Now that COVID-19 vaccines have finally become available, many are urged to register and get vaccinated. But some are a bit hesitant to get sign up for the vaccine. In this digital age, it’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed with all the information thrown at us. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.
If you’re one of the many still waiting to get vaccinated, here are answers to some of the questions you might have. Read on to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine and identify myths from facts.
How do I register to get vaccinated?
Currently, the government is in charge of rolling out the vaccination process within the country. For registration, it is best to ask your local government unit about the registration process and schedule for the COVID-19 vaccine in your area. Additionally, your LGU will be in charge of announcing and informing you of the guidelines you must follow for vaccine registration.
For more details, you can check out DOH’s official website.
Is there an option to register for the vaccination online?
Yes, there is. Strictly speaking, the master listing for vaccination will be done online. However, for areas that do not have access to the internet, there are physical forms that can be submitted by your LGU.
What requirements should you prepare for the vaccine registration?
To register for the vaccine, you must bring any government-issued identification card (e.g., driver’s license, UMID, PhilHealth ID, or passport). If you don’t have any previously mentioned IDs, government documents like a birth certificate or a barangay certificate will do.
Also, you are required to provide personal information like your full name, birthday, PhilHealth Identification Number, and health data. This information is needed to ensure that there will be no duplication within their records.
Can you choose which COVID-19 vaccine to get?
No. Since the government is in charge of the country’s free coronavirus vaccination rollout, it all depends on which vaccine brand will be available to us first. However, you can also opt-out of the vaccination if you prefer another brand. You will just be required to sign a waiver indicating that you don’t want to get injected. Suppose you also fall under a priority list. In that case, you will lose your priority and be part of the general population waiting for other vaccines.
What are common side effects will you get once you are vaccinated?
Generally speaking, the common side effects you might experience right after getting vaccinated are the following: headaches, muscle pain, fever, chills, swelling in the portion of your arm where you got injected, and nausea throughout your body.
To help ease the side effects, remember to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest. Also, you must consult with your doctor first before taking any over-the-counter medicine for your pain after being vaccinated. You should also keep in mind that it is not advised to take any of these pain relief medicines before your vaccination to prevent side effects.
Is a person still required to get vaccinated even after having recovered from COVID-19?
People who have recovered from COVID-19 still have to get vaccinated since there’s no telling how long before they will get sick from the COVID-19 virus again. While it is rare to get infected again with COVID-19, getting vaccinated will reduce the chances of acquiring the virus the second time.
Suppose you have recovered from COVID-19 and are about to be vaccinated. In that case, you might have to wait for a certain period before getting that COVID-19 vaccine. Be sure to consult with your doctor about the treatments you had before getting vaccinated.
Is there an age specification for the vaccine?
While everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated, there are vaccines with a minimum age requirement. For AstraZeneca, their vaccine can be administered to individuals who are 18 years old and above. Sinovac, on the other hand, can be administered to clinically healthy individuals who are anywhere between 18-59 years old.
Children and teens are susceptible to COVID-19, but they can now also get a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, kids 12 years old and above can now get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. However, they might experience side effects from getting vaccinated just like adults. Still, it will eventually go away after a couple of days.
How many doses should you get?
For you to be considered “fully-vaccinated,” the number of doses you need depends on the vaccine brand you get. Brands like Pfizer-BioNTEch, Moderna, and AstraZeneca have a recommended dosage of 2 doses, each administered intramuscularly. The intervals between the two doses also vary based on the vaccine. For Pfizer-BioNTech, the gap between the 2 doses should be 3 weeks. Moderna, on the other hand, requires a 1-month interval between its two doses. For AstraZeneca, the required interval between the 2 doses is 8 to 12 weeks.
Can you still get vaccinated even if you have an underlying condition?
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine while being sick with COVID-19?
According to CDC, individuals who are currently infected with COVID-19 and experiencing symptoms should wait until they are recovered from their sickness. If you are infected, the best move is to stay at home and quarantine yourself. You must have a spare room at home where you can isolate yourself away from your family until you have recovered. The same applies to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 but don’t show any symptoms. It is best to have a designated “sick room” for those who tested positive.
While waiting for the COVID-19 vaccines to be available in our respective areas, it is best to follow the minimum LGU health protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. To keep your family safe and secure, choose a house and lot neighborhood that puts you and your loved ones’ best interests at heart. Camella continues its advocacy of providing healthier homes for every Filipino family with their spacious and quality house and lot properties in master planned communities. Visit Camella’s official website at www.camella.com.ph or check out their house and lot for sale offerings.
