Currently, the stage of developing a COVID-19 vaccine is underway. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are still being monitored to ensure its effectiveness and safety in humans. What are the possible side effects?
Every drug, vaccine, or supplement can cause side effects. Side effects that appear can be mild or severe. Because it is still in the development stage, there is no research that proves that the COVID-19 vaccine is completely safe.
Some reports even mention that the COVID-19 vaccine, like vaccines in general, has the potential to cause side effects, although the side effects that appear are mild and not much different from the side effects of other vaccines.
Development of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Indonesia
Until now, the COVID-19 vaccine is still being developed and researched by various pharmaceutical companies and health institutions, regarding its effectiveness and safety. To get marketing authorization, a vaccine must go through 3 phases of clinical trials.
In Indonesia itself, phase III clinical trials are being conducted on the SINOVAC vaccine developed by Sinovac Life Science, China. This vaccine was tested through PT. Bio Farma and involved 1,620 volunteers. Research on this vaccine is ongoing and is planned to end in February 2021.
Not only that, Indonesia is also developing a vaccine called the Red and White vaccine. This vaccine was developed by the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology which is part of the COVID-19 Research and Innovation Consortium under the coordination of the Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Agency.
The development of this vaccine is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 and will later be distributed to the public after passing preclinical trials and clinical trials.
COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects
Just like other drugs and vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine can provide many benefits, but it is also known to cause various side effects. So far, several reports have stated that there are several possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, including:
- Mild fever
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain around the injection area
Although actually some of the side effects above are mild side effects that generally heal on their own, these effects often interfere with activities, especially if you have a COVID arm. The appearance of these side effects actually indicates that the body of the vaccine recipient is forming immunity or immunity to COVID-19.
If you are taking a clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine and experiencing side effects after getting the vaccine, or you are in doubt and want to confirm whether the complaints you are experiencing are post-immunization follow-up events (AEFI) or COVID-19 symptoms, here are some tips that can help you: You can do to relieve these side effects:
- Consume more water and eat regularly
- Give a cold compress on the sore
- Take pain relievers, such as paracetamol, as directed by your doctor
- Get enough rest, by sleeping about 7-9 hours every night
Although rare, giving vaccines, both the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, can cause more serious side effects, such as severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions. This reaction can cause shortness of breath, weakness, and fainting.
If an anaphylactic reaction occurs after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, contact your doctor immediately for treatment.
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Can Be Used?
Until now, it is still too early to determine the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. The development stage of vaccines and drugs generally takes a long time, even years.
This is because vaccine development must go through several stages of clinical trials to ensure whether the vaccine is effective and safe for use in humans, before finally getting a marketing permit from the government.
Therefore, because it is still relatively new, the COVID-19 vaccine is still being tested and researched by the government and various health institutions before it can be given and used by the wider community.
However, if you get the COVID-19 vaccine and experience side effects afterward, consult your doctor immediately. You can also report to BPOM through the Halo BPOM Contact Center Service and the BPOM Mobile application.
The development of a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the government's efforts to suppress the number of positive cases of COVID-19 which is still increasing. With this vaccine, it is hoped that the Indonesian people can be protected from Corona virus infection. Vaccines protect themselves and the country from the pandemic.
