More and more people are currently being vaccinated against the coronavirus. Some people feel pain at the injection site after the vaccination. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the most common reaction to vaccination is pain at the injection site. Similar symptoms also occur with other vaccinations, such as the flu vaccination. Side effects such as headaches, flu-like symptoms or fatigue can also occur after a corona vaccination.
You can find out what you can do if you experience side effects here >>
Corona vaccination: Why does my arm hurt afterwards?
First of all, we all react differently. So it is not necessarily the case that everyone has a sore arm after the coronavirus vaccination. However, the most common physical reaction to all three vaccines - Biontech/Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca - is pain or a feeling of pressure at the injection site after vaccination. The pain can feel similar to sore muscles. Many vaccinated people also experience redness or swelling. However, these symptoms can also occur after a conventional flu vaccination, for example, and are no cause for concern.
What is a Covid arm?
mRNA vaccines, which include the vaccines from Biontech/Pfizer or Moderna, can trigger a so-called Covid arm. As described above, the symptoms of the Covid arm around the injection site manifest themselves with redness, swelling or itching, which can be common with vaccinations. The symptoms disappear after a few days. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) commented on this as follows: "These delayed local reactions can occur about a week after vaccination and are characterized by a usually well-defined redness and swelling of the skin on the vaccinated arm, in some cases associated with pain and/or itching."
What can I do if I have pain after vaccination?
The discomfort on the arm usually subsides on its own and does not need to be treated. However, you should avoid sport and other physical exertion, especially on the affected area. It can also help to cool the arm with a cooling pad.
After the corona vaccination: See a doctor if you have any unusual symptoms
If you experience severe pain that lasts longer than a few days, you should consult your doctor. The same applies if you suffer from persistent symptoms such as severe headaches or even neurological complaints after the coronavirus vaccination. In this case, you should also see your doctor immediately.