Healthy Lifestyle 8 Things That Will Make Your Vaccine Appointment Much Easier Bonus: These can all be ordered online and delivered to your door! By Karla Walsh Karla Walsh Instagram Website Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, level one sommelier and former fitness instructor and personal trainer who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness. (Or tries to, at least!) Her writing has been published in AllRecipes, Runner's World, Shape and Fitness Magazines, as well as on EatingWell.com, Shape.com, BHG.com, ReadersDigest.com, TheHealthy.com, Prevention.com, WomensHealthMag.com and more. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 30, 2021 Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD Instagram Lisa Valente is a registered dietitian and nutrition editor. She studied at the University of Vermont, where she completed her undergraduate studies in nutrition, food science and dietetics, and attended the dietetic internship program at Massachusetts General Hospital to become a registered dietitian. She went on to earn a master's degree in nutrition communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. She was a nutrition editor at EatingWell for eight years. Prior to EatingWell, Lisa worked as a research dietitian at Griffin Hospital in Connecticut and also taught cooking and nutrition classes. She was a featured speaker at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in 2017. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Getty Images / luza studios ICYMI, every American adult is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. (Still on the fence about getting yours? We spoke with infectious disease doctors to clear up some common myths.) As we wrap up April, more than 43 percent of Americans have received at least one dose, and 30 percent are fully vaccinated, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means seven in 10 Americans still have at least one more vaccine shot ahead. So speaking from those of us who have been there, booked that and are now fully vaccinated (hooray science!), here's what we wish we had handy before, during and after. Stock up before you step up for your shot and you'll be resting easier and just days away from these awesome activities that are now A-OK for those who are fully vaccinated. Vaccinated Americans Can Travel Freely Without Having to Quarantine or Test for COVID-19, CDC Confirms 8 Things You Should Bring When You Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine 1. A Face Mask It's been a mainstay in your life since last March or so, and a face mask is a must to enter the pharmacy or facility that's administering your shot. Be sure to wear it so you can keep your appointment—as well as yourself and those around you safer, of course. We love these lightweight options as well as this $15 one from Amazon. ililily Cotton Double Layer Patterned Face Mask Washable Filter Lining Shield , White Buy Now Amazon 2. Hand Sanitizer Another MVP of pandemic times, hand sanitizer, will come in handy if you need to touch any door handles or other high-touch shared items on the way to get your shot. The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray - 2 fl oz Buy Now Target 3. A Comfortable Tank Top To allow for easy arm access, consider wearing a tank top to your vaccine shot appointment. A comfy workout tank like this can play double duty as your shot "suit" and your apparel to tackle your first post-vaccine sweat session when you're feeling up to it. (Our friends at SHAPE will coach you through everything you need to know about working out after your shot.) ASICS Women's Loose Strappy Tank Training Apparel Buy Now 4. A Water Bottle Hydration is clutch before and after your shot, doctors and dietitians explain. Drinking enough H2O may help make the post-shot symptoms less severe—and will certainly help you make strides toward your daily water intake goal. Keep a water pitcher or bottle within reach a couple days before and after your appointment. CamelBak Chute Mag BPA Free Water Bottle 25 oz, Charcoal Buy Now Amazon 5. A Book to Pass the Time After you receive your shot, you'll be asked to wait 15 minutes for monitoring to ensure you don't have a (very rare) allergic reaction to the vaccine. Pack a book—we're partial to something inspiring and positive to set the tone for brighter days to come—so you can make the most of those minutes and sneak in some self-care. After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love Buy Now Amazon 25 Meals to Prep Before You Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine 6. A Quick, Mess-Free and Healthy Snack If your vaccine appointment requires some travel time, there's a line to get your dose or you could simply use to refuel during that 15-minute wait period, pack a mess-free snack. A protein bar is a great option since you can nosh on while holding the package rather than grabbing with your hands, and it's easy to slip under your mask. Mezcla Vegan Plant Protein Bars Buy Now Amazon 7. A Vaccine Card Protector Since you'll now have a vaccine card, you'll want to protect your card for future travels, discounts and verification purposes. It's best not to laminate it; instead, slide it inside a clear protective case. CDC Vaccination Card Protector Buy Now Amazon 8. Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine A sore arm and achiness are two of the most common post-vaccination symptoms, per the CDC. While not everyone experiences symptoms, it can be wise to stock up on some pain-reliever medication just in case. While it's not recommended that you take these before your shot, most doctors will sign off on you using a pain-reliever after if needed. (Double check with yours or your administering pharmacist just in case.) Tylenol Extra Strength Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer Caplets - Acetaminophen Buy Now Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit