With the recent implementation of a mass vaccination campaign and a gradual return to normal life in Da Nang, local residents are eagerly waiting for resuming physical activity. However, those who have just vaccinated against COVID-19 should follow doctors’ recommendations to ensure their safe and healthy during physical practice.

People need to rest and monitor their health after vaccination. In the photo: an athlete from the city’s Paralympic team gets vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Da Nang-based Police Hospital 199.

Dr Nguyen Van Tuan from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine of the Da Nang-based Police Hospital 199 under the Ministry of Public Security said that like other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines may cause side-effects in some people. The number of people who experience these side-effects after vaccination differs depending on which vaccine they received.

“It’s normal to experience side effects after the vaccine. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease, however not everyone gets them. These side effects may include fatigue, fever, headache, and having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. Therefore, recently-jabbed people will not be healthy and strong enough for physical and sports activities" said Dr. Tuan.

He, therefore, recommended that recently-vaccinated people, whether it is 1 or 2 doses, avoid strenuous physical activity for 3 days after getting the shots, and should take a rest or to walk gently to closely monitor the reactions of the vaccine to the body instead.

Dr Tuan advised the vaccinated to drink a lot of water, eat a lot of fruits, take vitamin supplements, get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep, and do some light exercise/physical activity. Special attention should be paid to avoiding alcohol, beer and stimulants which could affect their immune system.

PT (personal trainer) Luong Van Du from the Bin-G Private Gym said “It is recommended to do something less strenuous in comparison to your regular exercise routine, for example: going for a light walk, in order to increase metabolism and increase the body's resistance after vaccine administration”.

“When you get vaccinated, the body relies on immune responses to develop protection. It is recommended that recently-vaccinated people get proper nutrition, drink lots of water, especially avoiding foods that contain trans fats like fried foods, and alcoholic beverages. Also you should listen to your body during physical activity” noted Mr Du.

According to Dr Nguyen Van Tuan, people after a period of social distancing are mostly used to a sedentary state, along with reactions after vaccination, which will make the body unable to adapt to the intensity of exercise.

“Aside from monitoring health after vaccination, it is necessary to gradually increase the intensity of exercise, every day, from light to severe. Fully warm up before practicing and wear appropriate shoes to avoid unnecessary injuries during physical activity "emphasised Dr Tuan.

Reporting by XUAN SON - Translating by M.D