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What to expect from the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

What to expect from the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine
pfizer vaccine COVID
What to expect from your 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Whether it's the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, there is the possibility some people will experience side effects. However, health officials say those side effects might actually be a good sign.

As more people are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, we're taking a closer look at the most common side effects and what one should do to prepare for their second dose.

According to the CDC, second-shot side effects may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot. Additionally, health officials believe these are side effects that prove your body is building protection against the virus, and they should go away within a few days.

All three vaccines, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson have similar side effects. For Nikole Bacon, who got the Moderna vaccine, she said it was mild at first.

"I just had a little bit of a sore arm and that was about it," said Bacon.

Ricardo Rangel had the Moderna shot, too.

"For the first dose I just had a sore arm," said Rangel.

Dr. Joel Tanaka with Pikes Peak Vista says this is fairly normal shortly after the shot.

"Slight dizziness, some folks might get needle shock… It is not until 12 hours later where folks will develop some fatigue or some headaches," said Tanaka.

According to data from the Food and Drug Administration people ages 18-55 who received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, 59 percent had fatigue. Meanwhile, for those with the Moderna vaccine, the second dose they experience was the worst.

"The second dose was intense, I got the fatigue and the headache," said Bacon. The FDA found that nearly 90 percent of those with their second dose of Moderna experienced pain at the injection site, while 68 percent felt fatigued.

"I was hot and cold, hot and cold," expressed Rangel. Dr. Tanaka says though the side effects are common there are ways to prepare before getting your second dose.

Health officials advise people to prepare before getting a vaccine.

"Be well hydrated and eat a good meal before you come in to prevent yourself from having any dizziness," said Dr. Tanaka.

Nicole Bacon and Ricardo Rangel feel that the vaccine was well worth it despite their side effects.


It is still recommended to wait 24 to 28 days before getting your second dose. Side effects can usually last anywhere from two to three days. 

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