‘Normal’ to feel unwell after first Covid-19 vaccine shot: BBC report

UK doctors say it is normal and expected to feel a bit unwell after the first Covid-19 vaccine shot.

The BBC reported that more than one in 10 people receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine might feel tenderness, pain, warmth, itching, or bruising where the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered. It is also likely that one may generally feel unwell, nausea, joint pain or muscle ache, and headache after receiving their vaccine shot; allergies are very rare.

Royal College of GPs' Professor Martin Marshall assured that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine currently in use has gone through a rigorous process to ensure they are safe and effective. Professor Martin also recommended that patients treat side-effects with painkillers like paracetamol if required. However, if symptoms become much worse or cause concern, patients should seek medical help.

On the other hand, Zoe, which conducted a UK-based Covid Symptom study via public feedback from more than 280,000 people through their app, to understand the nature of vaccine after-effects reported that fatigue, headache, and chills are more likely to be experienced by:

-         Women

-         Younger people

-         Those who have had Covid-19

Lead Scientist at King's College London -- Professor Tim Spector -- also reported that younger people and slightly more women than men, who have more side-effects may just have fitter immune systems.

The strong immune reaction may provide even greater protection from just a single shot of the vaccine -- although people should still have both the recommended doses. "You are going to be less ill than getting Covid-19. Do not delay or avoid getting your dose," Professor Spector added.