Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects after the initial injection. Most people will only experience mild to moderate side effects which will resolve themselves within a few days, and many won’t get them at all. However, it’s worth knowing what they are just in case they are troublesome and you want to take medicines to counteract them, such as paracetamol or antihistamines.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Very Common Side Effects
These side effects were noted in more than 1 in 10 people during clinical trials:
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Itching, warmth and redness where the injection is given
- Generally feeling unwell
- Feeling tired and fatigued
- Chills or feeling feverish
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea
- Headache
COVID-19 Vaccine: Common Side Effects
These side effects were noted in up to 1 in 10 people during clinical trials:
- Flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat, high temperature, cough and runny nose
- Fever
- Vomiting
- A lump at the injection site
COVID-19 Vaccine: Uncommon Side Effects
These side effects were noted in up to 1 in 100 people during clinical trials:
- Feeling dizzy
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal pains
- Decreased appetites
- Excessive sweating, itching or a rash
During the clinical trials for the Astra Zeneca vaccine, there were rare reports of numbness, pins and needles, and loss of feeling associated with inflammation of the nervous system. However, it hasn’t been confirmed yet whether these events were due to the vaccine or not. There were also reports of facial drooping in around 1 in 1,000 patients during the Pfizer clinical trials.
It’s worth stressing that if you are worried about any side effects you experience following the COVID-19 vaccination you should talk to your doctor.
There have been reports of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines as well. Your doctor should ask you if you’ve ever experienced a reaction to a vaccine, so be sure to tell them if you have. If you do experience a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, it is advised you should not get the second shot. The same if you have an intermediate reaction, however a rash on the arm, also known as “COVID arm”, is not considered cause for alarm and you can still get the second dose.
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Countries around the world are beginning to vaccinate their citizens against Coronavirus in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We believe letting people know you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step in overcoming the virus. Once you have the vaccine you can buy your wristband here and let the world know you’re helping defeat COVID-19.