What Happens After You Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine?
With three FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines now available, the government says all adults should have access to a shot by the end of May. So, as vaccination efforts rapidly ramp up across the country, what you can expect after you get your Covid-19 vaccine?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you may experience some side effects such as pain and swelling in the arm where you got the shot or fever, chills, or headache. Don’t worry. That’s all perfectly normal. It’s a sign that your body is building protection against the coronavirus.
If you feel pain or discomfort in your arm after getting the shot, you can apply a clean, cool, and wet washcloth over the area. Exercising your arm can also help alleviate pain. If you run a fever, the CDC says to be sure to drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.
While you can take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen (i.e.: Advil) or acetaminophen (i.e.: Tylenol), to alleviate pain and discomfort after the shot, the CDC says you should not take anything before your vaccine because researchers don’t know yet how these medications may impact how well the vaccine works.
While some minor side effects are perfectly normal after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, you should contact your doctor if redness and tenderness at the injection site increase after 24-hours or if your symptoms do not seem to be going away after a few days.
If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine you should seek immediate medical care by calling 9-1-1.
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