The Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need To Know
Dr. Changa Kurukularatne MD, FAMS – Infectious Diseases Specialist
Managing Director – Sarva Medical & Wound Care Clinic, Boralesgamuwa
Sinopharm provides yet another safe and effective vaccine option against COVID-19. See The-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know
The vaccine is manufactured using a technique dating back the 1950’s: viral inactivation, plus an adjuvant to stimulate the immune system. In this case, the adjuvant is Aluminum hydroxide. This method, and the components used in the vaccine, are described here sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine
Make sure you are not allergic to any components of the vaccine, which are Aluminum hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and M199. See COVID-19 vaccine-associated anaphylaxis.
It is normal to feel tired, feverish and chills within a day or two after getting the vaccine. Soreness at the injection site is also common. These are due to the stimulation of your immune system by the vaccine. Taking anti-inflammatory medicines right before or after the vaccine, or taking fever-reducing medicines, may blunt the immune response and theoretically make the vaccine less beneficial to you. See Should-you-take-pain-relievers-after-covid-19-vaccine
If you are already taking anti-inflammatory medicines or fever reducers, ask your doctor if you may safely stop them from 1-2 days before to 1-2 weeks after the vaccine, if at all possible. See Should-you-take-pain-relievers-after-covid-19-vaccine
Always check with your doctors and follow their advice on all matters regarding starting, stopping and continuing medications.
Currently, clinical trials are examining the safety and effectiveness of ‘mix and match’ vaccine protocols: having your first dose with one type of vaccine and your second dose with another. See Covid-19-vaccine-mixing-the-good-the-bad-and-the-uncertain/
10 THINGS TO BRING TO THE VACCINATION CENTRE
- Wear a good quality mask. Above all else, the mask must fit snugly onto the contours of your face. An expensive mask is of no use if it is a poor fit.
- Take a pen with you. You may have to fill out forms or place your signature.
- Bring your passport / NIC with you. If your residential address is different from the address in your NIC, make sure you bring proof of address (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or a GN certificate).
- Take a small personal hand-sanitiser dispenser with you. Clean hands save lives.
- Wear a shirt/top that can easily expose your shoulder completely, all the way above the shoulder joint.
- Your skin will be cleaned prior to injection. However, on rare occasions, infections occur at the injection site. Stay safe with clean skin prior to intravenous or intramuscular infusions and injections.
- Mindfulness. While waiting in line, maintain a safe distance as much as possible.
- Bored easily? You may have to stand in line for up to an hour even with an appointment. Bring some reading material, plan to get some work done on your smartphone, or spend time in quiet meditation while waiting.
- This one is what NOT to take back with you: germs. Do not bring bags, pouches, luggages or anything unnecessary, that could be contaminated with germs from the environment.
- It can get hot and humid. Wear comfortable footwear, and comfortable clothes. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Sarva Medical and Wound Care Clinic is open 365 days of the year from 830am to 930pm. Located 350m from Boralesgamuwa junction towards Dehiwala on Dehiwala Road.
