Side effects are common and normal after getting the COVID vaccine, according to the CDC. You could experience pain, a headache, muscle aches, or a fever, all of which might have you reaching for pain relievers. However, in a March 5 update, the CDC stressed that you need to talk to your doctor first before “taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines” after the vaccine. While this warning had been on the website beforehand, it has now been bolded for emphasis. These medications include widely-used pain relievers and fever reducers like Motrin and Advil (which are brands of ibuprofen) and Tylenol (which is a brand of acetaminophen). While these pills can relieve post-vaccination side effects, your doctor can help you decide if they are safe for you to take after your shot. And for more drugs to consult your doctor about, If You Take This Common Medication, Talk to a Doctor Before Your Vaccine. Medication isn’t the only way you can relieve your post-vaccination side effects, however. According to the CDC, if you want to reduce pain and discomfort where you received the shot, you can “apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.” The agency also suggests you use or exercise your arm to help relieve any pain. If you have a fever after your vaccination, the CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly to reduce discomfort from your fever. And for more on vaccine preparation, Doctors Say Do These 2 Things the Morning of Your Vaccine Appointment. While the CDC says post-vaccination OTC medication is fine with a doctor’s approval, the agency says it is “not recommended you take these medicines before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects.” It is not yet known how these drugs could affect your vaccination response.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “There are a couple of small studies in children having to do with regular vaccines—not COVID vaccines— that might indicate that taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen before you get the vaccine might reduce your antibody response a little,” William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, explained to Prevention. “But nobody really knows whether this has any clinical significance and it’s never been studied on a clinical scale.” And for more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. The CDC acknowledges that the side effects that can arise after your COVID vaccination might “affect your ability to do daily activities,” but they should only last for a few days. However, if your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away on their own, the CDC says you should reach out to a doctor or healthcare provider. You should also contact a medical professional “if the redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours,” per the CDC’s guidelines. And for more on vaccine reactions, If This Happens After Your Vaccine, the FDA Says You Should Call 911.
