Learn about the most important information regarding types of COVID vaccines, from their development stages to common side effects and how to manage them.
International Efforts to Develop Types of COVID Vaccines
Several countries sought to innovate means of protection against the virus through various trials:
- China: Conducted clinical trials on healthy volunteers to evaluate vaccine safety, noting that confirming efficacy may require a full year.
- United States: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases worked with Moderna on clinical trials involving critical cases.
- Russia: Research focused on enhancing immunity by studying the immune systems of animals, with production time estimates ranging between one and a half to three years.
- United Kingdom: Health agencies collaborated with the universities of Liverpool and Bristol to create a version of the virus and test the vaccine on animals.
- Germany: The company CurVac worked on animal tests in preparation for starting human trials during the summer season.
- Additional Research: Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh developed a prototype vaccine called PittCoVacc based on the “spike protein,” which showed positive results in increasing antibodies in mice.
Potential Side Effects of COVID Vaccines
Some symptoms may appear after vaccination, and their severity varies from person to person:
Common Symptoms
- Swelling and pain at the injection site.
- Fever for several hours or days.
- Skin rash on the arm, which may sometimes extend to the body or under the armpits.
- Feelings of lethargy, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Armpit Pain
Some people notice pain or swelling under the armpit or near the collarbone a few days after vaccination. This is due to the enlargement of lymph nodes reacting to the vaccine components as a foreign body. This pain can be relieved by:
- Using warm compresses.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Getting plenty of rest.
Contraindications and Warnings
Manufacturers determine the groups permitted to be vaccinated; for example, Pfizer prohibits pregnant women and people with severe allergies from taking its vaccine.
FAQ
What kind of COVID vaccines are there and do they cause armpit pain?
Armpit pain is a real symptom resulting from the enlargement of lymph nodes in the area near the injection site as a natural immune response.
Is armpit pain always caused by the vaccine?
Not necessarily; pain could be an indicator of breast tumors. Therefore, you should consult a doctor if the pain persists to undergo radiological examinations.
Do all types of COVID vaccines cause armpit pain?
The ability to cause this symptom varies according to the specific vaccine used, which is a matter still under study.
Can those with egg allergies receive the influenza vaccine?
Yes, because the amount of egg protein in the vaccine is very small and usually does not cause serious reactions, and there are completely egg-free alternatives. However, egg-based vaccines should be avoided if a severe allergic reaction has occurred previously.
When to Visit a Doctor?
You should seek medical care immediately if rare symptoms appear, such as:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Abnormal changes in heartbeat.
- Severe and persistent headache.
- Persistent stomach pain.
- Swelling in the legs.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a specialized physician.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team