All about post-vaccination side effects
Amid new emerging variants, coronavirus booster shots have become the talk of the town. The demand for the third vaccine dose have increased over the past couple of months and several countries have begun administering the same, including India, where healthcare and frontline workers and those aged 60 and above are now eligible to receive their 'precaution' dose.
Side effects from a coronavirus vaccination are common. Fever, fatigue, pain at the injection site and body pain are some of the most prevalent side effects of COVID vaccines, which point to the body's immune response. However, with booster vaccines, experts have added another symptom to the list, which although less prevalent could cause distress.
Vaccine booster side effect that has come to light and why it occurs
In Therapeutic Goods Administration's COVID vaccine safety report of 2022, the Australian Government's Department of Health said that swollen lymph nodes were one of the most prevalent "adverse events" or side effects of a booster or third vaccine dose, that was reported in about "one in 20" people.
The research found that 1 in 20 people who were administered the Pfizer reported swollen lymph nodes and one in 10 people who received Moderna complained of the same side effect.
Also read: Coronavirus: The complete list of COVID vaccines currently in use in India
Experts believe this is due to the immune response triggered by the vaccine in the body.
Lymph nodes or glands are small, bean-shaped clusters of cells that contain different types of immune system cells, which help fight infections. When the lymph nodes swell, it is a sign that something is not right in the body. Swollen lymph nodes occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses.
That said, when your body receives a booster jab on the upper arm, it builds SARS-CoV-2 virus spike proteins, which is then carried by the cells to the nearest lymph nodes - situated in the armpit. This can cause swelling and pain.
See more: Coronavirus: 2 new BA.2 Omicron variant symptoms that have come to light
Why do some people get side effects post-vaccination?
People who receive their COVID-19 vaccine may experience side effects. Most often they're likely to be mild.
Having said that, it is important to note that developing symptoms after vaccination does not mean that you're infected. Rather it indicates that your body's immune system has begun to recognize the pathogen, or in case of COVID-19 vaccine, a fragment resembling the actual spike protein of SARs-COV-2 virus. It triggers an immune response, which leads to the production of antibodies.
Side effects occur due to the inflammatory responses in the body that help keep you safe against possible future infections.
Other prevalent coronavirus vaccine side effects
COVID-19 vaccine side effects may vary from person to person. While in some it may trigger no symptoms, in others, the side effects may range from mild to moderate.
Some of the most common side effects include fever, fatigue, nausea, body ache, itchiness, redness, pain and swelling at the site of the injection. Most of these symptoms are mild and subside over a period of day or two at the most. In case of high fever and joint pain, pain relieving medication, under the guidance of a medical professional, can help.
How to deal with vaccine-related symptoms?
According to the World Health Organization, rest, plenty of non-alcoholic liquids and taking medication to manage pain and fever can help manage post-vaccination side effects.
One may resort to over-the-counter medication, but only under the guidance of a medical professional. Staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich foods is also advised.