Vaccines can protect the body from several diseases, ranging from measles to tetanus. However, like other forms of medication, vaccine may also cause side effects. Nonetheless, most adverse effects from vaccination tend to be mild. But, it’s still possible to acquire serious side effects, albeit these occurrences are relatively rare.

Knowing about these side effects will help you prepare for the possible results of vaccination. Continue reading to know some of these side effects.

Mild Pain In The Affected Area

Many people will undergo vaccination and, then, walk away as if nothing happened. But, some individuals might experience pain from the injection, particularly in the affected area.

For example, a flu shot hit nerve, which could create a mild discomfort in the area where the injection took place. This pain should dissipate after a few minutes. But, some vaccine-related pain may last for a few hours.

You can also apply home remedies, like cold compresses, to the affected area, to help ease the pain. Consequently, you may also take paracetamol.

However, consult a doctor immediately if the pain doesn’t disappear after an extended period. Although you can always visit your GP, you can always search for “house call doctors in my area,” which can save you time by bringing your appointment to your home. This discomfort might be a symptom of vaccine injury-related conditions, such as:

  • Brachial neuritis
  • Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that may come from various sources, including vaccine injections. A person can go into an anaphylactic shock within seconds or minutes after a vaccine administration.

Other causes of anaphylaxis include:

  • Bee stings
  • Latex
  • Intense physical activities
  • Medications, like aspirin and antibiotics

Some signs of a person going into anaphylactic shock are:

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • A weak yet fast pulse
  • Swollen tongue or throat
  • Constricted airways (difficulty in breathing)

Tell the medical service provider immediately if you find yourself having these symptoms after vaccination. Failure to try and treat the situation soon may lead to fatal results.

Fever

Fever is a relatively common reaction after vaccination, especially among infants and toddlers. Note that vaccines tend to be a strain of the illness to help your body gain a higher resistance against that specific disease.

For example, taking an influenza injection is like giving your antibodies “homework.” The strain injected into you might have a low potency or cannot propagate within your system. Nonetheless, your immune system will study the strain, telling itself to become prepared should the flu try to attack your body.

But, this process also makes the body work harder than usual, hence the fever. The rise in temperature should last for about a day or two. But, consult a doctor if the fever doesn’t disappear after 48 hours.

Vomiting

Vomiting may come from several sources, including food poisoning, viral infection, or high fever. The age of the person and the timing of the incident can indicate the cause of this adverse reaction.

Vaccinations can become the cause of vomiting. It’s because the body tries to remove the infectious strain in the vaccine, albeit forcefully.

Moreover, vomiting should only occur about once or twice after the vaccination, and it may happen after a few minutes. Call a doctor if the vomiting lasts more than a few days or if it comes with other health complications, like diarrhea.

Skin Rashes

Skin Rashes

Skin rashes might not be a common occurrence after a vaccination, but it can still happen.

Raised and itchy bumps may appear a few hours after the injection. But, some instances can occur wherein the rash appears about ten days after the vaccination. Sometimes, the rashes may appear after a month. Also, the rashes tend to appear after the administration of multiple vaccines in one session.

Nonetheless, skin rashes post-vaccination aren’t caused for concern, especially if you don’t have other underlying illnesses. This particular skin condition should disappear after a few days. But, prepare yourself as other adverse reactions might accompany the rash, such as fever and nausea.

But, if you develop symptoms of allergic reactions that include skin rashes, don’t hesitate to contact emergency medical support right away.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy tends to be a condition characterized by extreme sleepiness. Some people may get extremely sleepy after vaccination as their immune functions work more diligently than usual. Hence, the body consumes more energy, causing fatigue and sleep.

Key Takeaway

Side effects after vaccination aren’t rare. Some adverse reactions, such as headaches and fevers, tend to appear in many people post-injection. Still, some severe effects, like anaphylaxis and narcolepsy, can happen on rare occasions. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these severe reactions.