COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects
As the nation begins to ease its COVID-19 restrictions and more people are getting vaccinated, there is one question unvaccinated people are wondering: what will I experience following my vaccination? You have probably heard through news stories or from your social circles about sore arms, flu-like symptoms, and even blood clotting. The brief symptoms you feel after your vaccine is worth the temporary discomfort that comes along with it. Nevertheless, you should be aware of what symptoms are not expected, and when it becomes necessary to head to an emergency room.
Common Side Effects
While it is impossible to fully predict what you may feel after receiving either your first or second vaccine dose, some common side effects have been registered throughout the country. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), these symptoms should last anywhere between 12-48 hours.
Common side effects felt after your COVID-19 vaccination include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling around the injection site
- Sore arm where the vaccine was given
- Sense of fatigue or tiredness
- Muscle and/or joint aches
- Chills or fever
- Headache
Alleviating Side Effects of the Vaccination
If the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are discomforting, there are some at-home remedies you can try to help alleviate the pain.
For alleviating your mild discomfort, you may try:
- Applying a cool, damp cloth (or any type of cold compress) around the injection site
- Moving the vaccinated arm, rather than keeping it idle, to prevent or reduce discomfort
- Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water or other fluids
- Wearing lighter clothing if you are feeling feverish
- Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for relieving the discomfort (always verify with your doctor)
When You Should Head To The Emergency Room
Although rare, severe reactions may occur after receiving the vaccine. These symptoms usually occur a few minutes after your vaccination. This is why you are asked to wait between 15-30 minutes after you have obtained your shot for the small chance that you may be experiencing serious symptoms.
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms after leaving your vaccination site or the duration between your 1st and 2nd dose.
Symptoms to be aware of include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of your face or throat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling dizziness or weakness
- Blood clots
- Severe headaches
- Swelling of the legs
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Blurry vision
- Tiny blood spots and/or easy bruising past the injection site
If you are seeking medical attention in Dallas, entrust in Advanced ER for immediate emergency care. Our medical professionals have the necessary treatments and technology needed for your situation regarding allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Seek Medical Attention at Advanced ER
If you are seeking medical attention in Dallas, entrust in Advanced ER for immediate emergency care. Our medical professionals have the necessary treatments and technology needed for your situation regarding allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine. When available, Advance ER offers rapid COVID-19 testing with same-day results. Please be advised that our Dallas ER is a state-licensed free-standing emergency center and all of our testings, including COVID-19, are billed as an emergency department visit.
To learn more or if you have additional questions about the COVID testing process, don’t hesitate to contact one of our staff members at (214) 494-8222 at Advance ER today!
