Health officials are guaranteeing the public the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, while reminding them of common side effects, especially after the second dose of the series.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that safety monitoring for the two vaccines approved for emergency use was “the most intense and comprehensive in the history of the United States”. The findings in the Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report are similar to those in clinical trials by the manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer, which show pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache and muscle pain were reported more frequently, more often after the second dose. .
Humboldt County public health nurse and communicable disease and clinical program supervisor, Hava Phillips, said that individuals who have had a reaction to a vaccine in the past, or may have an allergy, should discuss vaccination with your doctor.
“It is not uncommon for people to experience pain in the arm and swelling where the injection was given, or symptoms like fever, body aches and fatigue as part of the process of building immunity,” said Phillips. “This is especially true after the second dose, when the body’s immune response is strongest. Serious reactions to the vaccine, requiring medical attention, are rare and usually happen within the first 24 hours after the injection. “
Being vaccinated is one of the most powerful tools in protecting individuals and communities and ultimately ending the pandemic, said Phillips. “We are moving as fast as supplies allow, so make the first appointment you offer,” she said. “We have come this far working together and vaccination is the next step.”
To reduce pain and discomfort at the injection site, the CDC recommends using or exercising your arm and / or applying a clean, fresh, damp towel over the area. To reduce the discomfort of fever, drink plenty of fluids and wear light clothing.
The CDC recommends not taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines or paracetamol before being vaccinated to prevent side effects, because it is not known how these drugs can affect the vaccine’s effectiveness. People can take these medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects, but, as always, talk to your doctor first.
To read the full CDC report, visit this link.