Although the COVID vaccine has been shown to be safe, it comes without warnings: you should not take painkillers without a prescription before taking the injection and you should not share a picture of your vaccination card afterwards. Now, experts are warning people to avoid another routine activity for at least a month after receiving the vaccine. Read on to find out what you should avoid doing post-vaccination and for things you can do, Dr. Fauci just confirmed that you can do this after being vaccinated.
The Society of Breast Imaging has just released a statement saying that people who recently had the COVID vaccine may experience axillary symptoms [in the armpit] swelling of the lymph nodes, which can mimic a sign of breast cancer. As the axillary lymph nodes are close to the outside of the breast, seeing them swollen during breast examination can easily cause concern. The statement details how professionals should document such an occurrence and suggests that people wait for the appointment to avoid unnecessary concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swelling of the axillary lymph nodes was found in men and women during the testing of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Swollen lymph nodes are a common immune response that occurs with several vaccines, including the flu vaccine, hepatitis vaccines, polio vaccine and tetanus vaccine, according to Forbes.
“The lymphatic system is their drainage system and they respond to inflammation,” explained the hormone specialist and founder of Revitalize Medical Group Tara Scott, MD. “His armpit nodules (or axillary lymph nodes) are the closest to the arm – and the breast – so they would be visible on a mammogram.” And so that more reactions to the vaccine are made aware, the CDC says that these three side effects mean that its vaccine is working.
“The recommendation is to wait at least a month after the second injection and not do a mammogram between applications,” said Scott. In its statement, the Society of Breast Imaging also said it would be wise to schedule a mammogram before the vaccine. Doing so can also help you relax if a lump forms near your armpit after receiving the injection.
If you are unable to get a mammogram appointment before the vaccine, the Society of Breast Imaging suggests waiting “four to six weeks after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.” And for the most up-to-date information, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
If you have a cause for concern or want something checked as soon as possible, don’t delay your test. Jeffrey Hawley, MD, a breast imaging radiologist at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, said patients “shouldn’t postpone having their mammograms or the COVID-19 vaccine – especially if it leads to a long delay or no screening. . “
If you have a mammogram, remember that your COVID vaccine can affect the results and alert your doctor that you have recently had the vaccine. And to find out more about when you can get the vaccine, Biden says that is when you can easily get a vaccine appointment.
Mammography is not the only test that can detect a swollen axillary lymph node. “We are seeing unilateral axillary adenopathy in the breast image, [such as] mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the breast after administering the COVID-19 vaccination, ” Sunny Mitchell, MD, medical director of breast and female services and director of breast surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, said Forbes. “This occurs in individuals with a history of breast cancer, as well as without a history of breast cancer.” Mitchell said that breast radiologists are using short-term follow-up and repeated imaging to assess the situation before recommending a biopsy if the lump is related to the COVID vaccine.
Rebecca Gamms, MD, breast radiologist at Hackensack Radiology Group / Hackensack University Medical Center, said Forbes they are “recommending a follow-up exam in 2-3 months to allow the lymph nodes to return to normal”. In addition, to prevent this situation from occurring frequently, Gamms said he is adhering to the Society of Breast Imaging’s recommendation to schedule mammograms before or four to six weeks after the COVID vaccine. And to learn more about the vaccine’s availability, this is who can get the remaining vaccine at Walgreens, CVS and Walmart.