Pain relievers and COVID-19 vaccine could be a bad mix



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Many people take aspirin or ibuprofen before getting vaccinated, but health experts say pain relievers and the COVID-19 vaccine might not be a good mix.

They say common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may possibly reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine if you take them before you get the vaccine.

Common side effects like a mild fever, headache, or pain at the injection site are actually proof that any vaccine works, not just those of COVID-19. Pain relievers are meant to lessen these side effects, but they can also make the vaccine less effective in your body.

“If we inhibit the fever, it can prevent some of these normal antibodies from developing, which will give us protection against COVID-19 or the flu or whatever number of vaccines we are supposed to take,” said FGCU Director medical studies assistant Robert Hawkes.

Hawkes said there was one important exception to this take on pain relievers and the COVID-19 vaccine.

“If your provider has prescribed or instructed you to take any of these medicines regularly, don’t stop it until you get the vaccine, just keep taking it as usual,” he said.

He said it was normal to take pain relievers after receiving the vaccine. If you want a more natural alternative, try putting a cold compress or a warm cloth over the injection site.

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