An expert has lifted the lid on how to limit one of the most common side effects of the Covid booster jab. As the UK vaccine rollout gathers pace ahead of winter, more people will be called forward to get protection from coronavirus.
The vital booster can have a number of side effects, however, not everyone will experience them, the NHS says. But one side effect has proved to be incredibly common in those rolling up their sleeve with a reported 92 per cent of people experiencing it.
The most frequently reported side effect, according to the UK Health Security Agency, is the pain in the injection site. Duncan Reid, Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U has spoken about how to spot this pain and nip it in the bud.
He told Express.co.uk: “A sore arm following your COVID-19 booster jab is a common reaction that many experience. It can most easily be described as a dull ache, on the outside of the shoulder, that may make your arm feel heavy and uncomfortable to lift or move.
“This is common with other vaccinations that are given in the same way; it’s not exclusive to COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Reid went on to explain why some people can experience discomfort. He added: "The injection is given into the deltoid muscle in the shoulder, and the introduction of the vaccine to this area can cause some mild inflammation and the beginning of a response by the immune system, which is what the vaccine is intended to do – this can cause some soreness for some people, that should pass within a few days.”
But there are interventions that could ease the pain. “Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if these are safe for you to take, can help to reduce any discomfort," Reid said.
“It is also a good idea to move your arm every now and then to reduce any stiffness, but whilst this is important, you should avoid strenuous exercise if you are experiencing pain. If you have persistent arm pain, lasting for more than three days, or symptoms that are particularly uncomfortable, or if you have any other adverse reactions that are mentioned in the leaflet for the vaccine that you are given, you should seek medical advice from your GP or pharmacist.”
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
