Feeling Sick After Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial step in protecting yourself and your loved ones against the virus. While vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective, some individuals may experience side effects after receiving the jab. In this article, we will explore what it means to feel sick after getting vaccinated and what you can do if you experience any adverse reactions.

Reporting Side Effects

The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) closely monitors safety reports showing data on COVID-19 vaccine side effects. You don't have to be certain that the vaccine caused your symptoms to report them. You can submit side effects via text or report those experienced by someone else, including a child.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects from the Pfizer and Novavax vaccines are mild and temporary. These may include:

* Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

* Fatigue

* Headache

* Muscle pain

* Chills

These reactions usually occur soon after vaccination, which is why you need to wait at least 15 minutes before leaving the vaccination center.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

While serious side effects are rare, it's essential to know what to look out for. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

* Difficulty breathing or catching your breath

* Fluttering, racing, or pounding heart

* Tightness, heaviness, discomfort, or pain in the chest or neck

Other rare but serious side effects include myocarditis and pericarditis, which are inflammation of the heart muscle and the tissue forming a sac around the heart, respectively. These conditions are usually caused by viral infections, including COVID-19, but they can also be linked to the vaccine.

What to Do if You Experience Side Effects

If you experience any side effects after receiving your Pfizer or Novavax vaccination, promptly seek medical help. Call 111 for urgent assistance or Healthline on 0800 611 116 at any time for advice. If you have a severe allergic reaction, tell the person administering the vaccine and seek immediate medical attention.

While it's normal to experience some side effects after getting vaccinated, it's crucial to be aware of what symptoms to look out for. By reporting your side effects and seeking medical help if necessary, you can ensure that the safety of COVID-19 vaccines is closely monitored in Aotearoa New Zealand. Remember, vaccine side effects are usually mild and temporary, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential risks.

Feeling sick after vaccine