Side effects of the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine are normal, common, experts say

HOUSTON – A sore arm, fatigue, mild headaches and fever are just some of the side effects that health experts claim after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Not only are side effects common, but they are a good sign, according to Dr. Linda Yancey, a specialist in infectious diseases at Memorial Hermann.

“The reason you get more of these effects after the second dose is because the first dose is the first time your immune system sees these viral proteins,” Yancey said. “It simply came to our notice then. He will start making antibodies, but the second dose, your immune system, has been prevented, so he will examine these viral proteins and say, “Wow! These are a problem that we need to do something about. “

The Centers for Disease Control reports that of the 619,452 second doses administered in Texas, there were only 15 significant reports of side effects. Only four of these required a hospital stay that lasted less than 5 days.

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“COVID has one in 30 chances of killing you and one in ten chances of leaving you with side effects that can last for months, certainly a sore and painful arm for a couple of days is a small price to pay.” , said Yancey.

He said the side effects of a vaccine are nothing new, but they do differ.

“The flu vaccine tends to have slightly milder side effects. The tetanus vaccine is one of our best vaccines and that’s why you get these side effects, ”Yancey said.

Side effects are expected to last only 24 to 48 hours. If side effects continue, Yancey said you should make an appointment with your primary care physician.