Why does my arm hurt after the first Pfizer shot?

Pain in the arm is a common side effect of vaccination and is caused by your immune system responding to the vaccine you have received. The pain is usually soreness of the muscle where the injection is given.
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Why does the COVID-19 vaccine cause arm pain?

Your body recognizes the protein as an antigen — something foreign — and starts reacting to it with inflammation at the injection site. This is why the first shot very commonly causes arm pain.
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Is it normal for the second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to cause arm pain?


As with all two-dose vaccines, those getting either Pfizer's or Moderna's COVID-19 vaccination are more likely to experience arm pain after the second dose. This side effect is also more common if you are under 65 years old.

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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.

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How long will an arm be red and swollen after the COVID-19 vaccine?


It usually subsides within three to four days, although one report in JAMA Dermatology notes it can last up to 21 days after injection with the Moderna vaccine.

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Why your arm hurts after getting COVID vaccine



Is it normal for your arm to swell after a COVID-19 booster vaccine?


The hypersensitivity can cause redness, swelling, warmth, hardness, itchiness and discomfort around the site of injection. The affected area sometimes grows relatively large and can look like a welt. Symptoms might take days or up to a week to appear.

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What should I do if I have swelling after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?


Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving the vaccine.

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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.
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Is it possible to feel sick after a COVID-19 booster shot?

If you feel sick after the booster shot, it is normal and those symptoms should relieve themselves in a few days. Common side effects of the booster are similar to the vaccine: Fatigue. Fever.Chills Headache Pain at the injection site Side effects from the vaccine can be a sign that the vaccine is working.
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What are some of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?


Some people have no side effects. Many people have reported side effects, such as headache, fatigue, and soreness at the injection site, that are generally mild to moderate and go away within a few days.

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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.
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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.

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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.


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Is it normal for the COVID-19 vaccine to cause shoulder pain?


Shoulder pain has been reported as a common side-effect after COVID-19 vaccination particularly after administration of mRNA vaccines. Although it is usually mild and self-limiting, occasionally it can become more extensive causing severe pain and marked limited range of motion.

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Is it normal for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to cause swelling in the armpit?

The swelling in the armpit was a recognized side effect in the large trials of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. According to The New York Times, in Moderna's study, "11.6% of patients reported swollen lymph nodes after the first dose, and 16% after the second dose.
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Which arm should you take the COVID-19 vaccine in?

Either arm is appropriate for getting the shot. Many individuals, however, select their non-dominant arm. It is entirely up to the individual to choose which arm works best for them. If you sleep on your side, and put pressure on your right arm, it might be best to get the shot in your left arm.
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Does having fever, body pain, and swollen lymph nodes after the COVID-19 vaccine mean I am sick?

These symptoms do not mean you are sick. They signal that your immune system is responding to the shot and building up protection against the coronavirus.

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What are the common side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection and fever. Side effects typically started within two days of vaccination and resolved two or three days later.
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Why do people experience side effects from COVID-19 vaccines?

When we get vaccinated for COVID-19, we often experience some side effects. The reason that we get side effects is that our immune system is revving up and reacting. When you get sick, the same thing happens.
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When do COVID-19 vaccine side effects appear?


You probably experienced COVID-19 vaccine side effects fairly quickly when you had your initial injections. The same is true for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots: Most people notice side effects within the first 24 hours. The symptoms typically only last a day or two. Some people don't notice any side effects.

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What are the common side effects of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?


Side effects that have been reported with the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine include: Injection site reactions: pain, redness of the skin, and swelling. General side effects: headache, feeling very tired, muscle aches, nausea, fever. Swollen lymph nodes.

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Are long term side effects possible with COVID-19 vaccination?


Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unusual following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks.

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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.
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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).
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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.

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