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CDC Says COVID Booster Shots are ‘Less Intense’

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Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

With the new Omicron variant starting to spread, experts are urging everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes a booster shot if it’s been more than six months since you received your second Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or two months since getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The good news is that booster shots are supposed to be much milder.

According to an article by CNBC, you can expect any booster shot side effects to be less intense than the original vaccine. In fact, the CDC describes typical Covid booster side effects as “mild to moderate,” compared to the “intense” ones many people experienced after the second vaccine dose. That’s largely due to the fact that you have already established a “virus-fighting blueprint” for your immune system.

The most common side effects for all three boosters include pain and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, fever, chills, and nausea. These symptoms typically dissipate within two to three days. It’s important to keep in mind that, just like with the original shots, discomfort is a sign that the vaccine is working as intended. It shows that your immune system is mounting protection against the virus.

The CDC cautions that if any “redness or tenderness” near your injection site gets worse after 24 hours, or if your side effects don’t seem to be dissipating after a few days, you should contact a doctor or healthcare provider.

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