As the next round of Covid booster jabs rolls out across the most vulnerable of society, many people do grow concerned over some side effects that may occur.
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, and it’s normal to experience side effects after the vaccine. So, experts at NHS Inform have broken down the most common side effects of the vaccine.
They have also noted the more rare symptoms, and what to do if you experience any of these.
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Common side effects of the Covid booster vaccine
According to NHS Inform, very common side effects in the first day or two include:
- having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection
- feeling tired
- headache, aches and chills
- diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
- mild flu-like symptoms
These common side effects are much less serious than developing coronavirus or complications associated with coronavirus. They usually go away within a few days.
It is also common to develop a fever after the vaccine, and it usually occurs within 48 hours of the jab. This is an expected reaction according to doctors, but if the fever lasts longer than 48 hours, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Allergic reaction to the Covid booster vaccine
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, call out for help and/or phone 999 immediately (or ask someone to do this for you). Symptoms usually happen within 15 minutes of vaccination.
You should look out for the following allergic symptoms:
- persistent cough
- vocal changes (hoarse voice)
- swollen tongue causing difficulty swallowing
- difficult or noisy breathing
- wheezing (like an asthma attack)
- feeling lightheaded or prolonged faint
- clammy skin
- confusion
- unresponsive or unconscious
Less common side effects of the Covid booster vaccine
These following side effects are not as common when receiving the vaccine. If these last for a prolonged period of time, then you should seek medical help.
The side effects include:
- swollen glands in the armpit or neck
- heart inflammation, which presents as chest pain, shortness of breath or fluttering heart rate
- blood clots - these are very rare
For further guidance on the Covid booster jabs, visit the NHS Inform website here for more information.
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