Covid-19 Vaccination Malaysia
Cover Covid-19 Vaccination Malaysia

Your guide to what you should do before, during, and after your AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination

Since the initial round of Malaysia’s voluntary, first-come-first-serve basis AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccinations rolled out, thousands have taken to social media to flex their photo op booth pictures (hashtagged #CucukMYAZ for major bragging rights) and share their experiences from end-to-end.

As testimonies continue to flood social media platforms, thousands more are expected to register for and receive their AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines as registrations for the second round, exclusively for seniors age 60 and above, is currently taking place until May 26, 2021.

Read more: Covid-19 Vaccine: The Second Round Of AstraZeneca Vaccine Registration

Those residing in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sarawak, and Johor who have secured their slots this round are scheduled to receive their jabs between June 7, 2021 (June 6, 2021, for Kuala Lumpur) until July 27, 2021. Excess vaccine slots that are not taken up will be made available to those under 60 for registration on May 26, 2021, at noon.

Ahead of the first dose of your (or your dependent’s) AstraZeneca vaccination, here are some things to keep in mind in preparation for as well as the aftercare.

Day of appointment

The must-haves include: your IC or passport, your mobile phone with your registered MySejahtera app, and your own pen (to minimise contact from sharing) as you’ll need to sign a consent form.

Avoid wearing restrictive or hard-to-roll sleeved clothes. The vaccine is administered in your upper arm so clothing with easy access to the upper arm, such as sleeveless or short sleeves, will make getting the vaccine much easier. Muslim women can wear a cardigan or light jacket over short sleeves that can easily be removed when it's time to get vaccinated.

See also: Covid-19 Vaccine: Do's & Don'ts After Getting Vaccinated

Unlike other health screenings, going for a Covid-19 vaccination doesn't require you to fast. Eat a balanced meal before your appointment to prevent feeling weak. It also helps to calm your nerves and regulate your blood sugar especially if you're prone to feeling anxious or faint before any vaccination.

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What To Eat Before Covid Vaccination
Above Photo: Pixabay

If you need to travel interdistrict or interstate (Selangor-Kuala Lumpur) to get your Covid-19 vaccination at the designated vaccination centres (PPV), you'll only require to show your appointment details (on the MySejahtera app, website, or SMS) when passing through police roadblocks.

Read more: MCO 3.0 In Malaysia: What We Know So Far

You’ll need to turn up 15 to 30 minutes before your vaccine appointment so work backwards from there and plan your transportation to the designated PPV ahead, taking into consideration traffic, the time you’ll need to park your car or the wait time for your Grab ride. To avoid crowd congestion, don’t turn up too early.

At the PPV

As per Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures (SOPs), once you’ve arrived, check in your location through your MySejahtera app and get your temperature scanned. There’ll be clear signages and on-ground support staff to guide you every step of the way.

See also: Covid-19: Selangor Opens Vaccination Registrations For Businesses Through Selangkah Vax

Head over to the registration counter where you’ll be required to give your IC or passport to the person in charge to register and scan the QR code on your MySejahtera app to confirm your attendance.

After which, you’ll be directed to a consultation counter where a doctor will explain everything you need to know about the AstraZeneca vaccine (where it’s made/from, how is it different from the other vaccines, etc.), answer your concerns, and have you fill in the consent form. Then, you’ll proceed to a waiting area to wait for your number to be called. Here, you’ll sign your consent form.

Now, you’re ready to receive your first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination! Proceed to the vaccination counter where a frontliner will confirm your identity and check your consent form before administering your jab. Once that’s done, scan the QR code on the vaccination table on your MySejahtera app to confirm your first vaccination.

Read more: The 5 Covid-19 Vaccines In Malaysia's National Vaccination Programme

At the observation area after your jab, you’ll need to wait for about 15 minutes to ensure that there are no adverse reactions. Once you’re all clear, the on-ground staff will brief you on the next steps (to self-monitor and to check your MySejahtera app for your next appointment) and you’re free to go.

The aftercare

For those working, you’re encouraged to notify your superiors and colleagues of your vaccination and apply for the day off. This is to ensure you can better manage any possible side effects from the vaccination, keeping in mind that side effects are results of your body’s immune system responding to the vaccine–it’s working!

Side effects may vary from person to person and at different degrees, the most common being the injection site pain and soreness to the body. Some have also experienced fevers, lethargy, loss of appetite, headaches, cold sweats, or chills anywhere from later in the day to a day or two after. Some may feel none at all.

See also: Dr Amalina Bakri: Lessons From The Covid-19 Frontline

There are things you can do at home to alleviate them. Make sure you get a lot of bed rest to aid recovery. Have over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen within reach. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and give your immune system a boost by eating hearty meals such as vegetable soup, chicken stew, or clear noodle soup like phở.

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Photo 1 of 4 Get a lot of bed rest to aid recovery (Photo: Pexels)
Photo 2 of 4 Have paracetamol or ibuprofen within reach (Photo: Pexels)
Photo 3 of 4 Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (Photo: Pexels)
Photo 4 of 4 Eat hearty meals to give your immune system a boost (Photo: Pexels)

The universal rule of Covid-19 vaccination aftercare regardless of the type of vaccine you're given is that you need to self-monitor and seek immediate medical attention if you continue to experience severe symptoms that don’t go away. 

Read more: Covid-19 Vaccine: Malaysians Abroad On Receiving Their Vaccinations

For more information and to register for your (or your dependent's) AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination, visit https://www.vaksincovid.gov.my/ today.

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