Juliet Uduji
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect anyone who obtains it from contracting the contagion, experts say; warning that individuals may, however, develop some side effects.
The side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection, the United States Centres for Disease Control says.
The Government agency notes that the side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
The agency also notes that some people do not develop side effects when given the vaccine.
Common side effects
On the arm where you got the vaccination, you may develop side effects such as pain, redness and swelling, CDC says.:
What to Expect after Vaccination
Throughout the rest of the body, an individual might experience tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea, CDC warns.
The agency counsels that if you observe any of these side effects, you may talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated.
“You can take these medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects if you have no other medical reasons that prevent you from taking these medications normally,” CDC says.
“It is not recommended you take these medicines before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects,” it added.
To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the vaccination, the CDC counsels as follows:
Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
Use or exercise your arm.
And, in order to reduce discomfort from fever
Drink plenty of fluids.
Dress lightly.
When to call the doctor
In most cases, discomfort from pain or fever is a normal sign that your body is building protection. However, you’re advised to contact your doctor or healthcare provider:
If the redness or tenderness where you got the vaccination gets worse after 24 hours; or
If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days.
Again, the CDC warns, “If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care.”
The centre reiterates that side effects can affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
Nigeria is currently vaccinating with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and you will need two injections within eight to 12 weeks of each other in order to get the most protection.
“You should get the second vaccination even if you have side effects after the first one, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get it,” CDC states.
the agency says it takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination, and that COVID-19 vaccines that require two injections may not protect you until about two weeks after your second vaccination.
For COVID-19 vaccines that require one injection, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build protection.
It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.
“Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least six feet away from others, avoid crowds, avoid poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands often,” CDC reiterates.
