“Immune system reactions usually are signs that our immune system is fighting an infection, whether from the actual disease or a vaccine,” Schwartz told Healthline.ĭaignault clarifies that side effects after vaccination do not correlate with a stronger immune response, “just as the absence of side effects don’t indicate a poor immunogenic response.” That’s because our immune system is trying to build immunity against COVID-19. Erika Schwartz, an author and the founder of Evolved Science, notes that the symptoms after a booster are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 itself. The agency says a second booster can be administered 4 months after the initial booster for those who are eligible.ĭr. The CDC recommends getting a booster shot 5 months after completing your primary vaccination series. Michael Daignault, the chief medical advisor at Reliant Health Services, told Healthline that the CDC’s new recommendation matches what doctors have been advocating and what Canada and European Union countries already recognize that the interval between doses is the optimal strategy to ensure a robust and long-lasting immune response against COVID-19. People who live in communities with high levels of COVID-19 cases are also urged to consider the shorter time periodĭr. A shorter interval of 3 to 4 weeks is still recommended for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised as well as adults 65 years and older. It expanded the interval to 8 weeks for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for most people 12 years and older.

In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) modified its guidance on intervals between the initial two doses of COVID-19 shots. Rare, lower-severity side effects reported in the study include:

Rare “low-severity” side effects such as fatigue, lymph node swelling, and nausea are more common after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine boosters than with regular doses, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. While vaccine boosters help protect everyone against serious illness, some people may experience some symptom-like side effects. Your protection against COVID-19 begins to wane after initial vaccine doses, making booster shots necessary for maintaining immunity.

Experts say the side effects may be stronger because the immune system reacts more strongly to succeeding vaccine doses.

The lower-severity side effects include fatigue, lymph node swelling, and nausea.

Researchers report that side effects appear to be stronger from COVID-19 boosters than from initial doses of the vaccine.

Share on Pinterest Fatigue is one of the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines Justin Paget/Getty Images

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