KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be the first to get COVID-19 vaccines, and there are some short-term side effects to be aware of.
There are short-term side effects for virtually all vaccines, and COVID-19 will be no different. The side effects are usually mild and fade within a few days.
We know that the short-term side effects for the Moderna vaccine include soreness at the site of injection, fatigue, muscle, pains, joint pains, and headaches.
In the Pfizer studies, headaches were the most common side effects.
As the number of people who receive the vaccine increases, we will also hear about other side effects.
These initial side effects can be annoying but they are also a sign that the vaccine is preparing your immune system for action to fight off the real virus if needed.