Understand the Do's and Don'ts of the Two-Dose Coronavirus Vaccination Regimen
If you've already received your first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, congratulations and you're well on your way to being protected from the coronavirus. To be fully immunized, it's critical to get the second vaccine.
Here are a few things to know about the second dose:
1. Your side effects may likely be stronger. If you take one Tylendol before retiring for the evening you should wake up the next morning 90 percent improved and by midday feeling back to normal. This is not an indication of something going wrong, but rather an indication that one has a vigorous immune response.
There is no live virus in the vaccine, so you can't get COVID-19 from being vaccinated. Older adults are less likely to experience vaccine reactions. It is recommended to not make any big plans for the day after your scheduled vaccine appointment.
2. You should avoid taking pain relievers before your vaccine. Pain relievers taken ahead of the vaccine could dampen the effectiveness of the vaccine. It's OK to take Tylenol, Advil or Motrin after your vaccine to treat side effects such as pain, fever, chills or headache.
3. The timing between doses doesn't need to be exact. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is supposed to be given 21 days after the first; for Moderna, the recommended interval between doses is 28 days.
4. Your second dose should be from the same manufacturer as your first.
5. A rash at the injection site isn't a reason to skip your second dose.
6. You should temporarily avoid all other vaccines.
7. Full immunity is not immediate. It takes two weeks after your second dose for your body to build full protection to the virus.
8. Continue to wear a mask.
Prior to the second dose, be well hydrated as I have read it can help with possible side effects you may feel later that day or for the next day or so. My husband and I receive our second vaccinations on March 7.
For the latest coronavirus news and advice go to AARP.org/coronavirus
This month marks the launch of Maestro Muse a year ago on March 9, 2020. It has been my pleasure bringing you many fun and interesting Pops stories with photos and videos. On March 24, 2020 I posted a story entitled Coronvirus (COVID-19). I wrote (in part) the following:
"As I sit before my laptop on March 24, 2020 I contemplate the seriousness of this global virus and how it has affected our lives since spreading across the United States. We all hope this time of uncertainty passes quickly and we are able to move forward with renewed hope and strength. Being able to, once again, give a hug or extend a hand of friendship will be a welcome gesture."
A year has passed and we are now thankfully seeing vaccines rolled out across the United States to immunize the entire American population. If you haven't received your first vaccine, put your name on several lists for a call back. After your first dose you will be given a return date for the important follow-up second vaccination.
Be Safe.
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
