Painkillers are not recommended before getting a Covid-19 vaccine say experts.
Health experts from the World Health Organisation have issued a warning in response to claims circulating online by social media users to take painkillers before receiving a covid 19 vaccine.
It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medications like antihistamines after vaccination.
World Health Organisation experts state: “Taking painkillers such as paracetamol before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent side effects is not recommended.
"This is because it is not known how painkillers may affect how well the vaccine works.”
One Twitter user posted: "Though I didn’t hear that you’re not supposed to take a painkiller around vaccine time until after it was too late, so I hope I didn’t screw up the effectiveness of my shot.”
According to WHO, common side effects of receiving the vaccine include arm soreness, mild fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle or joint aches. In most cases they are relatively mild and last a short time.
While you are advised not to take painkillers before your vaccine, you may take paracetamol or other painkillers after if you do develop side effects such as pain, fever, headache or muscle aches after vaccination.
Professor Luke O’Neill, Chair of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin told Euronews. “There is no reason to take antihistamines to try and limit the symptoms you might get post-vaccination,"
The vaccine works by tricking the body into an immune response.
People aged between 30 and 69 can register for a vaccine appointment online or by phone.
