Things you must know about the Covid-19 vaccine

Are you preparing to get your Covid-19 vaccine, but have some questions on how the vaccine works and what some of the side effects are?

Here are some things you need to know:

• Can I still take the flu vaccine if I had the Covid-19 vaccine?

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), one can take the flu vaccine as well as the Covid-19 vaccine. Just not at the same time.

The flu vaccine protects against infection from influenza viruses, while Covid-19 vaccines protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine should be given at least 14 days apart. There is no particular requirement regarding the order of receiving influenza and the Covid-19 vaccine.

• What are the most common side effects after getting a Covid-19 vaccine?

The most common side effects include tenderness where you were injected, headache, fever, fatigue, chills or diarrhoea.

These side effects range from mild to moderate, and may feel similar to a flu-like illness for a couple of days.

People who might experience more serious symptoms like severe headache, severe abdominal pain or severe limb pain should phone the Covid hotline, 0800 029 999 for advice, or seek medical care.

• How long does it take after a Covid-19 vaccination before I am protected?

According to the NICD, the body’s immune system takes up to 14 days to develop strong immune responses after the first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. With mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer, there is some protection two weeks after the first dose, but the best protection is achieved after the second dose.

• Who can get vaccinated right now?

-People who are 50 years and older

-Health practitioners

-Teachers

-Police officials

• I have just recovered from Covid-19, should I be vaccinated?

You should wait at least 30 days after recovery to receive the vaccine

• Can I get vaccinated even without medical aid?

Receiving the vaccine through the government roll-out does not have any costs. For those on medical schemes, the schemes cover the administration of the vaccine.

How do I register on the EVDS?

– Online at www.vaccine.enroll.gov.za

– Using the WhatsApp line on 0600 123 456

– By SMS, dial *134*832#

– Call the Covid-19 hotline 0800 029 999

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments.

As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.

Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed.

Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).