Why do vaccines make you feel ill?
Vaccine side effects include fatigue, headache, and soreness at the injection site, but do not fret! These symptoms are to be expected.
All those 16 and older in the US are eligible to receive a covid-19 vaccine. All available vaccines have side effects and in most cases, they are completely normal; these side effects can even indicate that the vaccine is working.
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has listed the possible side effects on their website and include:
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
One other common symptom includes soreness or redness at the injection site. If these symptoms arise the CDC recommends that you speak with your primary care provider to talk about “taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated.”
To avoid these issues, the CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids and “dressing lightly.” These issues should resolve themselves within one to days after the vaccination.
What can I do when I am fully vaccinated?
As of 9 May, the US has administered nearly 266 million vaccine doses, leaving around thirty-forty percent fully vaccinated. For this growing portion of the population, the CDC has released new guidance. This new information includes changes for mask-wearing, and can make traveling easier as self-isolation before or after a trip is not required.
How is the national vaccine campaign going?
Since 3 May, the US has administered over 10 million vaccine doses. Leading the vaccination charge were Nevada, Georgia, and Mississippi who vaccinated the greatest percent of residents since 3 May. Georgia has vaccinated over four percent of its population since 3 May, while Nevada and Mississippi increased their percent of residents who are fully vaccinated by three percent.
Nationally, the percent of fully vaccinated residents stands at thirty-four percent. States with the lowest vaccination rates are Wyoming, Alaska, Alabama, and Tennessee. In Wyoming, only fifteen percent of the population is fully vaccinated and the rate of vaccination is relatively slow compared to other states.
Many scientists and public health experts are warning that we should bank on ending the pandemic in the US through vaccination. With nearly a quarter of those in the US saying that they are opposed to getting a vaccination, the prospects of reaching herd immunity are dim.