Is The COVID-19 Vaccine Safe? A Medical Doctor Says Yes

Is The COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

Coronavirus vaccines have been the best hope in order for the coronavirus pandemic to end. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began authorizing the emergency use of a COVID-19 vaccine. This article breaks down the following questions:

• What is the process that companies must go through to ensure the production of a safe vaccine?
• How long after getting the vaccine is it effective?
• Are the coronavirus vaccines safe?
• What kind of side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines should I be concerned about?

This article consists of an interview with Dr. Ramin Ahmadi, MD, MPH. Dr. Ahmadi is the Chief Medical Officer for Graduate Medical Education Global LLC and a former assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine.

What are the benefits of receiving the coronavirus vaccine?

COVID-19 can cause serious illness and even death for some people. Since there’s no way of knowing how coronavirus will affect you, it’s best to simply prevent the spread of it. One way of doing so is getting vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and has the following benefits:

• Help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without you having to become sick with COVID-19.
• Might prevent you from getting COVID-19. Or, if you get COVID-19, the vaccine might keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.
• Help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine have side effects? If so, is the COVID-19 vaccine safe

A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects, including:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain

Most reactions to the vaccine happen within the first few days after vaccination and last no more than three days. 

If you do experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, it doesn't mean that you have COVID-19. Just take some time to rest. If you develop a fever, stay home. However, it's not necessary to get a COVID-19 test or quarantine.

If you have a reaction that prevents you from being able to eat, sleep, or work, contact your doctor. Also, contact your doctor if you have a reaction that lasts longer than three days.

Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. If you have any of these signs, seek care immediately.