What to expect after your AstraZeneca Vaccination
The AstraZeneca vaccine is suitable for people aged 18 years and older.
You will need two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, at least 28 days apart, but most likely 12 weeks apart.
While one dose will give some protection, it may only last for the short-term. It will take some time for your body to build an immune response. You will have maximum protection against COVID-19 after a second dose. We will continue to learn over time about how long the protection will last.
All medicines and vaccines can cause side effects and most of these are minor effects. However, if you do experience any side effects following vaccination and are worried, contact your GP.
Side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine
Common side effects after AstraZeneca include:
- tenderness, pain, warmth or itching, where the injection is given
- generally feeling unwell
- tiredness
- headache
- chills or feeling feverish
- joint pain or muscle pain
- feeling sick (nausea).
Less common side effects after AstraZeneca include:
- fever
- swelling or redness at the injection site.
These side effects are usually mild and usually go away within one or two days. If you experience pain at the injection site or fever, headaches or body aches after vaccination, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. These help reduce the above symptoms (you do not need to take paracetamol or ibuprofen before vaccination). If there is swelling at the injection site, you can use a cold compress.
Rare side effects that have been reported after AstraZeneca are:
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
After you have left the vaccination location, seek medical attention if:
- You think you are having an allergic reaction. Call 000 if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat or collapsing.
- You are worried about a potential side effect or have new or unexpected symptoms.
- You have an expected side effect of the vaccine which has not gone away after a few days.
For symptoms which are not urgent, you can see your regular healthcare provider (usually your GP).
Vaccine safety monitoring and reporting side effects
Suspected side effects can be reported to your vaccination provider or other healthcare professional. They will then make a formal report on your behalf to Queensland Health.
CQVID-19 testing after vaccination
Some side effects from COVID-19 vaccination might be similar to symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever).The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain any live virus and cannot cause COVID-19.You do not need to get a COVID-19 test or isolate if you:
- develop general symptoms like a fever, headache or tiredness in the first two days after vaccination.
- do not have any respiratory symptoms like a runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or loss of taste.
Released 03 March 2021
Source – https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccine