Getting vaccinated for COVID-19? Here are the answers to your common questions.

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19

Is it mandatory to get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is in the best interest of our collective health. It is not mandatory but a step towards preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The vaccination can be given if you are 18 and above. However, consult your doctor before choosing to get the vaccine if you have health conditions like seizures or are taking strong medications. Similarly, if you are in the childbearing age, pregnant or breast feeding, consult your doctor before getting the vaccine. 

Should I get vaccinated if I have already had COVID-19?

Yes. It is recommended to get vaccinated even if you have been infected before. 

If you are currently infected then you need to wait for your symptoms to be gone, your isolation period to end and for your prescribed medicines to be completed. This condition applies to both the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

It is important to understand that you can still get COVID-19 after taking the vaccine but it will not affect you as severely as it would have done before. It is also possible that you were in contact with the virus before getting the first dose and for the symptoms to materialize after getting the vaccine. Either way, the body will protect you better against the infection. 

Is it safe to get this vaccine if I am trying to get pregnant, am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes. There has been no evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine is harmful for women who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before choosing to get the vaccine so they can educate you about the risks, if any in your condition. 

How many vaccine doses will be needed?

Two doses – 21 days apart. Please ensure your second dose is of the same vaccine type as your first dose.

What if I miss the second dose?

Take it at your earliest. The second dose is recommended and should not be missed. 

How long should I wait to get any other vaccine, after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

After getting vaccinated for COVID-19, you must wait 14 days, before getting any other type of vaccine, for any other disease or condition.

How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Please register yourself by filling the form on www.chughtailab.com/vaccine. Your appointment date and time will be communicated to you through an automated process. 

Can I get vaccinated if I participated in the CanSino trial?

Please contact the Clinical Trials Unit at the institution where you participated for more information and the way forward.

COVID-19 vaccination at Chughtai Vaccination Center

Do I need an appointment to get vaccinated?

Yes. Please visit www.chughtailab.com/vaccine for further details. 

I need to come for my second dose. Do I still need to make an appointment?

We will set the date for your second appointment during your first visit.

What are the timings of the Chughtai COVID-19 Vaccination Centre?

Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, except public holidays.

Which documents should I bring along on the day of my vaccination?

Please bring your original CNIC.

How long is the waiting time for the vaccine administration?

The total time from arrival to departure, including registration, vitals check, vaccination administration and post vaccination observation is expected to be around 40-60 minutes in most circumstances.

Is there a waiting area/seating arrangement for the elderly?

Waiting and seating areas are designated on the ground, 2nd and 9th floor of the building. Lift and wheelchair services are available for the elderly. An in-house canteen and running water supply will be ensured. 

Which brand of the COVID-19 vaccine are being or will be administered?

Sputnik-V until further notification. 

Will I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. The price will be regulated by the government and will be displayed on www.chughtailab.com/vaccine. 

Can I get the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine from any other Chughtai Vaccination Center?

Yes. The list of Chughtai Vaccination Centers is available at www.chughtailab.com/vaccine.

What to expect with the COVID-19 vaccine?

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Some common side effects include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes. Having these side effects is a good sign and indicates that your immune system is responding well to the vaccine. Very rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur within a very short time after taking the vaccine. Talk to your doctor before taking the vaccine if you have a history of severe allergies.

Does the absence of side effects mean the vaccine did not work?

No. Many people experience no side effects after taking the vaccine.

Can I take medicines to manage the side effects?

Consult with your doctor. Fever, redness at the injection site, and fatigue are caused by your immune system’s response to the vaccine. Taking medication can interfere with your body’s ability to develop immunity in the first few days. Consult with your doctor if you are very uncomfortable. 

What happens if I get seriously sick after getting the vaccine?

You will be kept under a 30-minute observation post-vaccine before being discharged. If you do not develop a reaction in this time then the chances of it being developed after are minimal. If a reaction develops, rush to the emergency room immediately and call your doctor. 

Where can I report any side effects?

You should log any side effects on https://nims.nadra.gov.pk/nims/sideeffect. 

Will there be any long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

In general, vaccines are not known to cause long term side effects. Most side effects occur within six weeks of receiving the vaccine.

Should I delay the second dose if I start experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

Yes. Consult your doctor and wait for these symptoms to pass. 

Life after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

Will I need to wear a mask after getting vaccinated?

Yes. The COVID-19 prevention SOPs should not be taken lightly. It is our collective responsibility to keep each other at minimum risk. Receiving the vaccine does not rule out the possibility of you getting the infection, it only reduces the adverse effects it would have had before. The vaccine does not promise 100% results, it is currently known to be 91.6% effective. 

Are there any tests to determine whether the vaccine worked?

The test is not needed. If you want, you may get the COVID-19 IgG Antibody Test (against Spike Proteins) to check antibody levels. We recommend that you get this test two weeks after your second dose.

Does a vaccinated person present a risk to unvaccinated members in the household? You can still get the virus if you do not practice the SOPs. If infected, you could spread the virus to your family members and those at work. The vaccine itself cannot infect you or your baby (if you are pregnant).