This is part 92 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.
Precautions for the vaccine
Japan's health ministry says the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most of the population, but warns that some people should be cautious about it or avoid it altogether.
The ministry says you should be cautious if:
- you suffer from bleeding disorders
- you are taking blood thinners
- you are receiving treatment for illnesses related to the heart, blood, kidney, or liver, or a disease associated with immunity
- you have had convulsions, or drug or food allergies.
The ministry says you should not be inoculated if:
- you have a fever of 37.5 degrees or higher
- you are being treated for an acute disease
- you have experienced severe intolerance to a vaccine ingredient such as polyethylene glycol.
Have an open schedule the following day
Kutsuna Satoshi at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Japan specializes in treating infectious diseases. He recommends keeping an open schedule for the day following vaccination in case of side effects such as severe fatigue. Kutsuna says it is ok to take a bath on the day of the vaccination but advises against drinking alcohol or doing any vigorous exercise.
He says that coronavirus vaccines are believed to cause more frequent side effects than other inoculations such as those for influenza.
But Kutsuna says the benefits outweigh the potential side effects and urges people to get the shot not only for themselves but for those around them.
This information is accurate as of May 13, 2021.