With the spread of the COVID-19 vaccine, more and more people are eligible for an appointment. While there isn't much you need to do, there are a few ways you can prepare to make getting vaccinated a smooth, convenient experience with minimal side effects. Make sure you wear a mask and keep your distance from other people, even after you have been vaccinated, to protect yourself and others.
Steps
Part 1 of 11: Consultation with the GP
Step 1. You may not have time to ask questions during your appointment
If you're not sure if the COVID vaccine is right for you or if you're concerned, make an appointment with your doctor to talk. He or she can tell you about the different types of vaccines and which one is best for you.
- The experts agree that the coronavirus vaccine is safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you're concerned, feel free to talk to a healthcare provider before making a decision.
- If you have an underlying medical condition, you can get the vaccine as long as you have not previously had an allergic reaction to a vaccine. You can learn more about the underlying conditions and the COVID-19 vaccine on the Heart Foundation website.
Part 2 of 11: Make an appointment
Step 1. The government is responsible for distribution
If you are eligible for a vaccine, you will receive a letter from RIVM or your healthcare employer.
- You can only make an appointment by invitation.
- You get two shots at two different times, the second after three weeks. Your first appointment is for your first injection.
- The vaccine is free. Do not respond to stories of people or companies that offer a vaccine for a fee.
Part 3 of 11: Don't schedule other vaccines at the same time
Step 1. Experts aren't sure if the COVID vaccine will affect how other vaccines work
Wait at least 14 days before and after your COVID vaccination to plan something else. This also reduces the side effects you might feel from multiple vaccines at once.
If you accidentally plant two vaccines close to each other, you don't have to restart the COVID vaccination
Part 4 of 11: Wear a face mask
Step 1. It is important to keep your distance and wash your hands regularly, even if you have been vaccinated
Stay at home as much as possible, wear a mask when you go out and stay more than 1.5 meters from people you don't live with. Wash your hands so you don't transfer the virus to your face and other surfaces in the house.
Wear a mask and keep your distance even after you have been vaccinated to protect those around you
Part 5 of 11: Wait 90 days
Step 1. Experts aren't sure if COVID treatments will interfere with the vaccine
If you have been treated with antibodies or plasma for COVID-19, wait at least 90 days before scheduling a vaccination appointment. Experts aren't sure how long natural immunity lasts before you get COVID-19, so try to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
If you've had COVID-19 but haven't been treated with antibodies or plasma, you can schedule your vaccination appointment once you've recovered
Part 6 of 11: Eat and drink on the day of your appointment
Step 1. Some people report feeling faint after receiving the vaccine
You can reduce any side effects by drinking plenty of water and eating a full meal before your appointment. You may have to wait in line for a while to get vaccinated, so eat before you go!
Part 7 of 11: Identify yourself at your appointment
Step 1. You will need your invitation letter and proof of identity to verify that it is you
Bring a passport or identity card with you to your appointment.
- You will not be vaccinated without identification.
- Your letter will state where you can pick up your vaccine.
Part 8 of 11: Wear a face mask to the appointment
Step 1. Both you and the caregiver must wear a face mask
When you leave for your appointment, make sure you wear a face mask that completely covers your nose and mouth. If you're not wearing a mask, you probably won't be let in for your appointment.
Keep your face mask on when you stand in line and when you get the vaccine
Part 9 of 11: Wear loose fitting clothes
Step 1. The vaccine is administered by means of a prick in your upper arm
Therefore, wear clothes that you can easily roll up, such as a T-shirt. You may experience some pain and discomfort, and tight clothing can make that worse.
If you're concerned about arm pain, keep an ice pack or cold washcloth in your car for after your appointment
Part 10 of 11: Take your time
Step 1. Some people experience flu-like symptoms after the vaccine
48 hours after your first dose, you may experience a fever, chills, fatigue, or headache. Plan to rest and drink plenty of fluids to recover quickly.
- After you get your first dose, you will be monitored for 15 minutes to make sure you don't have any serious reactions.
- If you have pain or swelling in your arm, you can run a cool washcloth over the area to reduce the inflammation.
- If you have serious side effects, you can report them to the healthcare provider.
Part 11 of 11: Schedule two appointments
Step 1. Currently, all COVID vaccines require two doses
You make the two appointments at the same time.
- If you receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you should receive your second dose 21 days after your first dose.
- If you receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you should receive your second dose 28 days after your first dose.
- AstraZeneca's vaccine works best when the second shot is given after 12 weeks.