Contents
- Unexplained Deaths
- COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects FAQs
- How Long Do Side Effects Last?
- Will I Experience the Same Side Effects After Each Dose?
- Are Side Effects More Pronounced in People With a Higher Risk of COVID-19 Disease?
- Can I Contract COVID-19 Infection between Doses?
- How Can I Differentiate between COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects and COVID-19 Infection?
- When to Call the Doctor?
- The Bottom Line
Unexplained Deaths
Another undesirable but rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine is unexplained deaths shortly after receiving the vaccine. A report of 23 Norwegian and 10 German deaths among elderly vaccine recipients raised safety concerns about the new COVID-19 vaccines. However, the report needs further investigation to find out the exact cause of death.
COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects FAQs
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
The side effects usually subside within 24-48 hours.
Will I Experience the Same Side Effects After Each Dose?
The side effects are more pronounced after the second dose.
Are Side Effects More Pronounced in People With a Higher Risk of COVID-19 Disease?
No. The data from vaccine administration indicates that the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are more pronounced among the younger population. Adults older than 55 years of age experienced mild and less frequent side effects.
Can I Contract COVID-19 Infection between Doses?
Yes. You must continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and frequent hand washing. The first dose does not provide complete protection. Moreover, it can take up to seven days after your second dose to achieve the maximum level of immunity. Note that no vaccine is 100% effective, which means there is always a risk of contracting the infection. However, the severity of the infection will be mild. Therefore, despite immunization, continue to practice the strategies recommended to control the spread of infection.
How Can I Differentiate between COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects and COVID-19 Infection?
You may get infected between the doses, which can be confusing as the symptoms are quite similar. Note that the vaccine’s side effects appear within the first 12-24 hours of vaccination and persist for two days. If you experience side effects that last beyond 48 hours, it is best to call a doctor.
When to Call the Doctor?
The CDC has shared a guideline on when to call a doctor after immunization. Contact your healthcare provider if
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- Tenderness on the site of infection gets worse after 24 hours.
- The side effects continue for a few days after immunization.
- You develop rashes and show signs of a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination facility.
The Bottom Line
There is still a lot that we don’t know about COVID-19. It is a potentially deadly infection, and along with the safety protocols, we need mass immunization to bring an end to the pandemic. But, so far, the information about the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraging.
While there are side effects that cause concern among the general population, severe allergic reactions and sudden deaths are not among the top COVID-19 vaccine side effects on a positive note. As for the minor side effects, note that they are usually mild and only last for a few hours, but that can save you from a life-threatening infection. So why not get a shot?
