Don’t do this until a month after your COVID vaccine, experts warn

While the COVID vaccine has been shown to be safe, it is not without a warning: you shouldn’t take over-the-counter pain relievers before getting vaccinated, and you shouldn’t share a photo of your vaccination card after. Now, experts are warning people to avoid other routine activity for at least a month after receiving the vaccine. Read on to find out what you should avoid doing after getting vaccinated, and for what you can do, Dr Fauci has just confirmed that you can do this after getting vaccinated.

The Society of Breast Imaging just released a statement that people who have recently received a COVID vaccine may have axillary symptoms [in the armpit] swelling of the lymph nodes, which could mimic a sign of breast cancer. Since the axillary lymph nodes are near the outer breast, the sight of their swelling during a breast exam could easily be a cause for concern. The statement detailed how professionals should document such an event and suggested people wait to schedule their appointment to avoid unnecessary worries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swelling of the axillary lymph nodes has been found in both men and women during the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials. Swollen lymph nodes are a common immune response that occurs with various vaccines, including the flu vaccine, hepatitis vaccines, polio vaccine and tetanus vaccine, according to Forbes.

“The lymphatic system is your drainage system, and they respond to inflammation,” explained hormone expert and founder of Revitalize Medical Group. Tara Scott, MD. “Your armpit nodes (or axillary lymph nodes) are the ones closest to the arm – and the breast – so they would be visible on a mammogram.” And for more vaccine reactions you should know about, the CDC says these 3 side effects mean your vaccine is working.

“The recommendation is to wait at least a month after the second shot and not have the mammogram between doses,” Scott said. In its statement, the Society of Breast Imaging also said it would be wise to schedule a mammogram before your vaccine. It might also help put your mind at ease if a lump forms near your armpit after receiving the blow.

If you can’t get an appointment for a mammogram before your vaccine, the Society of Breast Imaging suggests waiting “four to six weeks after the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.” And for more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.

If you have a reason to worry or want to have something checked as soon as possible, don’t delay your test. Jeffrey Hawley, MD, a breast imaging radiologist at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ohio State University, said patients “should not delay mammograms or COVID-19 vaccine – especially if it causes a long delay or not getting tested. at all.”

If you are having a mammogram, just keep in mind that your COVID vaccine could impact the results and alert your doctor that you recently received the vaccine. And for more on when you can get the vaccine, Biden says that’s when you can easily get an appointment for a vaccine.

A mammogram is not the only test that can detect a swollen axillary lymph node. “We are seeing unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy on breast imaging, [such as] mammography, ultrasound and breast MRI after COVID-19 vaccinations, ” Sunny mitchell, MD, medical director of breast and women’s services and director of breast surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, said Forbes. “It shows up in people with a history of breast cancer as well as without a history of breast cancer.” Mitchell said breast radiologists are using short-term follow-ups and repeat imaging to assess the situation before recommending a biopsy, in case the lump is linked to the COVID vaccine.

Rebecca Gamms, MD, breast radiologist at Hackensack Radiology Group / Hackensack University Medical Center, said Forbes they “recommend a follow-up examination in 2-3 months to allow the lymph nodes to return to normal.” Additionally, to prevent this situation from recurring frequently, Gamms said it adheres to the Society of Breast Imaging recommendation to schedule mammograms before or four to six weeks after a COVID vaccine. And for more on vaccine availability, here’s who can get the remaining vaccine at Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart.