As we keep an eye on the developments of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it feels like we’re following the latest gossip about a celebrity. The Pfizer vaccine is on the move! Healthcare workers in New York are receiving their first doses! Moderna’s vaccine requires two doses! Together, these companies are set to deliver around 60 million doses by the end of January!
While there’s widespread belief that these vaccines will help combat COVID-19, many Americans remain skeptical. According to recent findings, only about half of the population is willing to get vaccinated. Additionally, every vaccine comes with potential side effects, which can be a significant concern for many. It’s well-known that flu vaccines also have side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists common reactions such as soreness, redness, swelling at the injection site, as well as headaches, low-grade fevers, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. Personally, after receiving my flu shot a few weeks ago, I experienced shoulder pain that felt like I had bumped into a doorframe. Meanwhile, a New Jersey resident, Lucas Brown, described his experience with what he believes was a COVID-19 shot from Pfizer, stating that his arm “felt like someone had hit it for an hour,” as reported in various articles.
The Reality of Mild Side Effects
Like me, Brown wasn’t too concerned because he anticipated side effects. However, many people choose not to get the flu vaccine due to its relatively mild side effects. A common misconception is that individuals can “catch the flu from the flu vaccine.” This usually arises when someone contracts the flu shortly after getting vaccinated, which can happen because the vaccine doesn’t provide total immunity. The presence of fever and fatigue after vaccination can also be mistaken for the flu itself.
Fear of these mild reactions can deter individuals from receiving the flu shot. A report by US News and World Report indicated that 36% of those who don’t get the flu shot cite side effects as a major reason, while another 21% consider it a minor concern. In total, 57% of those who skip the seasonal flu vaccine—despite it causing 24,000 to 62,000 deaths last flu season, according to Health.com—are concerned about side effects.
COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions May Be More Pronounced
The side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccines might be more pronounced than those of the flu shot. These reactions are often seen as indicators that the vaccine is functioning correctly. Notably, side effects following the second shot (both Pfizer and Moderna require two doses) may be stronger than those after the first. A detailed analysis of the Pfizer vaccine indicated that some participants experienced “unpleasant but tolerable” side effects, including fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, and fever. Kelly Moore from the Immunization Action Coalition emphasized that these reactions signify the vaccine is working. She stated that it’s normal to experience soreness or mild flu-like symptoms after being vaccinated.
Moderna’s trials also reported that some participants experienced side effects described as “severe,” which affected their daily activities. These included fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headaches, particularly after the second dose, as noted in various news reports.
Side Effects Are Unpleasant, But COVID-19 Is Far Worse
While side effects are certainly undesirable, the threat posed by COVID-19 is far more serious. Experts agree that clear communication about the vaccine is vital. A Kaiser Family Foundation Vaccine Monitor published on December 15 showed that 71% of Americans, regardless of race or political affiliation, are now inclined to get vaccinated against COVID-19. However, 27% still express hesitance, even if the vaccine is deemed safe and provided at no cost.
Among the hesitant, Republicans (42%) are the least likely to get vaccinated, followed by individuals aged 30-49 (36%) and 35% of Black adults—a demographic severely impacted by the pandemic. Approximately one-third of essential workers and healthcare professionals also state they won’t receive the vaccine.
It’s crucial to ensure that the 71% who are willing to get vaccinated don’t panic if they see someone miss work after vaccination due to feeling unwell. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy has recommended several approaches to enhance vaccine uptake. Making vaccines free and easily accessible, like flu shots, is essential. Another suggestion is to limit access to “high-value” locations, such as schools and workplaces, for those who haven’t been vaccinated. Employers could mandate vaccinations while allowing for exemptions like remote work. Public figures getting vaccinated can also help normalize the process.
Open discussions about common side effects should also occur. People need to hear about these from trusted healthcare professionals and within the community. This way, individuals will understand that experiencing mild symptoms for a day or two after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is a normal occurrence.
Those who hesitate due to fear of side effects can be reassured that these reactions are a contribution to public health. By framing them as a form of solidarity in combating the pandemic, we can encourage more people to see vaccination as an act of service to others, potentially leading to a resolution of the pandemic.
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Summary
This article discusses the potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, emphasizing that while reactions may be more pronounced than those of flu vaccines, they are a normal part of the vaccination process. Experts stress the importance of clear communication to alleviate fears and encourage vaccination. By framing side effects as a collective effort to combat the pandemic, we can foster a sense of community and responsibility among those hesitant to receive the vaccine.
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