If you’re thinking about getting a Covid booster shot, you’re probably wondering about its side effects.
Don’t worry: Compared with your last dose, your booster shot should be a much smoother experience, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are some home remedies and strategies that may help alleviate the symptoms from your booster:
- Stay hydrated and wear lightweight, comfortable clothing to cope with symptoms like fevers and chills.
- Use the arm where you got your shot normally, and even exercise it a little bit. It might be sore, but moving your arm will help promote blood flow and relieve any muscular pain.
- Apply a cold compress to the spot where you got your shot, to reduce any swelling and injection site pain.
- Pop an OTC pain medication — like Tylenol or Advil — after your appointment. The CDC says you shouldn’t take these meds before your appointment, because it’s unclear whether doing so could interfere with the vaccine effectiveness.
The CDC notes that if any “redness or tenderness” near your injection site gets worse after 24 hours, or if your side effects don’t seem to be dissipating after a few days, you should contact a doctor or healthcare provider.
So far, 19% of fully vaccinated people in the U.S. have gotten their booster doses, according to CDC data.