The maximum efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine can only be achieved
after you receive the two doses; and even
after receiving both doses, make sure to still take preventive measures,
especially when you’re in common public places.
As vaccination programs
against COVID-19 are underway in most local government units, many are still in
doubt and are not yet fully prepared to get inoculated. When deciding on
whether or not to get a jab, it’s important to consider that getting vaccinated against
COVID-19 adds a layer of protection from the virus. Full vaccination will not
only help reduce the risk of infection and suffering from severe symptoms. Doing so
will also protect
your loved ones and the community as we strive to achieve herd immunity.
For those who may still have questions
about the vaccination process and what to expect when their turn to get vaccinated comes,
AXA Philippines,
one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has enlisted the help of Dr. Nina Gloriani,
head of the vaccine development expert panel of the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), to share expert advice on what to do before, during, and after
getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Before your appointment. Individuals
with comorbidities or those classified under the Department of Health’s A3
eligibility category should
first discuss vaccine-specific risks and benefits with their attending
physicians and obtain medical clearance. These include people with immune-deficiencies
and senior citizens with special conditions (bedridden, in vegetative
states, or with limited life expectancies). Meanwhile, individuals without
health issues may
have their health profiling, provision of informed consent, and screening on
the day of vaccination. Everyone who’s going to get a vaccine is advised to eat healthy balanced meals,
drink plenty of fluids, and get enough rest and sleep before the appointment.
Vaccination day. On the day of your
appointment, always wear a face mask and face shield and bring hand sanitizer
or alcohol with you. If you belong to the A3 prioritization group, bring any
proof of comorbidity.
These may include a medical
certificate, prescription for medicine, hospital records or surgical records
and pathology reports. Don’t forget to bring any valid government or company ID, and
your own ballpen for filling out forms. Be sure to take your maintenance
medications before getting vaccinated unless your doctor says otherwise.
At the vaccination center. Upon
arrival at the vaccination
site, be ready to present required IDs and documents. Depending on your municipality,
expect to wait for some time. Most LGUs have online registration in place and
this significantly cuts the waiting time as you can already supply personal
information and send consent online. If you did not go through online
registration, you
will be asked to sign an informed consent form stating that you agree to be
vaccinated. After that, you will undergo a health screening to check if your
vitals are stable and if you’re fit and qualified to get the vaccine at that
time. If everything checks out, the medical staff will vaccinate you and
observe you for 15-30 minutes, in
case of an allergic or adverse reaction. They will also provide contact details or
references so you can report any adverse effects after getting vaccinated.
After getting vaccinated. Like all medicine, vaccines
may have side effects, most of which are mild and short-term, and not everyone
experiences them. Common
adverse effects, such as
numbness or pain at injection site usually last for one to three days. If you
experience fever, or flu-like symptoms, pain, or muscle aches, you may take
paracetamol every four to six hours as needed. Make sure to report any adverse effects
through the local vaccination site hotline, especially if symptoms or
side effects persists after one to three days or if the symptoms become worse.
Go to the nearest hospital if you experience severe or unusual symptoms such as
difficulty in breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, or tightening of the
throat.
Remember, the maximum efficacy of the
COVID-19 vaccine can only be achieved after you receive the two doses so mark
your calendar for both appointments. Even after receiving both doses, make sure to
still take preventive measures, especially when you’re in common public places.
Aside from getting the vaccine, there is
more you can you do to protect your health and that of your family, especially with
hospitalizations, lab tests, medicines, and the negative impact that this
pandemic can have on your health and finances. As such, AXA Philippines
offers its Global Health Access insurance product which provides comprehensive
coverage worldwide of up to P175 million including coverage for epidemic and
pandemic diseases such as COVID-19. Apart from this,
it also covers reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccination which policyholders can
avail until December 31, 2021. Furthermore, it also covers the treatment cost
for complications or allergic reactions arising from approved COVID-19 vaccines.
Beyond comprehensive coverage worldwide
and the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccination, Global Health Access policyholders can
enjoy cashless payments in over 1,400 hospitals and clinics in the Philippines
and over 9,000 hospitals globally. Plus, policyholders also have access to
AXA’s global network of top-rated hospitals and doctors with the option to
consult even those who are outside AXA’s network. Furthermore, also available
are 24//7 health support anywhere in the world, international emergency medical
assistance, road ambulance transport, and global concierge services.
To learn more about this
health protection plan from AXA, visit www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/global-health-access.