The side effects of the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine are normal, experts say

HOUSTON A sore arm, fatigue, mild headache and fever are some of the side effects that health experts can expect after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

The side effects are not only common, but are a good sign according to Memorial Hermann’s specialist in infectious diseases, Dr Linda Yancey.

“The reason you get more of the effects after the second dose is because the first dose is the first time your immune system sees these viral proteins,” Yancey said. ‘It will therefore realize that there is something wrong. It’s going to start making antibodies, but the second dose, your immune system has been warned in advance, and so it’s going to look at those viral proteins and go, ‘Whoa! This is a problem we need to do something about. ‘”

The Centers for Disease Control reports that out of 619,452 second doses administered in Texas, only 15 were significant reports of side effects. Only four of those required a hospital stay lasting less than 5 days.

Advertisement

“COVID has the one out of every 30 chance of killing you and the one out of ten that you can produce side effects that can last months, definitely a sore arm and a few days sore is a small price to pay. paid, “Yancey said. .

She said that side effects of a vaccine are nothing new, but that they do differ.

Influenza injection tended to have slightly milder side effects. The tetanus vaccine is one of our best vaccines, which is why you get the side effects, ”said Yancey.

The side effects are expected to last only 24 to 48 hours. If the side effects persist, Yancey said you should make an appointment with your primary care physician.