As more vaccination appointments become available, patients have been asking what to do if their vaccine appointment is near their weight loss surgery or general surgery date. 

If you have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, whether first or second dose, near your surgery date we recommend it be 7 days before or 7 days after your surgery.  

Here’s why - after vaccination some people experience side effects, particularly after the second dose, such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and soreness at the injection site.  It’s difficult to immediately determine if the symptoms are vaccine-related or surgery-related, therefore causing a delay in treatment.  

It’s important to note that if you get vaccinated right before weight loss or general surgery and check into the hospital on the day of surgery with side effects such as a fever or chills, your surgery will be postponed until you are symptom-free and well enough to undergo the procedure.

To avoid delaying your surgery, plan to get the vaccine as far out as possible from your surgery date. If you’re concerned about the timing of your vaccine appointment and your surgery contact our office.

If you have any questions or concerns about your surgical procedure and the COVID-19 vaccine, call us at 908-481-1270. 

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