GLOUCESTER — Public Health Director Karin Carroll is pleased to share a public service announcement to help Gloucester residents know what to expect when they receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
The video features Public Health Nurse Kelley Hiland.
“Vaccines are a key step to ending the pandemic,” Public Health Nurse Hiland said. “In order to protect ourselves, family, friends, and our community, everyone needs to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We encourage residents to seek out a vaccination now that the general public is eligible.”
The general public became eligible for the vaccine on Monday, April 19.
The video shares important guidance and information regarding what to expect when you receive your vaccination, including:
- Do not take over the counter pain relievers prior to receiving your vaccination. Discuss using those medications to treat any side effects you may experience following your vaccination with your doctor
- It is normal to experience temporary side effects after receiving your vaccine such as pain, redness or swelling on your arm
- You may also experience side effects after vaccination such as fever, chills, tiredness, headache, muscle pain or nausea. These are signs the vaccine is doing its job and teaching your body how to fight off COVID-19
- If side effects worsen or linger, contact your doctor
- You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your last dose of the vaccine
The following are statewide, regional and local resources to support eligible residents seeking a vaccine:
- Click here to preregister for an appointment at a mass vaccination site. The closest site is at the DoubleTree Hotel in Danvers.
- Click here to view other vaccination opportunities.
- Call 211 to access the above services if you do not have access to the internet.
- Residents who are homebound may call 833-983-0485 to see if they qualify and to schedule an appointment through the state’s homebound vaccination program.
- Call 978-515-5255 to speak with a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer to find access to transportation to or from an appointment and assist those without internet access with appointments. The line is dedicated to supporting Gloucester residents.
For the latest vaccination and COVID-19 related updates, visit the Gloucester Health Department’s news blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account.
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