Health Matters is a fortnightly opinion column. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
Fever. Shivers. Headache. Sore arm.
It all hit 1 in the morning after my second vaccine against Pfizer COVID-19. However, it was the happiest fever, chills, and headache I’ve ever had, because I knew that this short-lived illness after vaccination would protect me from serious COVID-19 disease.
Despite knowing the side effects, I was amazed at how much they affected me and the prevalence of my co-workers. With several weeks of vaccination underway, it’s important to make sure everyone receiving the vaccine is aware of the side effects so plan for the next day accordingly and calm the fear that the vaccine will do more harm than good.
The following graph summarizes the two vaccines currently administered in Arlington. Both Pfizer and Moderna are considered “reactogenic,” as they stimulate a strong immune response with unpleasant but temporary side effects. Modern, despite being less effective (94.1% vs. 95% for Pfizer), has 3 times more vaccine than Pfizer (100 micrograms versus 30 micrograms for Pfizer), which may help increase the side effects observed.
Knowledge of reactogenicity is particularly important, as more Arlingtonians want the vaccine than anywhere else in the United States, and as of 2/18/21, some 27,895 doses have been administered and 8,371 fully vaccinated according to the vaccine board. of the Virginia Department of Health.
So why does your body react this way to the vaccine?
The immediate response is the introduction of vaccine materials into the arm. This immediate response is courtesy of the first branch of the immune system called innate immunity, which fights anything you don’t recognize. As cells take in the mRNA encoding a version of the coronavirus ear protein, the innate immune system triggers alarms to recruit more immune cells to the arm, causing inflammation and pain, leading to increased recruitment. of immune cells, which causes greater vision. symptoms of fever and fatigue.
During this recruitment cascade, the second most specific branch of the immune system, called adaptive immunity, is activated. The main actors in adaptive immunity are B cells, which are targeted target killers, which create antibodies that bind to the ear protein, and T cells, which create a cell poster. desired ”of the infecting pathogen so that B cells know when and where to attack.
Adaptive immunity is the part of the tuned immune system that protects against COVID-19 after the second shot. When the second trait reintroduces the pathogen into the body, the adaptive immune system sends out a burst of cytokines, superimposing the re-engaged innate immune response, which causes fever, pain, and chills.
These side effects are a natural part of vaccination and ultimately demonstrate a functioning immune system, it does not mean you have COVID-19. If you do not have these side effects, no alarm is needed, as many are successfully vaccinated without side effects.
It should be noted that flu-like side effects are different from anaphylaxis or allergic reaction, which is a much faster immune response than is seen in a matter of minutes. This known potential reaction has led the CDC to recommend 15 minutes of observation time after vaccination for most people and 30 minutes for those with a history of anaphylaxis.
Scientists believe that the reactogenicity of vaccines is derived from lipid nanoparticles that are used to package and protect mRNA when it enters cells. Lipid nanoparticles and mRNA are new approaches to vaccines, and Pfizer and Moderna are the first to use this nanotechnology. In fact, this technology can be used to further improve the effectiveness of flu vaccines, which are underused (less than half of the United States got them last year) and with low performance compared to COVID vaccine (the flu vaccine reduces the risk of going to the doctor with the flu by 39% in 2019-2020). As lipid and mRNA technology advances, the hope is that the reactogenicity will decrease.
What if you have these symptoms after vaccination?
The first step is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your arm is sore, try applying a cool, damp cloth to the area. The CDC has recommended ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, and acetaminophen for general pain and discomfort, but only after the shot. It is unknown whether prior medication prior to vaccination affects the proper functioning of the vaccine.
Ultimately, although the side effects were surprisingly robust and prevailed in my health circle, they disappeared within 48 hours. I would not let these side effects deter anyone with medical authorization from the vaccine. My goal is to make sure people are prepared for the side effects and don’t panic if they show up.
Dr. George C. Hwang, known to his patients as Dr. Chaucer, is an practicing anesthesiologist who also helps run the Mind Peace Clinics in Arlington. He has written for various magazines, textbooks and medical newsletters and has lived in Arlington for the past 15 years.