We are now more familiar with the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine interacting with our immune system. Experts emphasize post-injection problems, such as fatigue and fever, mean that the vaccine is working (as long as they are not indicative of an allergic reaction).
So, what does this mean for us that we have no side effects?
We asked vaccine experts to give us a summary of what the side effects mean and whether their severity predicts the effectiveness of their immune response to the COVID-19 virus.
First, a recap on what causes the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are a physical manifestation of your body’s immune response – which is the case for most people – or an allergic reaction, said Jesse Erasmus, acting assistant professor in the microbiology department at the University School of Medicine of Washington.
Erasmus said the side effects of an injection usually depend on the type of vaccine technology used to create the immunization (for example, messenger RNA, or mRNA, is the type of technology that Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna injections use) and how these components interact with the immune system.
In terms of vaccines against coronavirus, “All vaccines that are currently authorized for emergency use have very similar side effect profiles,” said Colleen Kelley, associate professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and principal investigator of modern and Novavax Phase 3 vaccine clinical trials at the Ponce de Leon Center clinical research center in Atlanta.
Kelley believes that the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine stem mainly from the body’s response to the peak protein that the vaccine introduces into the immune system, which helps it recognize (and then fight) the peak coronavirus protein if it does. on body.
When it comes to allergic reactions to the vaccine, which are rare, one hypothesis for mRNA vaccines is that people may be allergic to a component called polyethylene glycol, a common food additive, Erasmus said.
Why do some people have worse side effects than others?
Based on people’s experiences, it seems that some have worse reactions to shooting than others. But scientifically there are no confirmed reasons for this yet.
“There is really no distinctive factor that predisposes an individual to have more side effects than the other,” said Richard Dang, pharmacist and assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Southern California. “The only thing we’ve seen in the clinical data so far is that younger individuals seem to experience side effects at higher rates than older individuals, and we see that in the real world, too.”
There are reported cases where those who have had the virus have experienced more severe side effects after receiving the vaccines.
“Interestingly, it appears that people who may have taken COVID-19 before the vaccine tend to have symptoms of longer duration,” added Kelley. “But we are still collecting additional scientific data to really support this.”
Does the severity of side effects have anything to do with how well your body will fight COVID-19 if exposed?
While it is a valid question, more studies need to be done to uncover what the severity of side effects really means, said Anna Wald, an infectious disease physician and researcher on COVID-19 vaccine trials at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
But Erasmus, Kelley and Wald say the vaccine’s effectiveness is unlikely to be determined by the severity of its side effects.
“Remember that most people have mild side effects or no side effects at all in clinical trials [for the mRNA vaccines]and yet, the vaccine was found to be 95% effective in protecting them from disease, ”noted Wald.
Regardless of whether you develop mild or severe side effects, it is important to know what to do.
In short, the benefits of vaccines outweigh the side effects. Getting the injection means protecting yourself against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
If you encounter side effects, there are a few things you can do. At the time of vaccination, ask the person who is vaccinating who best to contact (and how) for follow-up care, if needed, said Dang. You should also wait 15 to 30 minutes at the vaccine site after receiving the injection to make sure you have no serious allergic reactions.
Typically, if you are experiencing side effects related to the immune system, such as fatigue, headache or fever, Kelley said, you can take a pain or fever reducer, such as Tylenol, and then take a nap if you can. Stay hydrated and also relax when you are feeling bad.
These problems are likely to be resolved in a maximum of one to four days, Kelley said. Anything that lasts longer justifies checking in with your doctor or at the place where you received the vaccine. You should seek emergency care or call 911 if you are having difficulty breathing or significant swelling.
You can also register and report some of its side effects at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention V-insurance program, said Dang. V-safe sends daily, then weekly, text messages to find out how you are doing and whether you are having a reaction. If you report serious reactions, it signals the CDC to check you in more detail.
Remember that side effects are usually a very normal part of the COVID-19 vaccine – and we will be in a much better place on the other side of the injections.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available at the time of publication, but the orientation may change as scientists discover more about the virus. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up-to-date recommendations.