The Arkansas COVID-19 vaccination plan is currently vaccinating all people 16 and over. You can get your vaccine at your convenience.
The vaccine is an important step in conquering COVID-19 and getting back to work, school, and play. But you might be wondering about the side effects.
COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects
Vaccines work by helping your body develop a defense against the virus. Some side effects are just normal signs that your body is building that defense.
You might experience pain and swelling in the arm where you receive the vaccine. You’ll feel better if you use or exercise that arm. A cool compress may also help. If redness or swelling gets worse after the first day, call your doctor.
There are other side effects that you might experience more generally throughout your body:
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- headache
These symptoms are not pleasant, but they don’t mean that you have caught COVID-19 from the vaccine. That is not possible.
To get relief from these symptoms, drink plenty of fluids. You should feel better in a few days.
Your second shot
The vaccines being used now require two doses. Some people find that the side effects of the second shot are worse than the side effects of the first shot.
You might experience pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. Get that arm moving to reduce the pain.
You might feel as though you have the flu. You may even need to limit activities for a day or two. But you should feel fine within a few days.
A week after the second dose, you will be protected from the COVID-19 virus.
Don’t hesitate to get your COVID-19 shot because of COVID-19 vaccine side effects. The side effects of the shot are much less unpleasant than the symptoms of COVID-19.