Side effects of the 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are normal, common, experts say

HOUSTON – Arm pain, fatigue, mild headaches and fever are just some of the side effects that health experts say you can expect after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Side effects are not only common, but a good sign, according to Memorial Hermann’s infectious disease specialist, Dr. Linda Yancey.

“The reason you get more of these effects after the second dose is because the first dose is the first time that your immune system has seen these viral proteins,” said Yancey. “Then, he will realize that there is something wrong. It will start producing antibodies, but in the second dose, your immune system has been warned, so you will look at these viral proteins and say: ‘Wow! Those are a problem that we need to do about this. ‘”

The Centers for Disease Control report that of 619,452 second doses, administered in Texas, there were only 15 significant reports of side effects. Only four of them required hospitalization that lasted less than 5 days.

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“COVID has a 30 in 1 chance of killing you and a 10 in 1 chance of leaving you with side effects that can last for months, certainly a sore and sore arm for a few days is a small price to pay,” said Yancey.

She said the side effects of a vaccine are nothing new, but they are different.

“The flu vaccine tends to have slightly milder side effects. The tetanus vaccine is one of our best vaccines and that is why you get these side effects, ”said Yancey.

Side effects should only last 24 to 48 hours. If the side effects continue, Yancey said you should make an appointment with your primary doctor.