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As with any immunization, it is normal to have side effects after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of the dose
As with any immunization, it is normal to have side effects after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of the dose. The most common side effects include:
Severe adverse effects are extremely rare and may include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Allergic reaction
- Blood clotting
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Bluish lips or face
Lymph nodes may be swollen post COVID-19 vaccination and may last up to 10 days. This is common after a booster dose.
What causes side effects after COVID-19 vaccination?
Side effects indicate that your immune system is working and your body is building protection against the virus.
Getting vaccinated prompts your immune system to respond, training your immune cells to identify and react to an invading pathogen. This process can cause inflammation in your body, leading to side effects such as headache and fever.
If you are completely vaccinated and later become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, your immune system will be ready to launch an even larger and more robust attack to protect you.
If you do not experience any side effects with the first or second shot of the vaccine, this does not imply that the vaccination was ineffective. Most patients in clinical trials had no side effects even though their follow-ups suggested that the vaccine was successful.
How can you reduce the side effects caused by the COVID-19 vaccine?
You may be able to alleviate the symptoms with the following:
- For arm pain, try applying an ice pack or cold towel to the area to minimize redness, discomfort, and swelling.
- Drink plenty of fluids over the next 1-2 days after receiving the immunization.
- Take a cool bath to ease aches and relieve fever.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, or acetaminophen.
When to seek medical attention for side effects
You may have any of the following symptoms between 4 days and 4 weeks after getting vaccinated. If the symptoms do not subside or worsen over, seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe headache that worsens when you lie down, bend over, or is uncommon to you and cannot be alleviated by pain relievers
- Blurred vision, difficulty speaking, weakness, sleepiness, or convulsions (fits)
- Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, limb swelling, chronic abdominal pain, a rash that appears like little bruises, or bleeding under the skin
Can you get COVID-19 after both doses of the vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective.
According to studies, even if you get COVID-19 after being vaccinated, you are unlikely to become seriously ill or require hospitalization.
