Kettering Health Network is now approximately halfway through the administration of second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Through the diligent work of our teams, we have been proceeding efficiently without wasting any doses. Some concerns have arisen that this communication addresses:
- The rate and severity of side effects is higher with the second dose. Most people have soreness in their arm. Some people have no other symptoms while others have fatigue, aches, chills and occasionally rash at the injection site. The side effects typically last less than 24 hours. Most employees have been able to work the following day.
- It is safe to take Tylenol or ibuprofen to help relieve the side effects of the vaccine.
- It is recommended to NOT take Tylenol or ibuprofen before the vaccine dose as a preventive measure.
- It is strongly recommended to take the second dose – even when side effects occurred with the first dose. The only reason to skip the second dose would be if there was anaphylaxis or a life-threatening side effect of the first dose. A single dose may not provide lasting immunity.