As the COVID-19 vaccine gets distributed, more and more people are eligible to get an appointment. While there isn’t much you need to do before your dose, there are a few ways you can prepare for a smooth, easy experience with minimal side effects. Make sure you wear a mask and continue to social distance even after you’ve been vaccinated to keep yourself and others safe.

1

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

  1. You might not have time to ask questions during your appointment. If you’re not sure that the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, or you have concerns, make an appointment with your primary doctor to talk. They can tell you about the different vaccine types and which one is best for you.[1]
    • Experts agree that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you have any concerns, feel free to talk to your healthcare provider before making a decision.
    • If you have an underlying medical condition, you can get the vaccine as long as you haven’t had an allergic reaction to a vaccine before. You can learn more about underlying conditions and the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html.
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2

Make an appointment online.

  1. Your government or healthcare provider is in charge of distribution. If you’re eligible for the vaccine, you can go online to make an appointment and get a time slot. The website will tell you where to go, how to prepare, and what to expect at your appointment.[2]
    • Most agencies are only vaccinating people with appointments. As the vaccine distribution gets wider, that may change.
    • Your government or healthcare provider may be limiting the amount of people who can get the vaccine. Check on your local government’s website to see if you’re eligible before making an appointment.
    • The COVID-19 vaccine shot is free for everyone, so you won’t have to pay to sign up.
3

Avoid scheduling other vaccines around the same time.

5

Wait at least 90 days if you were treated for COVID-19.

  1. Experts aren’t sure if COVID-19 treatments interfere with the vaccine. If you were treated for COVID-19 with antibodies or plasma, wait at least 90 days before scheduling your vaccine appointment. Experts aren’t sure how long natural immunity lasts from getting COVID-19, so try to get vaccinated as soon as possible.[5]
    • If you had COVID-19, but you weren’t treated with antibodies or plasma, you can make your vaccine appointment as soon as you’ve recovered.
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7

Bring your ID to the appointment.

  1. You’ll need your ID to verify that it’s really you. You can bring a driver’s license or state ID to your appointment if you have one. If you don’t, call the vaccine distributor and ask what info works for them. You may be able to bring a rental agreement or utility payment as proof of your name and address.[7]
    • You cannot be turned away from a vaccine appointment if you don’t have identification.
    • If you have a health insurance card, bring that too. Your insurance will be billed at no cost to you.
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10

Take time to rest after your vaccine.

  1. Some people experience flu-like symptoms after the vaccine. For 48 hours after your first dose, you might have a fever, chills, fatigue, or a headache. Plan to rest and drink a lot of fluids to recover quickly.[10]
    • After you get your first dose, you’ll be monitored for 15 minutes to make sure you aren’t having any severe reactions.
    • If you have any pain or swelling in your arm, you can hold a cool washcloth over the area to reduce the inflammation.
    • If you have any severe side effects, you can report them to the CDC using V-Safe. Register online by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html.
11

Make your second appointment when you get your first dose.

  1. Currently, all COVID-19 vaccines require 2 doses. When you’re at your first appointment, take the card given to you by a healthcare provider and hang onto it as proof that you’ve had your first dose. Either sign up for your second one online or in-person to make sure you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19.[11]
    • If you get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, get your second dose 21 days after your first dose.
    • If you get the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, get your second dose 28 days after your first dose.
    • Many people report more severe side effects from the second dose of the vaccine. The process will be exactly the same, but you may need more rest time afterwards.
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Warnings

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About This Article

Ni-Cheng Liang, MD
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Pulmonologist
This article was co-authored by Ni-Cheng Liang, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang is a board certified Pulmonologist and the Director of Pulmonary Integrative Medicine at Coastal Pulmonary Associates affiliated with the Scripps Health Network in San Diego, California. She also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine while volunteering for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for uninsured patients. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liang specializes in pulmonary and respiratory medical concerns, mindfulness teaching, physician wellness, and integrative medicine. Dr. Liang received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Liang was voted as a San Diego Top Doctor in 2017 and 2019. She was also awarded the 2019 American Lung Association San Diego Lung Health Provider of the Year. This article has been viewed 14,187 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 17
Updated: October 4, 2022
Views: 14,187

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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