Marian Regional Medical Center: Doctors discuss COVID-19 vaccine side effects

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Maria doctors provides updates to the COVID-19 vaccine side effects on Friday.

Nipomo resident Sarah Fausel says she has an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

"I heard that there are some side effects, but we’ll see," says Sarah.

Like with other vaccines, Dr. Scott Robertson at Marian Regional Medical Center says it’s normal to have mild side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

"The most common side effects are a little bit of irritation or discomfort or swelling at the site of the vaccination," says Robertson.

Robertson says some people may just feel "out of sorts" for a couple days.

"Some malaise, maybe some fatigue, or some general body aches, and that’s really the extent that most people will have with any type of vaccine, including the vaccine for COVID-19," says Robertson.

Robertson says as the immune system builds up, that’s where we get some of these non-specific side effects to the vaccine.

"Over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen, Tylenol, ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil can be affective at limiting the side effects, particularly after you’ve had the vaccination," says Robertson.

But Robertson says it’s important to note that it's not clear if these medications have an effect if you take them before you get vaccinated.

"Currently the Centers for Disease Control is recommending that you not use these medications prior to receiving your vaccine, but it is okay if you begin to have side effects after you receive the vaccine," says Robertson.

"I want to get the vaccine so that I don’t have to worry about being laid up," says Sarah.

Robertson says if you plan on taking other types of medications it’s always good to check with your doctor first.