HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to head to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Riverside Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer Cindy Williams said if you’ve gotten any other vaccine recently - for example, a shingles shot - you’ll need to wait at least 14 days before getting the COVID-19 shot and vice versa.
On the day of the shot, you might want to wear a short sleeve top so that the person administering the vaccine can easily access your upper arm.
Also, try to arrive to your appointment on time, and if there’s a wait, be prepared.
“We’ve seen these photos of the very long lines for vaccine clinics and we know as we’re immunizing the older population, that some of those individuals may have mobility issues,” Williams said. “Make sure you’ve got what you need with you, for example, if you have a walker.”
Additionally, Williams said it’s not recommended to use pain medicine such as Tylenol before the shot, but it is okay to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen afterward.
Lastly, if you take prescription steroids, you’re encouraged to talk with your physician about how long to wait before getting the vaccine.