1Life Healthcare : What To Expect When Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

You may experience mild side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, including soreness at the site of injection, headache, nausea, feeling rundown and less commonly, fever. These symptoms are completely normal and actually a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and building protection against the COVID-19 virus. They typically last less than 48 hours.

For mild symptoms, a pain-relief medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help.You can also reduce discomfort by applying a clean, cool washcloth over the affected area and using or exercising your arm. If you have a fever, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.

Severe side effects to the Pfizer/BionNtech and Moderna vaccines have been very rare. Signs of a severe reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A rapid heartbeat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness

If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital. You should also contact your primary care provider if pain or tenderness around the injection site increases after 24 hours or if your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away.

Both vaccines require two doses in order to be fully effective. So even if you experience side-effects after the first dose, it's important to follow up and still get the second dose in order to be fully protected. Your second dose must be the same vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) as you received for the first dose.

Finally, it takes time for your body to fully build up immunity after a vaccine. You will not be fully protected until you have received the full vaccine series (two shots) and your immune system has had an additional 7 days or more to respond. It is unknown yet if those who are immune can still transmit the virus. Since no vaccine is 100% effective, we'll all need to continue wearing masks and maintaining physical distance from others well into 2021.