Common Side Effects After Vaccination
As with any medicine or medical intervention, vaccinations may also cause side effects that appear shortly after receiving them. A side effect that appears shortly after receiving a vaccination can be any medical issue that occurs shortly after receiving the vaccination, even if it is not directly caused by the vaccine.
The phenomenon can manifest itself in one or more of the following ways: an unexpected symptom, unusual lab results, or a new medical diagnosis. A certain symptom that appears shortly after receiving the vaccination may be due to the vaccination; however, it may well be a coincidence without any causal connection to the vaccination.
It is important to note that there has never been any evidence linking vaccinations with long-term harm, except in rare cases.
It is important to be aware of the potential symptoms and be prepared. However, Most side effects from vaccines are mild and go away on their own within a short time.
The Ministry of Health closely monitors the safety of vaccines to identify any potential safety concerns as soon as possible. Not getting vaccinated can put you at risk of contracting serious diseases, and it could also pose a danger to the community by increasing the risk of spreading a disease that could be fatal.
Potential side effects after getting vaccinated
Each vaccine has its own unique set of side effects, which not everyone will experience.
The most common side effects may be local or systemic reactions.
Local reactions: Redness, fever, aches, soreness, or swelling at the injection site. These reactions are relatively frequent; they usually appear within the first few days after getting the vaccine and pass quickly.
Systemic reactions: Appetite changes or alterations to the digestive system; fever, occasionally with shivers; headaches; and an overall sensation of being ill.
Allergic reactions (which occur with low frequency): Some examples of mild allergic reactions include a runny nose, cough, redness, or rash. Very rarely (once every Million vaccine doses), there may be a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). This is a life-threatening reaction that is treatable. It appears within the first few hours after vaccination. The vaccination team in the clinic starts treating the patient right away.
It is important to remember
It is important to remember
It is important to remember that serious side effects are very rare, while complications of diseases are much more common. It is advisable to make sure you have received all of the vaccinations the Ministry of Health has advised.
The manufacturer's information leaflets provide full details of the side effects that were recorded in clinical trials.
What should you do if side effects appear shortly after receiving the vaccination?
You can treat fever, weakness, headaches, and muscle aches with painkillers, as long as you are not allergic to them or have any other medication-related contraindications. As a rule, medications should be used with caution if they are not prescribed by a doctor. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult with your family doctor or a pharmacist to optimally adjust the therapy. If symptoms persist for more than several days, make an appointment with your family doctor for an examination and therapy modification.
It is important to inform the family doctor of any side effects that appear shortly after vaccination.
When is it advisable to avoid vaccinations?
In certain conditions, it is advisable to avoid receiving vaccinations (counter- indication). These conditions include:
- Previous severe reactions to the vaccine or to one of its components.
- Hypersensitivity of anaphylaxis to one of the vaccine’s components.
- Serious impairment to the immune system, depending on the type of vaccine.
In these conditions, seek advice from the family doctor prior to receiving vaccinations.
It is essential to know:
If you have a fever illness, or an acute infectious disease, postpone the vaccination until after you have recovered.
If you have a minor illness without fever, there is no need to postpone the vaccination.
Do not avoid receiving vaccination in the following conditions:
- Minor illnesses with no fever or with fever below 38 degrees Celsius.
- After exposure to a contagious disease.
- While being treated with antibiotics.
- While receiving steroids in a dosage that does not suppress the immune system. Consult a physician.
- Before a surgery or after recovery from a surgery.
- In case of nutritional inadequacy.
- Prolonged heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, with no damage to the immune system.
- Non-severe allergic reaction to one of the vaccine components, or in the case of a flu vaccine, to egg white.
- Allergic reactions or side effects after vaccination among first-degree family members.