Things You Shouldn't Do When Getting Your Vaccine

More and more vaccines are coming to Western New York and the eligibility standards continue to open up. Here are some important things to remember when getting your vaccine.

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Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images
Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images
1
Don't take over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol right before your shot
There's a chance that taking over-the-counter medications could interfere with the immune response doctors want to see. Taking them afterward to help with symptoms is okay.
Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images
2
Don't book other vaccines around the same time.
There isn't a lot of data on how other vaccines interact. So to be safe, wait two weeks before you get a flu shot.
Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for SMIRNOFF
Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for SMIRNOFF
3
Don't worry about drinking alcohol.
Too much alcohol is known to weaken your immune system in general. To date there's no evidence that it affects the vaccine or how well it works.
Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
4
Don't push yourself to exercise.
You should be fine to work out after their shot pending any side effects. But if you're feeling run down, take a day off.
Photo by Simon Bruty/Getty Images
Photo by Simon Bruty/Getty Images
5
Don't forget to hydrate.
Hydrating is said to affect how well the vaccine works. Some people develop a fever from the vaccine, which makes you sweat more. So drink lots of water.
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
6
Don't get a tattoo or piercing right after your shot.
There's a slight chance getting tatooed right after the vaccine could trigger an immune response on top of any you might experience from getting the vaccine.
Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images
Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images
7
Don't lose your vaccine card.
Some stores including Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax will laminate it for free right. You should also take a photo of it, and store on your phone just in case.