Health professionals say there’s no need to worry about lack of vaccine side effects

GLASGOW, Ky.- A very low statewide positivity rate, and the ending of mask mandates – signs that Kentucky among other states are reaching the end of the pandemic, courtesy of vaccines.

While the vaccines  can potentially trigger various side effects, the question is, what does this mean for those who have no side effects after vaccination.

“It’s not at all uncommon for folks to react after the first dose, the second, or both, but many have no reaction at all,” said TJ Regional Health director of pharmacy David Marr.

The answer to that question is currently still being researched. Medical professionals say the potential reasons include already having a strong immune system or having the virus at some point prior to getting vaccinated. However, neither scenario has been outright confirmed.

“I think in many situations, it goes back to how strong a person’s immune system is to start out with,” said Melinda Joyce from Med Center Health.

Another hypothesis is that those who contracted the virus previously will have side effects due to antibodies reacting with the vaccine. Those in medical fields emphasize that the main priority is to get vaccinated, side effects or not.

“I think the important thing to take away is that you do get the vaccine number 1, and number 2, you take it in the appropriate schedule that’s laid out,” Marr said.

“We know the vaccine is working. We know that it is greater than 95% effective in helping to protect us from covid. We have to let our own immune system do its job,” Joyce added.

Professionals say even without side effects, there is no need to worry if the vaccine worked or not, emphasizing that the low positivity rate is the biggest piece of evidence of all.

“Have that confidence and comfort in knowing that two weeks after your second dose, or two weeks after that dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is that you’re fully protected,” Marr said.

An online survey is currently being conducted with Med Center Health and Western Kentucky University related to potential side effects individuals have had. To take the survey, follow this link.