COVID-19 Vaccine: Side Effects in the Elderly

Here, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about COVID-19 vaccine side effects in the elderly.

According to the CDC, the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are similar to those of other vaccines, like the flu shot. Most are mild to moderate and occur within the first three days of vaccination. Pain or soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect. Other normal potential side effects include fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, joint pain, and fever.

Serious complications are rare

Serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are rare. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that the rate of serious complications for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines is .05% and 1%, respectively.

However, some people have reported severe allergic reactions — or anaphylaxis — after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Anaphylaxis is an abnormal response by your immune system that causes your body to go into shock.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Generalized hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, and/or throat
• Cardiovascular distress, including fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting
• Respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea

Make sure you and your loved one’s care team are aware of any adverse reactions to previous vaccines. Older adults who have experienced serious allergic reactions to medical treatments in the past may not be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Most COVID-19 side effects can be treated safely at home without any sort of special care. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain or discomfort at the injection site. Drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly can reduce discomfort from fever, says the CDC.

Studies suggest it’s more common to experience side effects following the second COVID-19 vaccine shot. The second dose of the vaccine is administered three to four weeks after the first dose. In clinical trials, both older and younger participants reported reactions that were more frequent or intense, with fatigue, headache and new or worsened muscle pain being the most common. However, the side effects from the second injection were mild to moderate in severity, and less frequent for those older than 55.

Experiencing mild to moderate side effects after vaccination means your immune system is functioning like it should – and that is a good thing. Your body is learning to develop a response to SARs-CoV-2 (the scientific name for COVID-19) and building immunity against the disease. That way, when you’re exposed to the actual virus, your body will recognize and fight it.

All people who receive the vaccine, regardless of age, will be monitored for at least 15 minutes to ensure they don’t have an allergic reaction. Those with a history of severe allergic reactions should be watched for 30 minutes after vaccination, according to the CDC.

Other safeguards are in place, too. The CDC and FDA are closely monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in the elderly. For senior living communities, the CDC is working with Walgreens, CVS, and other health care partners to report, track, and monitor any serious complications of the vaccine.

Caregivers of elderly loved ones are also encouraged to report any adverse events immediately to their doctor or through V-safe – a smartphone-based app that provides health check-ins after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine.

If your loved one develops a fever after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, monitor it to ensure it’s indeed a response to the vaccine and nothing more serious. If side effects like fever, redness, or pain don’t improve within a few days, or if you’re worried, it’s time to call a doctor, says the CDC.

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Sources                                                                                                                                                     

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “COVID-19 vaccines and allergic reactions.” 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Importance of COVID-19 vaccination for residents of long-term care facilities.” 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/LTCF-residents.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Interim clinical considerations for use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States.” 
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Interim considerations: preparing for the potential management of anaphylaxis after COVID-19 vaccination.” 
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/anaphylaxis-management.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Local reactions, systemic reactions, adverse events, and serious adverse events: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.” 
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/reactogenicity.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.” 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html

Food and Drug Administration. “Vaccines and related biological products advisory committee meeting.” 
https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download

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