Jamaica Hospital would like to provide our community with the facts about what to expect after getting the vaccine.
The most common side effect associated with the COVID vaccine is pain and swelling in your arm at the location of the injection site.
Other side effects reported by some include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
It is important to note that these side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection against the virus. These symptoms typical go away in a few days, but they may affect your ability to participate in your daily activities while you experience them.
If you are experiencing pain, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, or acetaminophen. It is not recommended that you take these medicines before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects, because it is not known how these medications may impact how well the vaccine works.
Some tips to alleviate your symptoms include:
- Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the injection site
- Use or exercise the arm that received the injection
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Dress lightly
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.