Vaccines are a-coming but with it, so is misinformation about how they work. While we are all geared up about going into 2021 with the possibility of a few COVID-19 vaccine options, there is growing fear about their safety.

But here’s where we need to hit pause and realise that:

• Side-effects and adverse events are a NORMAL part of the vaccine process.
• The Drugs Controller General of India will NOT pass a vaccine if it does not pass the required safety tests.

COVID-19 has dominated the news cycle of the entire year, and everything about the disease has been under hyper-focus. So we make assumptions often without realising that while this is a novel disease and a novel vaccine, the process to create safe and efficacious vaccines remains the same. Which means that while these vaccines have been sped up, no corners have been cut in their safety.

Vaccines and Side-Effects

There are reports of trial volunteers getting headaches from the Pfizer vaccine or fatigue from the Moderna vaccine.

But it’s important to remember that some side effects in all approved vaccines (not just COVID vaccines) are normal. These do tend to be mild and rare and do not outweigh the benefits. Besides, your reaction to vaccines also depends on your immune system and often it gets more tolerant with age in healthy people. This is why children under age 5 often have higher fevers of a 102 and 103 degrees, while this is uncommon in adults unless we are suffering from a serious condition.

Many vaccines are 'reactogenic' or cause a reaction. Minor side effects are normal and mean the vaccine is working.  Why? Because it shows your immune system is reacting to the new drug and this can cause rashes or headaches.  If you experience severe symptoms consult a doctor.

Known Side-Effects of COVID Vaccines