Hi doctors..i'm very nervous..two of my friends have had mild to moderate but very concerning reactions to the covid vaccine..chills, severe lassitude, don't want to move..if i get a reaction.. this or something else,..(worse) what would you suggest?

Sounds like fairly typical reactions to the Covid-19 vaccine. They generally resolve within 24 to 48 hours. The reactions are actually a sign that the vaccine is mounting the appropriate antibody response which will help to protect you. Certainly if you have a reaction that is lasting, you should contact your doctor. The reaction is more common after the 2nd dose, but many people have no reaction.

I agree with Dr. Ungerleider. There is no need to become overly anxious about this. It would be much better to have some time-limited side effects from the COVID 19 vaccine than disease symptoms that can be more severe and potentially life-threatening. If you develop fever or feel ill - rest, hydrate and wait to return to work until fever resides. Severe vaccine reactions are rare.

Take acetaminophen for any aches/pains/fever. No more than 4 g/day. No alcohol. Mild reactions to vaccine are a small price for prevention of serious illness or death!

Most reactions are short lived, and can be managed like a mild case of the flu - rest, fluids, Tylenol. People who don't have any reactions worry that the vaccine didn't "take" but both outcomes lead to protection from hospitalization, ventilator and death. It is reasonable to be nervous. It should not stop you from being vaccinated. After all, your friends are now protected. FOMO!

Just 5% of the participants in a study reported side effects after their first inoculation, although 43% said that they experienced side effects after the second one. Even if you do experience some mild to moderate side effects, they are usually self-limiting and resolve in a short period of time. That's a small price to pay for keeping away from severe illness. Rest and Tylenol are your friends!