It may sound crazy but it has been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Malaysia. What was once a scary and unfamiliar occurrence is now something normal to us. Despite there being multiple variants of the COVID-19 virus, we are well protected with vaccines. But as we all know, vaccines don’t last forever. In fact, vaccines only provide a year of immunity to the body and in some cases 6 months. Therefore, it is essential that we keep our health in check by going for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. However, these booster shots don’t come without side effects. Thus, Glitz is here to share with you the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots side effects and how you can prepare for it!
COVID-19 Booster Shots Available In Malaysia
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Currently, there are 3 brands of booster shots available in Malaysia: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac. Many of those who received Sinovac as the first two doses have been given Pfizer booster shots. On the other hand, those who received Pfizer and AstraZeneca as the first two doses have either gotten the two brands as boosters. What are the available options for booster shots when it comes to mixing and matching vaccine brands? Here, we take a look at some options you can choose from.
| 1st Dose | 2nd Dose | Booster |
| Pfizer | Pfizer | Pfizer |
| Pfizer | Pfizer | AZ |
| AZ | AZ | Pfizer |
| AZ | AZ | AZ |
| Sinovac | Sinovac | Pfizer |
| Sinovac | Sinovac | AZ |
| Sinovac | Sinovac | Sinovac |
How To Get Booster Shots
If you have completed your first two vaccine doses, you should be getting an appointment on your MySejahtera app. However, if you have not received your appointment, you can opt to walk in for booster shots at selected PPVs and clinics. By walking in, you get to choose the booster shot brand of your choice. Nevertheless, we recommend calling up these PPVs and clinics before going for your booster shot.
The Process Of Getting The Booster
Personally, I walked into a PPV for my booster vaccine shot and here’s what the process is like. Firstly, you will need to scan your MySejahtera before being handed a piece of paper. You will then need to fill in your details before proceeding to a counter that will help you register your booster appointment in your MySejahtera app. After that, it’s time to get the shot! You will be directed to a room where a doctor will then administer your booster shot. After getting the shot you will be given a booster vaccination card and an update on your MySejahtera app. It’s that simple!
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Side Effects
COVID-19 immunisation aids in the prevention of COVID-19 infection. Some people have COVID-19 vaccine booster shots side effects, which are natural indicators that their bodies are developing protective mechanisms. These COVID-19 vaccine booster shots side effects may limit their ability to do daily tasks, but they should subside after a few days. There are no negative effects for some persons, and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Adverse reactions that could lead to a long-term health issue are extremely rare after any immunisation, including COVID-19. If an adverse reaction occurs, it usually occurs within six weeks of getting the vaccination dose. As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected data on each of the permitted COVID-19 vaccines for at least two months (eight weeks) following the final dosage during clinical testing. Even though COVID-19 vaccines are in use, the CDC, FDA, and other federal organisations continue to monitor their safety.
What To Expect On Arm Of Booster Shot
- Swelling
- Redness
- Slight pain
Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle Ache
- Chills
- Nausea
When To Seek Medical Attention
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Fever that lasts more than 4 days
Preparing For The Booster Shot
In order to reduce the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots side effects, here are some things you can do before your vaccination:
- Sleep early / get enough sleep
- Drink lots of water
- Take your daily vitamins
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not smoke
Recovering From Booster Vaccine
So you’ve gotten your shot and would like to decrease the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots side effects. Well, here’s what you should do after your booster shot:
- Rest
- Hydrate yourself with water or coconut water
- Prepare panadol
- Eat well
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Don’t smoke
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID 19 vaccinations are effective and can reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. Even if children and adults contract COVID-19, COVID-19 immunizations can help them avoid major disease and death.
According to new research, COVID-19 immunizations become less effective over time at preventing infection or serious illness, especially in persons 65 and older. This is why people over the age of 12 who have finished their initial immunisation series should get booster injections. COVID-19 immunisation, on the other hand, continues to minimise the risk of hospitalisation and mortality when patients become infected with COVID-19, even as the vaccine’s capacity to prevent infection declines with time.
Even if they completed the first immunisation series, people with certain medical problems or taking medications that weaken the immune system may not be totally protected. Some persons who are immunocompromised should receive a second initial dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, they should get a booster shot too if they are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
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