Plans continue to evolve as more vaccine becomes available. The majority of Americans are eligible to receive the vaccine at this point. Up to date eligibility information can be found here: http://coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine You may not have a choice of which brand of vaccine is available, but I would not recommend delaying the vaccine to wait for a particular brand.
Vaccine continues to be offered via public health departments, hospital systems and some private industry (pharmacies). A complete list of vaccine providers can be found here: https://vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov./
OhioHealth
An appointment is required. Patients are encouraged to self-schedule via their MyChart account with OhioHealth. You will receive a notification when you are eligible. You may also call (614) 533.6999 Monday-Friday 8am-4pm to schedule vaccine appointments. Learn the latest about OhioHelath vaccination efforts on their web site: OhioHealth.com/COVID-19.
Health Departments
Columbus Health Department COVID-19 and Vaccine information is located here including links to other local health departments if you fall outside of the Columbus area.
Franklin County Public Health Department information can be found here.
Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine info is located here including links to local health department information and CDC vaccine-related information for those outside the Columbus/Franklin County area.
When it comes time to get the vaccine, there are some things that can make it more pleasant and make the immune response more comfortable...
-Be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before your vaccine. Go into the appt being well-hydrated and having eaten.
-Deep breaths and relaxing before is super helpful!
-Stay to be observed for a full 30 minutes after the vaccine (even if you are told 15).
-Stay extra hydrated the day before and a few days after. A healthy diet of lots of fruits & veggies are helpful too.
-Movement - helpful to go for a walk a couple of times per day the day of and day after - or any other gentle activity to get the blood pumpin!
-Supplements: From an integrative medicine perspective, there are some protocols that can be helpful. In general vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, l-lysine and echinacea and elderberry are examples of well-studied supplements. We stock a supplement wholesale called Viracid that I recommend to taking the day before and a few days after (one pill three times daily). https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/assets/1/30/OMPI-Viracid_PDN-A2.pdf
If you want to come by and get a packet, happy to provide that or feel free to compare ingredients/prices locally.
-Tylenol and Motrin: Do not take preventively, but you can use them as needed for soreness, headache if needed.
-Extra rest: No need to "just push through". Plan for extra rest, and a good night's sleep (Melatonin 3mg can be helpful if needed).
Vaccine reactions: I would expect your body to have symptoms after you get any COVID vaccine. In creating the immune response that you desire for protection, you may notice feeling more tired, headache, body aches, chills, low-grade fever especially. While inconvenient, these symptoms are not dangerous and are signs that your immune system is getting the "workout" we want in order to create a response to natural COVID infection. My personal experience was a fairly common one. After my first Moderna shot, I had a mild headache and fatigue for about a day. After the second vaccine, I had about 36 hours of feeling tired, headache, body aches, low-grade fever, chills and overall feeling like a wimp. Luckily I listened to myself, rested and woke up feeling wonderful about 36 hours after getting the shot. Be proud of your body for working hard to create those antibodies!
Be well!
