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Typically vaccine-related side effects are reported within 24 to 48 hours of taking the vaccine.
Most people report vaccine-related side effects within 24 to 48 hours of taking the vaccine.
Most side effects are mild and need no active intervention, which includes:
- fatigue,
- pain at the injection site,
- fever less than 102°F,
- headache,
- flu-like symptoms,
- muscle ache,
- chills and
- diarrhea.
Typically, side effects with a booster dose are milder than those with the initial two shots. There are particular reports of swollen lymph nodes in the underarm following the booster dose. These symptoms subside within a few days.
Vaccines by Moderna, Pfizer, Janssen, and AstraZeneca have been instrumental in controlling the fatality rate due to COVID-19 infections in the majority of the world population. However, current studies report that most individuals who were vaccinated more than six months ago show a depleted antibody level against the disease, prompting a need for a booster dose.
When do side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine start?
Rare reports of vaccine-related myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart and surrounding tissues) have been observed with mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna).
- Current evidence suggests that this relatively serious, but rare, the complication is more common in individuals between 12 and 39 years, with men being affected more frequently than women.
- Most reported cases have been in men within a week of vaccination.
- Symptoms are high fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Individuals have responded well to medical treatment, proving that the benefits of mRNA vaccines (preventing fatal disease) outweigh this potential side effect.
An adverse event specific to the Janssen vaccine is unusual blood clots in the brain and abdominal veins along with low platelet counts. These occurred within three weeks of vaccination and were more common in people between 18 and 59 years, particularly women.
Not everyone will experience all side effects related to the vaccine. If your symptoms get worse after 24 hours of vaccination or symptoms persist for more than a week, you must contact your physician.
Alternatively, you may download V-safe, which is a smartphone-based app recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that uses texts and web surveys to check in on you after you receive your COVID-19 vaccine. Through V-safe surveys, the CDC keeps tabs on any untoward COVID-19 vaccine side effects, and someone from the CDC may call to check on you.
This app will inform you if you need additional or booster shot requirements. However, this app does not give out vaccine certificates, medical advice, or schedule your vaccine appointments.
Who is eligible for a booster shot?
As per the latest recommendation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, every individual who is 18 years and older and fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is eligible for a booster.
The suggested booster schedule is as follows:
- At least two months after a single shot of Johnson & Johnson's (Janssen) vaccine
- At least six months after you have taken the two-dose Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine
Any of the available vaccines can be used for the booster dose, regardless of the vaccine used for the primary series. This means you may receive a Janssen booster if your primary vaccine was mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) or vice versa. Such combinations have been proven more effective in eliciting a protective antibody response.
Getting your COVID-19 vaccination is more important than ever as the world stares in anxiety at the new Omicron strain of coronavirus. Although vaccines cause minor side effects, most vaccinations have a proven record for safety and efficacy and provide continued protection against severe complications of COVID-19 in the population across various age groups.
Here is the vaccination schedule approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that may help you:
For adults and adolescents ≥12 years
- Primary: Two intramuscular doses of 0.3 mL. Each is given at least three weeks (21 days) apart. Certain populations (those who are immunocompromised and on immunosuppressive medications) require a third dose after at least 28 days (three-dose schedule).
- Booster: One intramuscular dose of 0.3 mL at least six months after the last dose in the primary series.
Children (5 to 11 years)
- Primary: Two intramuscular doses of 0.1 mL each are given at least three weeks (21 days) apart.
- Booster: Currently, not recommended.
Only approved for people who are 18 years and older
- Primary: Two intramuscular doses of 0.5 mL each are given at least one month (28 days) apart.
- Certain populations (those who are immunocompromised and on immunosuppressive medications) require a third dose after at least 28 days (three-dose schedule).
- Booster: One intramuscular dose of 0.25 mL is given at least six months after the last dose in the primary series.
Only approved for people who are 18 years and older
- Primary series: One intramuscular dose of 0.5 mL is given.
- Booster dose: One intramuscular dose of 0.5 mL is suggested at least two months after the primary vaccine.
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Is it possible to relieve the side effects of COVID-19 booster shot?
Symptoms such as redness, swelling, mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and body ache are in fact markers that the body is developing immunity against the COVID-19 virus. Hence, these should not be a reason for concern.
- These effects can be minimized by rest, movement of the infected arm, intake of plenty of oral fluids, and an acetaminophen tablet if needed.
- If there is severe throbbing at the vaccine site, you may apply an ice pack (but no heat) for about five minutes at a time, three to four times a day.
Avoid fasting, consumption of alcoholic drinks, or smoking in the 48 hours following the vaccination.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine protect me against the Omicron variant?
Vaccines and boosters will probably be effective against the Omicron variant, but we do not know for sure. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been declared as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization due to the high rate of mutation in the virus.
The strain is currently being investigated by scientists worldwide. Although the strain is more infectious than the Delta variant, we do not know if it will cause more severe disease or fatalities. Some evidence suggests that this strain may cause an increased risk of reinfection or disease even in vaccinated individuals, but we do not have any concrete information.
Meanwhile, regular handwashing, using protective masks (FFP, N95, or medicine masks), and maintaining social distance are effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the Omicron (or any other) COVID-19 strain. These should be followed despite your vaccination status.
