This is part 77 of our coronavirus FAQ. Click here to read other installments: #Coronavirus the facts. Find the latest information and answers from experts on everything COVID-19.
Before the vaccine
If you are felling unwell, the doctor at the vaccination site may advise you against taking the shot. The health ministry urges people who have a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius or above, or are feeling generally unwell, to refrain from getting the vaccine. The ministry also advises people with pre-existing conditions or who are undergoing medical treatment to consult with the on-site doctor beforehand.
People who have received the shot are advised to remain at the site for at least 15 minutes to monitor for a possible allergic reaction.
After the vaccination
Medical experts urge people to refrain from vigorous physical exercise for the rest of the day. They also say people can bathe afterward but should be careful not to rub the injection spot. Professor Nakayama Tetsuo of Kitasato University, a vaccine expert, says it’s even okay to drink a moderate amount of alcohol.
Common side effects include dizziness and hyperventilation due to fear of shots. This feeling could spread to others in a group setting.
Okabe Nobuhiko, director-general of the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, who is also a member of the government's coronavirus panel, says vaccination sites should all offer consultation services for people who have concerns about receiving the shot.