COVID-19 vaccine is now available for everyone above age 18. However, some people haven’t signed up to receive the vaccine yet. One of the reasons for this apprehension is that they’re worried there might be unknown side effects. Some of such effects that could show up months or years later, are the scariest ones.

Common Side-Effects Of COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting the shot helps to boost immunity against the deadly virus. It should be noted that experiencing side effects is normal after getting the jab. But they are just a marker that the vaccine dose is building antibodies in your body. There is nothing to be scared of as most of the symptoms go away on their own after two-three days. Here are some common symptoms of the COVID-19 vaccine that you may experience after getting the shot.

COVID 19 Vaccine

Fever and chills

Fever accompanied by chills and shivers is a common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccines. After getting the shot, you may experience a rise in body temperature. It may go above 100 F and may bother you one or two days after getting the jab.

​Fatigue

Fatigue or weakness after getting the jab is another sign that the vaccine is doing its job. You may feel extremely tired and lethargic. This may last for a day or 2 days at most. Make sure you drink plenty of water, eat healthy and take an ample amount of rest.

Headache

The COVID-19 vaccine contains antigens of the virus that help the body to build antibodies against coronavirus. Due to this, most of the side effects of the vaccine are similar to that of the infection. Headache can be a common sign, which may be mistaken for a COVID symptom.

​Nausea

Fever, chills and fatigue, in many cases, is accompanied by feeling nauseous. You may feel the urge to vomit, which will subside over a short time.

Joint pain

Body ache and joint pain are other side-effects of the vaccine in most cases. You may also experience stiffness and swelling. This problem is more common in people above 50.

Swelling in arms

Redness and swelling in the arms after getting the jab can cause mild discomfort, but it gets better with time. Moving your arms a little may help to provide relief.

Diarrohea

In rare cases, a person may even witness diarrhoea after getting the jab. It problem is mild and goes away in a day. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Coronavirus Vaccine

How to cope with these symptoms?

If you are experiencing unmanageable pain, which is interfering with your daily tasks, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe you over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines. But do not self-prescribe! To reduce pain and discomfort where you have got the shot, apply a clean, cool or wet cloth and perform some arm exercises. Also, try to keep yourself hydrated to bring the temperature down.

Experiencing some side effects after getting the shot is normal. It may go away on its own after 2-3 days. In case the redness or tenderness in your arm gets worse in 24 hours or your side-effects do not seem to fade even after a few days, consult your doctor. Remember, getting the shot is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and the people around you.

Long Term Effects Of COVID-19 Vaccine

Although it’s true there are still a lot of things we’re learning about the vaccines — like how effective they are against variants and how long their protection lasts — there are plenty of things we do know that give experts confidence in the long-term safety of the vaccines. History tells us that severe side effects are extremely rare, and if they if do occur, they usually happen within the first two months.

History shows this is a common pattern. When new vaccines are released, the unknown side effects, if any, show up within two months of vaccination. This history goes back to at least the 1960s with the oral polio vaccine and examples continue through today.

Because of this, scientists and public health officials continually monitor vaccine data before, during and after a vaccine becomes available to the public.

Understanding The Vaccine

The vaccine development process, from clinical trials to ongoing monitoring, helps to uncover and understand side effects. Clinical trials are a key part of vaccine development and involve evaluating use in tens of thousands of study participants. All of the COVID-19 vaccines went through this rigorous process before authorization.

In reviewing results from the trials, the federal Food and Drug Administration must determine that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine.

After vaccines are authorized and in use by the public, public health officials continue monitoring the data as an additional safety measure. Manufacturers must have a plan to report follow-up data, including any events such as hospitalizations and deaths, and they must continue research to generate more data on safety and efficacy.