What Not To Do Before Your COVID-19 Shot

On April 15, all Californians 16 and older can book appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Part of preparing is knowing what to do, and part of preparing is knowing what not to do.

Below are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready. See our Vaccine Action Plan for a comprehensive checklist of things to consider before and after your appointment, and for step-by-step resources during each phase of the process.

WHAT NOT TO DO BEFORE YOUR SHOT

► Don’t Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

• If possible, skip over-the-counter pain relievers before you get the vaccine. Yale University researchers say the process that blocks pain may also reduce your body’s ability to create antibodies. If you typically take over-the-counter pain medication, talk to your doctor.
• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be OK to take after your appointment, according to a UC Irvine study.

► Don’t Schedule Other Vaccines Within Two Weeks

• The CDC recommendation is to allow at least two weeks before receiving other vaccines (for example: flu or shingles).
• The timeframe may be shorter in unplanned situations where the benefits outweigh “potential unknown risks of vaccine coadministration” (for example: tetanus for wound management, hepatitis A during an outbreak).

► Don’t Get Dermal Fillers Around The Same Time

• The CDC doesn’t specifically say to avoid these, but it has advised that “infrequently, people who have received dermal fillers might experience swelling at or near the site of filler injection (usually face or lips).”
• You can still get vaccinated if you have a history of dermal fillers, provided there are “no contraindications or precautions for vaccination,” according to the CDC's guidance.

There's a lot more to know, and it's OK if you don't know it yet. Let us help you make a plan. We have a guide for that.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• You're About To Be Eligible For A COVID-19 Vaccine in California. Now What?
• How To Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment In LA (And Across SoCal)
• How To Get The Second Dose Of Vaccine -- And Everything You Need To Know About It
• Answers To Your COVID-19 Vaccine Questions -- Safety, Eligibility, Access, And Much More