Experts warn that over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, tylenol, or ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines.
As the US continues to roll out both Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to the general public, recipients have reported minor side effects, such as transient pain, prompting some to take preventative over-the-counter pain medications before inoculation.
But several experts who spoke with ABC News on Wednesday warn that this practice could hinder the body’s ability to form the antibodies that protect against COVID-19.
“We do not recommend premedication with ibuprofen or tylenol before COVID-19 vaccines due to the lack of data on how it affects vaccine-induced antibody responses,” said Dr. Simone Wildes, an infectious disease expert and member of COVID. 19 in Massachusetts. Vaccine Advisory Group, told the network.
The concerns stem from a study at Duke University that found that children who took painkillers before receiving routine vaccinations produced fewer antibodies.
The CDC has also released guidelines advising people who have received the vaccine to monitor their side effects and try natural methods of pain relief before resorting to pain relievers.
“If fever, chills, headache occur after injection, use painkillers to relieve your symptoms, but not before they develop and report any significant side effects to a medical professional,” said Dr. Wildes.