Why do the side effects of vaccines vary?

The need of the hour in the world is the use of vaccines and the ongoing vaccination drives have proved that vaccines are effective in curbing the severity rate of the Covid-19 virus. With every vaccine comes the side effects. But lately, it has been observed that these side effects are not uniform in people. Some may get severe side effects, some mild, and some others may get no side effects at all. But why it is like this? Let us read to know more…

What do the side effects mean? Are they common? 

Side effects arise out of the reactions that occur when the body is exposed to an external antigen. The way our system reacts to it is manifested in the form of side effects.

When we are exposed, our immune system kicks into action. The first part sends the white blood cells and defensive antibodies to fight the pathogens. It also promotes inflammatory responses against the infection which leads to fever, fatigue, muscle soreness, pains, chills etc. There are some of the most common side effects.

However, some unusual side effects or inflammatory reactions may also occur.

How your body reacts to the vaccine is all that matters…

Side effects are generally experienced by people. However, the intensity of the side effects varies from person to person as different bodies exhibit different responses for the same. For instance, Covaxin tends to dole out fewer inflammatory reactions in comparison to Covishield.

Thus, whether or not a person has reactions against the vaccines depends on the individual’s system. Besides, factors like age, gender, pre-existing immunity, health conditions, use of anti-inflammatory medicines etc are also some of the factors.

Women get more side effects than men

Studies have shown that the side effects also vary according to one’s gender. Women tend to experience harsher or severe side effects than their male counterparts.

One of the possible reasons is the way their hormones interact with the immune system make-up. Inflammatory reactions may occur due to heightened estrogen levels and therefore, increase the duration of side effects too. Women may also experience some different side effects due to hormonal interference and they may be swollen lymph nodes under the arms. In contrast, men have not shown any unusual side effects like these.

Should you be worried if you don’t get side effects?

Experts have said that not getting any side effects should not be a matter of concern. Showing no or minimum side effects only proves that your body is reacting to the vaccine differently.

It does not imply that the vaccine is not working in your body or the immune system has not accepted the same. Also, the person who gets no side effects in the first shot may get some in the second one or he or she may not get side effects altogether.

There’s nothing to be worried about as long as sufficient antibodies are produced and you follow Covid appropriate behaviour.