If you are fortunate enough to be getting a vaccine against the Covid19 soon, you may want to ensure it is as effective as possible by not taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before you get the injection.
The World Health Organization has warned that the use of pain killers before the Covid-19 vaccine is not recommended to prevent possible side-effects, as it may affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Here’s why:
NSAIDs include well-known pain relievers and fever reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. They reduce inflammation—marked by swelling, redness, and warmth—that is controlled by the immune system.
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Study:
A study on mice suggests these drugs might lower production of antibodies, which block the virus from infecting cells. Like any vaccine, a Covid-19 vaccine may cause pain, swelling, and fever after being administered. Noticing those mild symptoms is a sign that the vaccine is working and your immune system has started to create the antibodies that will fend off the real virus if you happen to be exposed to it. The process of a vaccine nudging the immune system into action is called reactogenicity.
Do’s and don’ts to be followed:
There are a lot of DOs and DONTs to be followed before and after vaccination. One of the crucial things to keep in mind is to not engage in any activity, or avoid intake of things that may harm the vaccine's efficacy or lower immune response to the vaccine. Keeping away certain medicines from usage, when you are scheduled to get your vaccine jab is something that may be harmful, and now being strictly advised by doctors to follow.
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance to recommend against painkillers before a Covid-19 shot. It says they can be taken afterward for symptoms if you have no other medical conditions precluding their use, but to talk to your doctor.
If you’re looking to relieve symptoms after your shot, acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is better because it works in a different way than some other painkillers. Not only do we not have proof as to how medications and Covid-19 vaccines react when taken together, taking medicines as a pre-emptive measure to reduce side-effects could go in vain, since not every person reacts to the vaccine in the same way. If you are scheduled to get the Covid-19 vaccine, there are a few things you can do before you get the jab.
Instead of taking an NSAID in anticipation of the pain, try holding an ice pack on your upper arm before you get the injection to numb the pain of the injection. Reduce anxiety by closing your eyes, visualizing your happy place, and doing some deep-breathing exercises. At the moment the vaccine is injected, try to keep your arm relaxed and move it around after getting the jab. Relaxation can help reduce pain.
(Dr. Sushil Jain is Consultant Chest Physician & Pulmonologist)
