Reactions to COVID-19 vaccines run the gamut, from nothing at all to full-on fever, chills and rashes.
While symptoms like tiredness, fatigue, muscle pain and nausea seem to be the most common, there are plenty of others.
"We suspected that we’d start to see some skin reactions to the vaccines," said Dr. Esther Freeman, director of Global Health Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and principal investigator for the International COVID-19 Dermatology Registry.
"What we saw was a variety of different skin rashes," she said of early returns, emphasizing that her research consisted of only the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, not the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that was approved later.
Getting so-called "vaccine arm" compromised of pain, redness and swelling is completely normal, Dr. Freeman explained.
"We’re seeing a delayed, large reaction in people’s arms, typically after Moderna. We don’t see it as much after Pfizer," she said. "What happens is you get the vaccine, and then about a week later, you get like a big red splotch on your arm."
Reaction in people’s toes during a battle with the virus itself is very common, as is a similar reaction in a patient’s fingers.
Dr. Freeman said that very same phenomenon has been observed as a reaction to the various COVID-19 vaccines. "That’s probably because our body is mimicking that same immune response that we might have to the virus itself," she added.
Eye irritation plus swelling in one’s face has also been reported.
"Rashes that start within four hours of the injection need to be taken very seriously," Dr. Freeman said. "That’s part of an immediate immune reaction. It can be more in the category of hives or anaphylaxis."
That includes significant swelling, she told KCBS Radio’s "Ask An Expert" on Thursday.
Those patients should be seen by an allergist or immunologist prior to receiving their second COVID-19 shot, according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "If these rashes are starting later, then it’s a different story," Dr. Freeman explained.
Those concerned about reactions to a dose should check the CDC’s website for vaccine components.
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