can cause more serious side effects or a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. This is one of the AEFI reactions that can occur.
If you experience mild side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, such as muscle aches, fever, or weakness, you need to get enough rest, eat regularly, and drink plenty of water. In addition, you can also apply a cold compress and move your arm more often to relieve pain at the injection site.
If the side effects that appear are felt to be disturbing and hamper your daily activities, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. This drug can reduce fever and relieve pain from vaccination.
To get over the fever and pain complaints more quickly, you can choose a drug that contains Ibuprofen arginine. Several studies have proven that Ibuprofen arginine is a faster, more effective treatment option, and has lower gastric side effects in relieving pain and fever than other pain relievers.
It is important to remember that drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol should only be used when the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine have appeared.
The drug is not recommended to be taken before vaccination with the aim of preventing the emergence of vaccine side effects, so that the process of forming immunity against the Corona virus after the COVID-19 vaccine is injected is not disrupted.
As mentioned earlier, your active role in getting vaccinated will support the government's efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, if you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine, immediately register yourself at the health center or the nearest vaccination provider.
If you still have questions about getting vaccinated or experience any worrying side effects after getting vaccinated, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
