The new COVID-19 vaccine may come with side effects, but experts say it’s normal

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The new COVID-19 vaccine could potentially come with some side effects, but experts say it’s normal.

Scientists are getting closer to a COVID-19 vaccine. And while that gives us hope, there’s still a long way to go before it’s available to the general public.

It’s also important to know what to expect when you do get your shots.

Action News Jax Medical Expert Dr. Michelle Aquino, with Baptist, said you can expect some side effects.

“Anything that I give you, even a placebo, when I give you a pill that’s full of just, you know, sugar, you can have a side effect to anything we give you,” said Aquino.

Some COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers reported soreness, headaches, fatigue and/or a low-grade fever.

“So far, the vaccine looks like it’s just a normal vaccine with normal side effects,” said Aquino.

She said we’ll know more once Pfizer releases its safety data. The company says it should be available by the third week of November (https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/albert_bourla_discusses_covid_19_vaccine_efficacy_results).

The vaccine comes in two shots that people receive three weeks apart.

“Even when we start the vaccines, number one we still have to continue the behavior of the masks, social distancing and hygiene — because remember, we’re also phasing this into the community,” she said.

In Florida, the distribution of the vaccine will likely be prioritized, with health care personnel getting it first.

By Dec. 1, every county health department in Florida is required to conduct a vaccine administration exercise to help prepare for whenever the vaccine becomes available.

Cox Media Group