Can you take pain medication before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

The bottom line

Because there's a possibility that OTC pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, might weaken your immune system's response to vaccines, it's best not to take them before you get your shot. But feel free to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine if you need it.

What pain medication can I take after the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control says that you can take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen (like Advil), aspirin, antihistamines or acetaminophen (like Tylenol), if you have side effects after getting vaccinated for Covid. As with any medication, the CDC recommends talking to your doctor first.

Is it safe to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen before a COVID-19 vaccine?

Because of the lack of high-quality studies on taking NSAIDs or Tylenol before getting a vaccine, the CDC and other similar health organizations recommend not taking Advil or Tylenol beforehand.

What medicine should you not take before COVID-19 vaccination?

It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen) before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects. It is not known how these medications might affect how well the vaccine works.

Can taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) before the COVID-19 vaccine reduce its effectiveness?

Because taking over-the-counter painkillers before getting vaccinated may reduce the responsiveness of your immune system and therefore weaken the effectiveness of the vaccine, the CDC does not recommend taking Tylenol or ibuprofen before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Explained: Why do some people get side effects after taking Covid-19 vaccines?

What happens if you take Tylenol before the COVID-19 vaccine?

Studies have shown that Tylenol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs might have some effect on how the immune system works, but we don't know if this would cause COVID-19 vaccines to be less effective. To be extra cautious, it's best to avoid taking OTC pain relievers before you get your shot.

Can you take Tylenol or Advil after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine. This is recommended by experts because it can help ease the side effects you might experience.

What are some medications that are safe to take with the COVID-19 vaccine?

Taking one of the following medications is not, on its own, a reason to avoid getting your COVID-19 vaccination:

• Over-the-counter medications (non-prescription)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)

Should I take an antihistamine before the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is also not recommended to take antihistamines before getting a COVID-19 vaccine to try to prevent allergic reactions.

Do I need to discontinue my medications after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

For most people, it is not recommended to avoid, discontinue, or delay medications that you are routinely taking for prevention or treatment of other medical conditions around the time of COVID-19 vaccination.

How can I make my arm less sore after a COVID-19 vaccine?

Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed after the shot, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin (but only consider this after you get the vaccine, not before). Apply a clean, cool compress or ice pack to help reduce swelling and redness at the injection site.

Why should you try not take painkillers after taking the COVID-19 vaccine?

Experiencing mild fever, chills, headache, or fatigue from the COVID-19 vaccine means that your immune system is kicking in the way it's supposed to, according to experts. They advise trying to avoid painkillers in order to ensure the strongest possible immune response.

How can I reduce the pain after the COVID-19 vaccine?

To reduce pain and discomfort where the shot is given

• Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
• Use or exercise your arm.

How long does arm pain usually last after getting a COVID-19 vaccination?

For most people, arm pain usually lasts for a day or two. While this pain can be frustrating, its a sign that the vaccine is working and doing what its job - protecting you from serious illness.

Is it normal that I feel worse after second COVID-19 shot?

This is normal and expected, but it doesn't happen to everyone. Even if you feel worse after the second shot, the side effects should still resolve within a few days.

When will my COVID-19 vaccine side effects go away?

Side effects can affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

Can you take antihistamines with the COVID-19 vaccine?

Pretreating with antihistamines is not recommended because it does not decrease the chance for anaphylaxis and may mask important signs of an allergic response to the vaccine.

What to do if you get an allergic reaction from the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

Can you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are on antibiotics?

Yes, although you might want to wait a few days. If you're taking antibiotics for an illness and you're scheduled to get a vaccine, you can still get it.

Can taking vitamin D prevent COVID-19?

Vitamin D is thought to have protective effects on the immune system, but it’s not yet known whether it could help prevent or treat COVID-19. New research has noted higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death in areas where people have lower levels of vitamin D in their system. But those studies show an association – not that low vitamin D makes someone more likely to get COVID-19. Research is ongoing.

What are some of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in women?

COVID-19 vaccines can cause swelling in your lymph nodes or arm. Women who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 can develop enlarged underarm lymph nodes on the same side where they had the shot. It's more common for this to happen after boosters and additional doses.

Is fever one of the symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination?

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building immunity.

Is it normal to get headaches after the COVID-19 vaccine?

Mild to moderate headaches and muscle aches are common in the first three days after vaccination and don't require emergency care.

Why does my arm hurt after the first Pfizer shot?

Arm pain is a common side effect of vaccinations and is caused by your immune system responding to the vaccine you received. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) after your vaccination can help reduce the pain you experience.