What is the “modern arm”? Can I take antibiotics and get the COVID vaccine?

DETROIT – Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Dr. Frank McGeorge has kept viewers up to date and informed on all fronts. He has been answering your questions about the vaccine, the vaccination process and more.

TO READ: More answers to questions about coronavirus

Will taking antibiotics interfere with the vaccine?

No. You should take all prescribed antibiotics as directed.

Why is the second vaccine more likely to cause a reaction than the first vaccine? Is it more powerful or is it done differently?

The second dose of the vaccine is exactly the same as the first. The reason most people react to the second shot is that their immune system was prepared with the first dose. This is how your immune system works. In general, the response to the second exposure is expected to be stronger. But when it comes to a two-dose vaccine, that translates into more potential side effects the second time around.

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I had the COVID-19 virus and recovered. How long do I have to wait to get the vaccine? I was told 90 days, but I recently read online that they now say 6 months. How long do I have to wait?

The reason for the wait is that the vaccine was scarce. People who have had a recent infection are already protected for at least 90 days and can wait to get vaccinated. Once the vaccine is more widely available, you do not need to postpone it.

The CDC said you can get vaccinated as soon as you have recovered and the quarantine period is over.

I received the first dose of the Modern vaccine without any significant event. Eight days after the vaccine, my arm became hot, reddish, itchy, and swollen at the injection site. The next day I had another swollen red dot. On the third day, another swollen red dot and the small spots on the second day grew larger and merged into a single one. What causes this, what do I do with it and have the second dose?

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This is a rare documented reaction called the “modern arm.” It appears to be a hypersensitive reaction of the delayed skin. It can be treated with gel and antihistamines.

There is a risk that you will have the same reaction to your second dose, but it is still recommended that the second vaccine be fully protected.

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Pfizer said it has launched its vaccine trial in children aged 6 months to 12 years.

The first participants are 9-year-old twin girls who were immunized Wednesday at Duke University.

Moderna and AstraZeneca have already started testing their vaccines in young children. Johnson and Johnson are testing their shot on older children.

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