Rightly so, the Indian government has begun administering the Covid-19 vaccine for children between 15 and 18 years of age. After vaccines were successfully developed by multiple vaccine manufacturer’s last years, the world population started receiving their Covid-19 vaccine doses. But initially, only the adult population, which is persons above the age of 18 years, were allowed to get their vaccines. The vaccine was not approved for children below 18 years. The USA was the first to start administering their Pfizer vaccine to children above the age of four. And now India, too, has started giving vaccines to children, but initially, only children aged between 15-18 years are being allowed to get their vaccines.
As far as the type of vaccine is concerned, currently, only Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin has been given approval for administration in children. The Serum Institute of India’s Covishield, which is the Indian variant of the AstraZeneca vaccine, has not yet been given approval for children.
What precautions should a teenager between the age of 15 to 18 years take after vaccination? Let’s find out post-vaccination dos and don’ts for teenagers.
DO’S
Drink Plenty of Water
It is important to stay hydrated before and after vaccination. The vaccination may lead to minor side effects like headache, fatigue, fever and arm soreness. Drinking enough water can help lessen these effects and also ensure a quicker recovery.
Get a Well Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet that contains the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, essential minerals and vitamins is paramount to keep oneself healthy and keep the side effects of the vaccine at bay. Proper nutrition from green vegetables and superfoods like turmeric, garlic as well as Vitamin C rich foods help a great deal in reducing the feeling of sickness after vaccination.
Get Proper Sleep
Sleep deprivation can lessen immune response, and hence it is important to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep after your vaccination. This gives your body enough rest and your immune system enough time to respond to the vaccine and build antibodies against the virus.
Continue Covid-19 Precautions
And last but not least, continue with your Covid-19 appropriate behaviour even after you take the vaccine. Vaccination does not provide foolproof protection, and hence you must continue wearing your mask, keeping social distance and avoid crowded places in order to protect yourself from Covid-19.
DON’TS
Avoid Strenuous Activity
Avoid heavy physical activity just after taking the vaccine. Some rest along with light exercises are fine, but you must avoid activities that put undue stress on the body. Vaccines teach the body to fight viruses, and hence you must give the body sufficient time to recover. Once the vaccine side effects die down, you can resume playing sports, hitting the gym and other physical activities.
Do not delay in consulting your doctor
In case your vaccination side effects are not improving, then you must consult your doctor instead of self-medicating. Consult your doctor if you have Covid-19 symptoms even after taking the vaccine. As mentioned earlier, taking the vaccine does provide 100% immunity, and hence you must not take any Covid-like symptoms lightly just because you’re vaccinated.
Don’t Keep Your Parents Uninformed
If you’re getting vaccinated in your school or college, inform your parents about the same. Your college would most probably ask for your parent’s consent before registering you for the vaccine. Inform them about the date of the vaccine and make sure they’re home to take good care of you.