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What about side effects from the COVID vaccines?

Health care workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Pamela Simms-Mackey, MD explains that mild side effects from the COVID vaccines are normal signs that the body is building protection against illness from COVID.

 

I think when people in their mind think of side effects, it’s something that happens that’s not supposed to happen. And when you look at what’s happening after some people get the COVID vaccine the common things soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, maybe a swollen lymph node.

Those are vaccine anticipated reactions. So, I always tell people, “Those are good signs.” You want to see that cause, you know, the vaccine is working in your body and those are very brief and short lasting. And so, the abnormal reactions or the true side effects are very, very rare.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

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