#PINNED: How to deal with common COVID-19 vaccine side effects

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Congratulations! You have finally decided to add a layer of protection from COVID-19 virus by getting vaccinated.

But first things first, you should understand that our bodies react differently to different vaccines. In the next few days or weeks, AstraZeneca and Sputnik V doses are arriving, while the government and private sectors try to secure the supply of Sinovac, Moderna, and Pfizer doses.

The Department of Health said that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine lessen the risk of being infected. Like any vaccine, such as flu or polio shots, the common COVID-19 vaccine side effects are indications that your body is forming a protective layer of defense against the virus.

So, what are the common side effects of COVID-19 vaccine?

On the arm injection site:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Tenderness

Throughout the body:

• Feeling unwell
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Headache
• Chills or feeling feverish
• Joint pain or muscle ache

What to do after getting COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the DOH, these common side effects should normally go away within 1 to 3 days.

• After being vaccinated, observe yourself and ask the healthcare worker at the vaccination site if you feel any discomfort during the 15 to 30-minute monitoring at the observation area.
• At home, check if there is swelling at the injected site. Use a cold compress to reduce discomfort in the painful spot. Gently wipe a clean and cool (but not dripping) cloth over it.
• In case of flu-like side effects, reduce the discomfort by drinking lots of water and changing your outfit to light clothes.
• If experiencing fever, headaches, or body aches after vaccination, you may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen the pain.

When to go to hospital?

If side effects worsen or do not go away after a couple of days, consult your doctor, and don’t forget to report it to your LGU or the company responsible for providing your dosage.

Go to the nearest hospital if you experience severe or adverse effects such as:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing or hearing high-pitched whistling sound while you exhale
• Swelling of the face
• Tightening of the throat

Some may feel the side effect of the first jab. Most people may experience intense side effects after the second shot, while others don’t feel anything at all. Remember, it is rare that the COVID-19 vaccine could cause adverse effects.

Things to remember after getting vaccinated:

According to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person is only fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second shot or 2 weeks after the single-dose (J&J/Janssen) vaccine. When you are fully vaccinated, you may resume the go-to activities you usually do before the pandemic. But this is still not a reason to let your guard down!

Continue practicing these safety tips:

• Practice proper hygiene and washing of hands.
• Wear your mask and face shield for protection.
• Avoid crowded places and practice (1 meter) social distancing.
• Allow good ventilation at home or place of work.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.

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Jeddah Legaspi is a communicator who loves to share the places, faces, and her learning experiences from grad school and life outside work. She is also a co-founder of ISDApp, a NASA-awarded app, and a marketing creative who uses the new media to bring valuable information to Filipinos.