Question & Answer

What steps can be taken to prevent or manage common COVID-19 vaccine adverse reactions?

It is normal to have mild, short-term local or systemic adverse effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine; these reactions indicate that the body is building immunity against the virus.[1] Local adverse reactions can occur at the arm into which the vaccine was injected and include pain, redness or swelling. Systemic adverse reactions affect the entire body and include body aches, chills, fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and fatigue or tiredness.

These reactions usually occur within a few hours of getting the vaccine and can last for a few days.[2]

Local adverse reactions can be managed by applying a cool, wet washcloth over the shot area and by using or exercising the affected arm.[3] Fever can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises consumers to talk to their doctors before taking an over-the-counter medication — such as acetaminophen (TYLENOL) or ibuprofen (ADVIL, IBU-TAB 200, MIDOL LIQUID GELS, MOTRIN) — to relieve these adverse reactions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that they do not have medical reasons for not taking these medications.[4] However, the agency recommends against taking these medications before vaccination. The CDC advises consumers to contact their doctors if the redness or tenderness at the vaccine injection site increases after 24 hours or if the adverse reactions are worrisome or persist after a few days.

Individuals who develop any of the aforementioned adverse reactions after their first shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines should still get their second shots unless their health care professional tells them not to do so. Receiving the second shot is important because it takes two shots of these vaccines to get the most protection.
 

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Possible side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. March 16, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html#print. Accessed May 6, 2021.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding adverse events and side effects. March 30, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/sideeffects/index.html. Accessed May 6, 2021.

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Possible side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. March 16, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html#print. Accessed May 6, 2021.

[4] Ibid.