Pikeville Medical Center is administering the COVID-19 vaccinations under the direction and oversight of the State of Kentucky. Therefore, it is important to know and understand the Do’s and Don’ts to plan and receive the vaccine.
DO: Review the vaccine information before you scheduled your appointment by visiting www.pmcvaccine.com. On the top of the page, click on the CDC Vaccine Information link for both vaccines.
DO: Wear a short sleeve or loose-fitting shirt so your upper arm can be easily accessed by the person administering your vaccination. It will help expedite the process.
DO: Be prepared to wait 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. However, if you are on blood thinners or have a history of allergic reactions, you will be asked to wait 30 minutes. You will be directed to a designated staging area for observation until the required wait time expires. PMC personnel will contact you when you when it is your permitted time to leave.
DO: Bring someone with you who is not receiving the vaccine. This person can alert our staff if you experience an adverse reaction to the vaccine during your wait time. If you experience ANY discomfort or signs of adverse reaction, please notify our PMC Staff in the area by waving or sounding your car horn for immediate assistance. Although adverse reactions are rate, we will have staff and equipment on site as a precaution.
DO: Do bring your Epipen if you have one and have a history of severe allergies. Though adverse reactions have been rare, it is always best to have your Epipen with you.
DO: Be prepared to receive your follow-up appointment for the 2nd vaccine dose. If you receive the Pfizer vaccine, you will be required to return for your 2nd booster dose 21 days after your first dose to ensure its full effectiveness.
DO: Expect to receive a vaccination card that will show the type of vaccine you receive and the date you received it. Please bring the card back for your return visit so the provider can update the card indicating that you have received both doses.
DO: Expect some side effects typically lasting several days after receiving the vaccine, according to the CDC’s web site. Most common side effects can include pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, and fever.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
DO: Contact your medical provider if you have any concerns after receiving your vaccination.
DO: Visit the State of Kentucky COVID-19 website, which will also direct you to the CDC Web site, if you have any additional concerns or questions about the vaccine or State’s phasing plan at www.kycovid19.ky.gov.
As the region’s single largest medical provider, Pikeville Medical Center is proud to be a part of the historic endeavor of administering the COVID vaccine with the hope and prayer of bringing an end to this pandemic. Together we rise, and together we will defeat COVID19 one vaccine at a time.