Potential side effects from the Covid vaccine and how long it can last?

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Via all forms of media, we are made aware of the essential development of the COVID-19 vaccine and in some cases, the serious repercussions of one’s decision not to accept the shot and the impact it can have on your health. However, setting all that aside, we cannot help but question the side effects of the vaccine. Is it safe and effective? Are there long term side effects? How long will those side effects last? All will be explained in the content below.

Is the vaccine safe and effective?

Like with anything, some mild side effects may occur (common side effects) and any serious problems are rare (rare cases of serious side effects), but overall, the answer is yes, the vaccine is both safe and effective. The vaccines were approved and authorised by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) after ensuring the scientific standards of the society’s welfare were met. These vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring. 

Worldwide, there are currently 7.51B people who have participated in the program and had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Within that grand total, 179K have had their first dose in the Seychelles, which is nearing 80% of the population here.

Common side effects

The vaccine may cause mild side effects during your first/second/booster dose. They are nothing to be concerned about and generally occur in the first three days after your vaccine. They include the following; 

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea 
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Chills
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• myalgia
• Swelling, redness and pain at injection site 

These were reported in more than 1 in 10 people.

Rare cases of serious side effects 

Any records of serious side effects are very rare, but if you were to experience any of the following symptoms within 21 days after the vaccine, then emergency care is required;

• Pain in chest
• Leg swelling
• Shortness of breath 
• Continuous abdominal pain
• Bruising or small red spots on the injection site
• Blurred vision or persistent headaches 
• Blood clots 

Are there any long-term side effects from the COVID vaccine?

Any problems with long term side effects are very rare. There have however been some issues with the Johnson & Johnson vaccines and an incidence of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) after the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

However, the clinical trials for the vaccine’s safety have been constantly monitored and the data is constantly reviewed by the FDA and expert panels. 

Are there any allergies to the COVID vaccine?

If someone has a severe allergy such as anaphylaxis to any vaccine ingredients, they are told by the CDC to avoid getting another dose of that vaccine. This also includes anyone with a history of non-severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccines (those who experience any non-severe immediate allergic reaction to the first dose should not get the second dose.)

Can someone who has other kinds of severe allergies, such as an allergy to animals, nuts or plants, get the vaccine?

Many individuals who have had a history of life-threatening reactions to peanuts, bee stings or certain foods, have safely received this vaccine. This means you are still eligible to get safely vaccinated, that’s if you aren’t already.

Conclusion

Overall, we can see that there are various COVID side effects, however, on the contrary, these effects are rare and the Health system ensures the safety of its people at all times. 

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