WHY MUST I STILL VACCINATE?
Young people can still get Covid-19 and by vaccinating you lower the risk of getting very ill, going to hospital and suffering from long-Covid. The vaccine offers the best protection to keep you healthy and prepare your body’s immune system to fight off the infection. And getting vaccinated can also protect the rest of your family too, especially older people.
WHY A BOOSTER SHOT?
Booster shots give your body added protection. Over time your body’s immunity from the original dose begins to decrease. Boosters increase antibodies in your body to fight new Covid variants. Even if you had Covid-19 before, this immunity declines fast and you can get it again, which is why the vaccine and the booster is still your best choice.
CAN I GET COVID FROM THE VACCINE?
No! The vaccine doesn’t contain the live virus so you can’t get Covid from it.
WHAT'S THE 411 ON THE 4-5 AND VACCINES
Covid-19 vaccines do not cause erectile dysfunction or male infertility, nor does it lower your sexual performance. In fact, getting Covid-19 can cause erectile dysfunction and infertility in males.
IS THE VACCINE SAFE IN PREGNANCY
The vaccine is safe to have when you are pregnant and it will not affect your pregnancy, but it is better to get it before you get pregnant. Being pregnant puts you at a higher risk of getting very sick if you are infected with Covid-19. The vaccine will also not affect your chances of falling pregnant in the future.
CAN I VACCINATE IF I AM BREASTFEEDING
Yes, it is safe to continue breastfeeding after being vaccinated and the vaccine does not affect nor change the colour of breast milk.
ARE VACCINE SIDE-EFFECTS NORMAL?
Many people have vaccine side-effects that go away after one to three days. Side-effects occur because your immune system is causing your body to react. It’s part of building protection. Common side-effects are a sore arm at the injection site, headache, fever, chills, sore or aching muscles, tiredness, similar to a bit of flu. Rest and take medicine for fever and pain.
CAN I GET VACCINATED IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Yes, all the more reason to get vaccinated! If you have a chronic condition or are immunocompromised you are advised to get vaccinated and to also keep taking your prescribed medicines as instructed. The vaccines are safe in your condition and are necessary to prevent you from getting very sick if you get Covid-19. If you have HIV it does not affect your CD4 count or viral load.
ARE MASKS STILL IMPORTANT?
Wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, but a mask does add an extra layer of protection. Each of us have the responsibility to protect ourselves, our family and our community. Choose to wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces. Choose to go to gatherings but limit your risk by keeping a space between you and others, opening windows and choosing smaller gatherings.
HOW DO I GET A VACCINE CERTIFICATE?
Download your digital vaccination certificate and keep it with you. https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za
IS THE BOOSTER DIFFERENT TO THE FIRST VACCINE?
No. The booster dose ingredients are the same as the first dose.
LOST YOUR ID, OR DON'T HAVE YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
You can still get vaccinated at any public vaccination site with or without papers.
