How to prepare for your COVID vaccine

What should I wear to get my vaccine?

The vaccine is given in the deltoid muscle which is located in your shoulder and upper arm area.  I’d recommend you wear a shirt with short sleeves so that area will be more accessible to the clinician giving you the vaccine.  If it’s cold outside, you can wear a sweater or jacket, but just make sure you have that short-sleeved shirt underneath.

Which arm should I get the vaccine in?

I always recommend that my patients get a shot in their non-dominant arm, the arm they don’t use as much, because your arm can sometimes be a little sore for a few days after. Also, if there is an arm that you mainly lay on when you are sleeping, you may want to get your shot in the opposite arm. But you should be able to get the shot in either arm and still complete your day to day activities.  If you are not able to freely move your arm after receiving a shot, which is rare, then you’d want to call your physician immediately.

Will it hurt?

It really depends.  Some of my patients have said that they didn’t feel a thing while others said they only felt a little prick and some pressure.  After receiving the shot, some have said they didn’t have any discomfort. I’ve had others who said their arm was a little sore or had a little redness for 1-3 days after which is a normal side effect of getting any shot.

Can I take over the counter pain medicines?

If you develop soreness in your arm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it is not recommended to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen before your vaccine. There is not enough known about how certain medications can or cannot interfere with the vaccines.  Not to mention, the pain that some people may experience after having a vaccine is not enough to warrant taking a pain medication prior to your appointment.  Wait and see if you need it and then take some to reduce the pain if it arises.

Can I eat before my appointment?

Of course, and drink lots of water too.  Some people get a little lightheaded when they get a shot.  Eating beforehand and being hydrated can help you have the best chance of a good vaccination experience before and after your shot.

On that note, avoid drinking alcohol the night before your appointment.  Alcohol dehydrates you and you don’t want to go into your appointment already not feeling well, especially when there is the possibility of other side effects after your shot.