It is hard to recall a public health emergency in recent times that has required global cooperation quite like the distribution of the Covid vaccines. Millions of lives are on the line in predominantly lower income countries as new variants emerge. As more arms are jabbed across the world, new side effects of the vaccine are being reported.
More immediate side effects
It is common to experience a range of reactions immediately following vaccination.
According to Public Health England (PHE), some people have reported a sudden feeling of cold with shivering/shaking accompanied by a rise in temperature, possibly with sweating, headache (including migraine-like headaches), nausea, muscle aches and feeling unwell, starting within a day of having the vaccine and usually lasting for a day or two.
“If your fever is high and lasts longer than two or three days, or you have other persistent symptoms, this might not be due to side effects of the vaccine and you should follow appropriate advice according to your symptoms,” advises PHE.
Uncommon side effects include:
- Sleepiness or feeling dizzy
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Excessive sweating, itchy skin, rash or hives.
The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.
Research has shown the vaccines help:
- Reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- Reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19
- Protect against COVID-19 variants.
The COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
There is a chance you might still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have a vaccine, however.