2nd shot symptoms: How long and how bad will I feel after my second COVID shot?

Like everything in life: It depends. side effects can last hours to days, and range from no effect to flat on your back

More and more people are getting vaccinated, but those who have a shot scheduled or are waiting are hearing about some strong side effects.

First the facts about side effects.

1. Side effects are good, it means your immune system is reacting

You want your immune system to react. But you don’t need side effects to be protected. If you don’t have side effects, you are still protected.

2. Swinging your arm after you shot really will help reduce local soreness

Exercising aka moving your arm will help reduce local soreness. So TikTok was right about this one.

3. Side effects can last for days.

CDC says call your doctor ‘If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours or if your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days’

4. Headache, fever, chills, and fatigue are most common side effects

Besides mild local pain from the actual shot etc.

How long do 2nd COVID shot side effects last?

Unfortunately there have not been a ton of data released about the length of those side effects. CDC reports they can last a few days.

I started asking around to see how long the symptoms lasted and what they were. Results below. I will keep adding to these.

Anecdote 1:
I got my 2nd shot of Pfizer. Swung my arm around a lot. Didn’t have a ton of local soreness. After 2 days thought I was in the clear. Then was watching the Great British Bakeoff with my wife and just started feeling terrible. Body aches, tiredness. I didn’t want anything touching me. Those lasted for about 10 hours.