What You Need to Know About the Recently Released COVID Vaccines: Part III

Are you worried about receiving one of the COVID vaccines outlined in our last two blogs? You’re certainly not alone. A variety of side effects may accompany the injection. The good news? In most cases, these are mild. Keep reading to learn more.

Should I Be Worried About COVID Vaccine Side Effects?

Those who are currently reluctant to receive the COVID vaccine fear that they’ll suffer nasty side effects. The standard flu is often cited as a reason for skepticism, as people who receive this particular vaccine often suffer fatigue, fever, and a variety of other concerns. Unfortunately, some of these side effects appear to occur in a select subset of people who receive the COVID vaccine.

In trials and in the first few people impacted by the vaccine’s rollout, chief complaints have included:

• Pain at the injection site. In some people, this can be severe. Redness and swelling may also occur.
• Muscle and joint pain. These are less localized and may be experienced throughout the body.
• Fever and fatigue, often echoing the common side effects of the flu vaccine.

How to Prepare for Side Effects

If you’re worried about suffering an adverse reaction after receiving the COVID vaccine, plan to take at least a day or two off after it’s administered. This will allow you to rest and recover, rather than feeling miserable while dealing with side effects at school or work.

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, the FDA suggests avoiding the vaccine. When in doubt, consult with your physician to determine whether the vaccine is safe in your situation.

While the potential for side effects is concerning, these are (in most cases) far less deadly for vulnerable populations than the disease itself. In fact, many experts maintain that side effects reveal that the vaccine is working.