While COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in much of the country, the news in November has been encouraging regarding a vaccine that could help put a stop to the pandemic. Moderna and Pfizer both announced that their vaccine candidates are 90-95% effective in preventing the virus from occurring in an individual. If the vaccine receives emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the first doses could be given by the end of the year with widespread availability taking place sometime in the spring.

This leaves a lot of questions about the vaccine itself, however. Namely, what is it like to get the vaccine? Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has some answers from those who received the vaccine in clinical trials earlier this year.

Reports: Similar to Flu Vaccine

If you’ve received the flu vaccine, most of the side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine will sound familiar to you. Fatigue and pain at the injection site for a few days were widely reported. The good news is that these are considered mild and well within the range of acceptable side effects, especially for a totally new drug. Others reported mild flu-like symptoms, such as a slight fever, headache, and body aches. One person compared it to having a hangover.

Side Effects Lessened for Second Dose

Many of the vaccines will require a second dose two to three weeks after the initial injection, and most people who had these side effects from the first dose reported that they were milder the second time around. 

The best news is that neither trial had a severe enough side effect that was enough to pause or cancel the trial. There are likely to be instances of more severe reactions once the vaccine is distributed since millions (and perhaps even billions) of people will be inoculated, but the news so far is about as good as it can get. 

To learn more about Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://glens-falls-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.