This past week I was fortunate to have the vaccine to help protect me against Covid-19. It was a strange experience of being so grateful, nervous about being around people after nearly a year avoiding everyone and a touch of anxiety about any reaction I may have to the vaccine itself.
From the first moment of receiving my invitation I made preparations for getting to the centre, making sure my mask was clean and that I had copious amounts of antibacterial gel in the car. What I didn't think too much about was how to feel comfortable at home after the Covid vaccination in the following days.
My side-effects from the vaccine were fairly tame. I had chills for about 16 hours afterwards (although I was asleep for a lot of that!), which began 7-8 hours after the injection. The next day I had a migraine attack, but this may be unrelated as I experience migraine anyway. My legs were achy for about 24 hours and my arm was sore for 3-4 days. All in all, nothing worrying but I was very tired. So preparation next time for the second dose will be important to feel more comfortable.
This post does not constitute medical advice, and is for informational purposes only from personal experience. It does not make any suggestions in relation to the medical side of having a vaccination or managing symptoms or side-effects from a medical perspective. Those questions are for your doctor and you should always consult with them if you have any health concerns.
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1. Prepare food in advance
In terms of preparing for the vaccine, the only thing I did this time was to make some soup in advance and have it in the freezer. I highly recommend making some food in advance. It is never easy to cook when feeling tired or flu-like and something easy like a soup that can be easily re-heated and that feels comforting is perfect. I was so thankful I had a couple of portions as I did feel very tired that evening and the next day.
I would also suggest having some other easy food options in the pantry that you can snack on (see below for ideas!) in front of the TV or while doing something calming like listening to an audio book. There are lots of soup recipes on my recipes page if you need some ideas!
2. Get the housework up to date
This is the one I *really* wish I had done before my vaccination. I should have known that a sore arm would mean that vacuuming would be difficult and that the last thing I would want to do is clean the bathroom while more tired than usual. So I would suggest having a bit of a whizz around the house the day before, or a few days before, so that the basics are done. You don't need to do a full-blown spring-clean, just enough that you can get through the next few days to a week without having to do much more than sit and watch Netflix.
And don't forget to have your favourite comfy clothes washed and ready to wear! We all like to be comfortable when feeling unwell, so have your all-time cosiest jumper ready to go.
3. Have the cupboards stocked with food and essentials
As well as having some meals in the freezer, I would suggest having easy snacks on hand. Personally I didn't feel nauseous at all, but if you do, then things like crackers, biscuits, dried fruit, nuts or your favourite treat would be a good idea. I know I like to nibble on little bits when I don't feel too good.
And don't forget other essentials as you may not want to do either an in-store or online shop. So have any cleaning products in the cupboard and pet supplies if you have a furry friend.
4. Get into your comfy clothes
When the side-effect of chills came on, it did so rather suddenly for me. One minute I was mindlessly watching TV and scrolling through Instagram, the next I was shivering and wondering if the cat had suddenly worked out how to turn the heating off. This was about seven hours after I had my vaccination.
It then felt like quite an effort to get ready for bed (it was evening for me) and to get changed, brush teeth, wash my face and all of those usual nighttime things. Next time I will be more prepared and likely get into my pyjamas in the early evening before the side-effects come on and do as much as I can to be already ready for bed. I think it will save a lot of energy and just make me feel more cosy and comfortable.
5. Have a day or two 'off' afterwards
Don't make plans for a few days after the vaccination if at all possible. The only plans should be comfy clothes, TV and making an Olympic sport of lying on the couch doing virtually nothing. Now maybe you won't have any side-effects at all, but I'm not going to judge if you sit on the couch anyway . . . 😉
6. Plan some calming activities
My energy levels were pretty low the next day after the vaccination and there was no possibility I was going to go out for a walk, do an at-home workout or much work. I would suggest downloading some good podcasts, movies or TV programmes, binge watching YouTube or listening to audio books. If you want to move a little bit then calming yoga would be nice, as well as meditation or some gentle stretching. Anything that feels more 'quiet' and works with any side-effects rather than potentially making you feel more tired.
Hope these tips on preparing for the vaccination are helpful!
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Please follow the advice of your doctor as to all medical treatments, supplements and dietary choices, as set out in my disclaimer. I am not a medical professional, and this post, as well as all other posts on this blog, are for informational purposes only.
Katie Clark says
I've heard the second shot for some of my friends was really tough. But , I also heard from a respected doctor to view it as your body's defense getting strong. I'm definitely going to prep before both shots. It doesn't sound like I'll be able to get mine before April:'-(
throughthefibrofog says
Sorry you are having to wait so long, I hope it speeds up for you. I've heard the second dose can be a little harder too, so all the prep when I get it done1
Sheryl Chan says
Super practical and useful tips! It's so true that we often pre plan but not post plan! Shared everywhere!
Claire says
I haven't had mine yet - hopefully will be called (with hubby as my registered carer) this week in next stage of roll out in UK - but I did feel a bit grotty after my flu jab in Nov so will definitely take notice of your advice! Claire (PainPalsBlog) x
throughthefibrofog says
Really hope you get your invite soon, fingers crossed. The side-effects were far less than I was expecting, but as you say, did feel grotty for a few days. Lots of TV and nice food! x
Chronic Mom says
I got my 2nd shot this weekend, and was lucky it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Some of my healthy family members have problems, but for me it was just another day. This is some great advice though, since I think most people feel pretty terrible for a few days afterwards.
throughthefibrofog says
That's great that you have had both shots, I hope it makes you feel more protected. Sorry your family members had a more difficult time, but I hope they are happy that they have had it.