Many people take aspirin or ibuprofen before getting vaccinated, but health experts believe that painkillers and the COVID-19 vaccine are not a good mixture.
They say that common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine if you take it before you have the chance.
Common side effects such as mild fever, headache or pain at the injection site are proof that any vaccine works, not just those for COVID-19. Medications for pain relief are meant to attenuate the side effects, but it can also attenuate how well the vaccine works in your body as well.
“If we inhibit fever, it can prevent some of these normal antibodies from developing, giving us protection against COVID-19 or flu or any other amount of vaccines we need to take,” FGCU said. Director-Assistant Study Director Robert Hawkes.
Hawkes said there is a major exception to the use of painkillers and the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If your provider has prescribed or requested to take one of these medications regularly, do not stop it until you get the vaccine, continue to use it normally,” he said.
He said it is good to take painkillers after getting the vaccine. If you want a more natural alternative, try putting a cold compress or warm cloth over the injection site.