CORNING, N.Y. (WENY)-- Pharmacies are working to meet the high demand of giving access to vaccines. 

Before getting the COVID-19 vaccine there are things you can do to prepare. Mike Steed a Pharmacist and part-owner of Gerould’s Professional Pharmacy starts administering second doses of the vaccine Thursday. Whether you are prepping to get your first shot somewhere else or your second one, he shares things you should know regarding what to do before, what to expect during, and what to know after you are vaccinated.
 
First, register online
You will be placed on a waitlist then they will contact you for an appointment. You will need to enter your name, address, and they require you to include your insurance number when registering online. This will help get the front-end work done before getting scheduled for an appointment.

"We do ask people that fall into the phase 1B or any other category that's current to go to geroulds.com and, there is a red banner on top you click that,” said Steed.

Bring your insurance to your appointment    
Your name must appear on your insurance card just as it is when you register online Mike said, unless we have the name is exactly the way it is on the card they are not able to process the prescription for the shot.
  
Wear comfortable clothing
They recommend wearing loose clothing so the staff member can access your upper arm and administer the shot to your shoulder easily. 

What to expect during the appointment
Once you are called in for an appointment, you will be greeted by a staff member and, they will walk you through the process and go over filling out additional paperwork. The entire process of receiving the vaccine should take about fifteen minutes.
 
 After you have received the vaccine 
They will monitor you on-site and require you stick around the pharmacy for about twenty minutes after they give you the shot to make sure you are tolerating the vaccine okay.

Avoid taking certain medications
Mike said some over the counter medications could affect the shot and recommends avoiding taking ibuprofen for 24 hours after you receive the shot. From what they understand it has the possibility to lessen the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine.
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Mike reiterated you must register online first and then they will call you to schedule an appointment. 

 If you’re a Chemung County resident over the age of 65 and don’t have computer access. The Chemung County Health Department has partnered with The Office Of The Aging to set up a phone line to place eligible seniors on a waitlist.

If you’re in this age category and don’t have internet access you can be put on this waitlist by calling 607-737-5530.