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. Learn more about medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects.

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.

Should you take allergy medication before or after the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you already take medications for allergies, such as antihistamine medicines, “you shouldn't stop them before your vaccination,” Kaplan says. There are no specific recommendations to take allergy medications like Benadryl before the vaccination, she says.

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.)

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.

Should you treat COVID vaccine reactions with antihistamines?

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.

What medications should be avoided before the COVID-19 vaccine?

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.

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.

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 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 the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine cause allergic reactions?

There is a remote chance that the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic
reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after
getting a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider
may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after
vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A fast heartbeat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness

Can I have COVID-19 and allergies at the same time?

You can have allergies and a viral infection at the same time. If you have classic allergy signs like itchy eyes and a runny nose along with COVID-19 symptoms like fatigue and a fever, call your doctor.

Are allergy symptoms associated with COVID-19?

Whilst the main symptoms of COVID-19 are not typically associated with the symptoms of allergies, there are cases where additional symptoms may develop such as hives/rashes, coughing/sneezing, runny nose, pinkeye or blueish toes (COVID toes), that can develop which have some overlap with allergy symptoms.

Are there any allergic reactions to the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines?

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are the first two COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use and already have been given to millions of Americans. Most of the rare, severe allergic reactions to these vaccines have occurred in people with a history of allergies.

How soon does anaphylaxis happen after COVID-19 vaccine?

Symptoms of anaphylaxis often occur within 15-30 minutes of vaccination, though it can sometimes take several hours for symptoms to appear.

Can I take Advil before 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 COVID-19 vaccines increase my blood pressure?

Answered by cardiologist and cardiovascular medicine expert Daniel Anderson, MD, PhD:

So far, no data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines cause an increase in blood pressure. Remember that increased blood pressure after vaccination might not mean cause and effect.

Does COVID-19 vaccine increase your blood sugar?

There is no known interaction with the vaccine and diabetes medications, so it is important to continue on your medications and insulin. Some patients with diabetes experience higher blood sugars for 1-7 days or more after the vaccine, so monitor your blood sugars very closely after vaccination.

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.

Is it safe to take pain relievers before getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

To be extra cautious, it's best to avoid taking OTC pain relievers before you get your shot. But it's OK to take Tylenol after the COVID-19 vaccine.

Can blood pressure medications affect COVID-19 outcomes?

Medications to treat high blood pressure did not affect outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, found an international team led by researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.