Many people are suffering from vaccine anxiety before taking the first jab. How can they address this anxiety? Does this anxiety affect their bodies and the vaccination process?

01 Jun, 2021 | 09:08

One of the reasons of Vaccine Anxiety is getting a lot of misinformation about side effects and hence there is a fear of the unknown. Also most adults in India have not really had a vaccine in their adult lives so it seems really anxiety provoking for those who fear injections and hospitals.

For others there is worry about actually being able to get an appointment and go to a vaccination centre where they feel they may have chances of COVID infection if there are lots of people.

So the way to handle anxiety is to

talk to someone who has already received the vaccine and find out their experience and how they handled the pain in the arm or the fever that might have happened after the vaccine.
Get informed about what a vaccine does. And if you have doubts ask a doctor to give you the correct information.
Prepare yourself beforehand by having a painkiller or paracetamol tablets at home so that if there is fever or some pain you know how to handle it.
Tell yourself that if you and everyone around you gets vaccinated- ultimately you will be able to go out without much fear and anxiety about getting COVID 19 infection.
Anxiety will not affect your immunity or the vaccination. Wear comfortable clothes when you go for the vaccine so that your arm is not tense. Tell your work place that you may take a day off if there is pain or fever and want to rest.
If anxiety is too much- try square breathing- Inhale 1-2-3-4, hold 1-2-3-4, exhale 1-2-3-4 and hold 1-2-3-4. Do this 5-6 times a day whenever you see anxious thoughts coming in
When you go to the vaccination centre maintain 6 feet distance, wear a good mask and sanitise, The nurse will keep you there for half an hour after the vaccine. If you get any doubts and feel you have fever or pain after the vaccine, keep a doctors phone number so that you can contact them.
Remember vaccine is a friend and is the nest way of tackling the current pandemic.