The COVID-19 vaccine will reduce the risk of suffering from the new type of Coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19.
Like any other vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing all illness caused by the COVID-19 virus. If you do get infected with the COVID-19 virus after receiving your vaccine, the illness will be less severe than if you had not been vaccinated. It can take a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccine, and protection is most potent two weeks after receiving your last injection.
You are encouraged to follow the advice of your healthcare provider in considering further steps to reduce your risk of severe COVID-19. This is especially true for those at high-risk for developing severe disease, such as immunocompromised patients. Your doctor may recommend taking actions to reduce your chances of being exposed to COVID-19, such as masking and social distancing measures, and may recommend other injectable prophylactics such as monoclonal antibodies to give you the best protection.
As with other medications and vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine has some side effects. The most likely side effects that you may experience from the vaccine include:
- Fever
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness and hardness of the skin at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle aches or pain
- Joint aches or pain
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea/vomiting
- Chills
- Underarm gland swelling on the side of vaccination
Ask the pharmacist or immunizer for reccomendations on reducing and managing these side effects. If you develop any side effects not listed, or any that concern you, call the pharmacy or your doctor. If you are having an emergency, dial 911.