CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As people prepare to get vaccinated, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the Mecklenburg County Health Department and the Rowan County Health Department have released information on the possible side effects of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
[ ALSO READ: County-by-county guide: Here’s when, where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine ]
Here is what NCDHHS has to say about the differences between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines:
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work the same way to prevent people from getting COVID-19. In addition, both vaccines require two doses and both are very effective in preventing someone from getting COVID-19. The clinical trial showed no serious safety concerns.
The vaccines are stored differently. The Moderna vaccine does not need to be stored as cold as the Pfizer vaccine, so more providers will be able to easily use it. While both vaccines require two doses, the time between doses is different. The Moderna vaccine doses are given 4 weeks apart. The Pfizer vaccine doses are given 3 weeks apart. Who can get the vaccine is also different. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for adults aged 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people aged 16 and older.
The temporary reactions are similar for both vaccines. Temporary reactions may include a sore arm, headache and feeling tired and achy for a day or two after receiving the vaccine. More people who were in the Moderna clinical trial experienced these temporary reactions. The reactions are more common after the second dose than the first dose. Younger people are more likely to have reactions than older people. Neither vaccine can give you COVID-19.
You can look at more frequently asked questions on the NCDHHS website.
Here is what Mecklenburg County’s Health Department has to say about side effects of the Pfizer vaccine:
The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot give individuals COVID-19. The potential side effects from the vaccine are similar to those experienced by people who receive the flu shot:
- soreness at the injection site
- fever
- headaches
- body aches that usually go away within 24 hours
Unless symptoms worsen or linger, there is no need to seek medical care. Pfizer reported no serious side effects from the vaccine, and there were no deaths directly linked to the vaccine itself.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccine for safety and effectiveness and any long-term or rare side effects.
Here is what Rowan County’s Health Department has to say about side effects of the Moderna vaccine:
We do now know that you should not take any type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drug before you receive your COVID vaccine. This includes ibuprophen (Advil or Motrin), Aleve, and/or regular strength aspirin.
Research has recently shown that taking this type of product before your vaccine, can dull your immune response and prevent the vaccine from work as intended. As far as taking NSAIDS after your vaccine, research has found that should be fine.
Below are some of the most common side effects, which may temporarily be bad enough to cause an individual to cease some of their normal activities for a couple days:
- Pain where you received the vaccine
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Achy muscles and joints
- Chills
- Fever
- Swelling under your armpits
If any of these side effects should occur, you should ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicines for any pain or fever you may be experiencing.
For most individuals, their arm will hurt in the location where they received the shot. If this is the case, you should take an OTC medicine and place a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
By using your arm and/or exercising with it, it may also help reduce some of the soreness. If by chance you do have a fever, remember to drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated.
Please note that a majority of these side effects should go away within one to two days. If you develop something more severe, please call your doctor immediately or call 911.
You may also want to download the V-safe smartphone app. This app helps you track and report any side effects that you might have. V-safe will also remind you when it is time to get your second dose. Please visit the V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker for more information.
Please note that a small number of people may have a serious allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. If this happens, it usually happens 15 to 30 minutes after getting the vaccination.
Serious side effects are rare, but you will be asked to wait for 15 to 30 minutes after getting the vaccination to make sure you feel well. If you have a severe allergic reaction after you leave the vaccination clinic, call 911, or go to the nearest hospital.
Signs of a severe reaction include:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of your face and throat
- Fast heartbeat
- Bad rash all over your body
- Feeling dizzy and weak
After the second vaccine dose, it takes about two weeks for your body to build up protection. It is not completely known yet how long COVID-19 vaccines may protect people who get them. It is also not completely known yet if people who get the vaccine can still give COVID-19 to others.
Until we know more, you should continue to practice the 3 Ws (wear a mask, wash hands, wait 6 feet apart) and stay home, if you are sick.
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