Should you avoid pain relievers before getting 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 kind of pain reliever can you take with 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.

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.

VERIFY: Will taking Tylenol or ibuprofen after your vaccine hurt your immune response?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 it safe to take aspirin while receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Since there's no concrete evidence one way or the other on whether OTC pain relievers make the COVID-19 vaccines less effective, it could actually be much riskier for you to stop any regular medications. Stopping a daily low-dose aspirin can raise your risk of heart problems or blood clots.

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.

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.

Is it normal to feel sick after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is normal to feel sick after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
You may have a sore arm.
Put a cool, wet cloth on your sore arm.

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.

Can I drink alcohol before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

“In some circumstances, alcohol can accelerate allergic reactions,” Kaplan says. “Since we do not yet know enough about the influence of alcohol on allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines, I recommend avoiding drinking alcohol for 24 hours before and after your 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.