Side effects from the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine are normal, common, experts say

HOUSTON – A sore arm, fatigue, mild headache and fever are just some of the side effects health experts say to expect after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The side effects are not only common, but are also a good sign, according to Dr. Linda Yancey, Memorial Hermann’s specialist in infectious diseases.

“The reason you get more of those effects after the second dose is because the first dose is the first time your immune system has ever seen these viral proteins,” Yancey said. So it’s going to realize that something is wrong. It’s going to make antibodies, but the second dose, your immune system has been forewarned, and so it’s going to look at those viral proteins and say, ‘Ho! That is a problem we must do something about. ”

The Centers for Disease Control reports that of the 619,452 second doses administered in Texas, only 15 were significant reports of adverse events. Only four of these required a hospital stay of less than five days.

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“COVID has a one in 30 chance of killing you and a one in 10 chance that you will have side effects that can last for months, certainly a sore arm and a few days of pain is a small price,” said Yancey.

She said the side effects of a vaccine are nothing new, but they are different.

“Flu shot usually has milder side effects. The tetanus vaccine is one of our best vaccines and that’s why you get those side effects, ”said Yancey.

The side effects are expected to last only 24 to 48 hours. If side effects persist, Yancey said to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.