Pfizer vaccine: Four 'troubling' side effects that mainly follow second dose of Covid jab
The development and distribution of multiple vaccines against COVID-19 has been an unprecedented achievement. However, the side effects of the vaccines have been a source of concern and controversy at times. There are four "troubling symptoms" commonly reported after the second dose of the Pfizer Covid vaccine, according to an article written in the journal Science Immunology. However, the cause of these symptoms should mostly provide comfort not concern, the journal article states.
Today England is released from all remaining coronavirus restrictions - a momentous occasion that has been dubbed 'Freedom Day'. The move has been made possible because within the space of one year of the pandemic due to the deployment of effective vaccines against COVID-19. Yet, the rollout has not been entirely smooth. One snag has been the side effects of the vaccines.
Despite sending a signal that the vaccines are stimulating a robust immune response, the potential side effects have made people apprehensive about getting jabbed.
The mRNA-based vaccines of Pfizer and Moderna have received the most attention with regard to the side effects of vaccination," noted an article published in the journal Science Immunology.
The article continues: "As with other vaccines, these effects can on rare occasion be the result of delayed-onset, local allergic reactions."
It cites a "combination of fever, headache, myalgia and general malaise" as the main symptoms reported, which typically follow the second dose of the vaccines.
These symptoms can be troubling and have been the subject of comment in the press and in top scientific journals."
However, as the journal article notes, the "actual cause of the side effects has received almost no attention".
According to the article, "most of the symptoms can likely be attributed simply to exuberant production of a cytokine that plays a vital role in potentiating early stages of the immune response".
Cytokines are small proteins that help mount and coordinate an effective immune response.
Why it's important to get vaccinated
Some of the side effects of the vaccines may be unpleasant, but current figures suggest vaccines are weakening the link between infection and hospitalisation.
The side effects of getting vaccinated are therefore negligible compared to the risks posed by COVID-19.
Vaccines offer strong protection, but that protection takes time to build, however.
"People must take all the required doses of a vaccine to build full immunity," explains the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO continues: "For two-dose vaccines, vaccines only give partial protection after the first dose, and the second dose increases that protection.
"It takes time before protection reaches its maximum level a few weeks after the second dose.
"For a one-dose vaccine, people will have built maximum immunity against COVID-19 a few weeks after getting vaccinated."
Am I eligible to receive a Covid jab?
All adults aged 18 or over can now get vaccinated against COVID-19.
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