These vaccines are designed to be “reactogenic,” so we do expect a response. Typical side effects are related to the injection itself, and may include soreness, redness and muscle aches at the injection site. Fever, headache and muscle aches can also develop and last for 24-72 hours, especially after the second dose.
Patients who have had allergic reactions to vaccinations or IBD therapies, like colonoscopy preps, or who have experienced anaphylaxis should take special precautions. In extremely rare instances, patients have experienced allergic reactions to the polyethylene glycol the vaccine contains. If you have food allergies, you should not necessarily expect an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Drs. Rubin and Kinnucan believe the greatest effect of the vaccine is after the second (booster) dose, which is over 90% effective. The first primer dose appears to provide 50% effectiveness in fighting off the disease.
The mRNA of the vaccine has a short half-life. It does not stay in your body long, but the immune response to it does.
Yes. The vaccine and the immunity you derive from it protect you from severe symptoms of COVID-19, but we don’t know if the vaccine keeps you from getting, carrying and transmitting the virus. Because we don’t know if the vaccine decreases your chance of transmission, it is crucial to continue social distancing. Remember, there is an asymptomatic carrier state with this virus.