Second dose side effects: What symptoms should you look for?

TAMPA, Fla. (KSNT) – As the country continues the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, more people are getting their second shot, which the CDC warns may bring more intense side effects than the first.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 7,000 Americans reported reactions during the vaccine rollout in December. They were primarily flu symptoms including headache, fatigue, chills, nausea and muscle aches.

When it comes to the vaccine and side effects, however, misinformation is an obstacle for the vaccination process.

Nurse-practitioner Elizabeth Crosby said the side effects most people report are normal and "nothing that Motrin and Tylenol won't fix."

Crosby is deployed by the Air Force to Tampa’s FEMA vaccine site; she says since the second shot is a booster, it hits the body hard, often triggering a flu-like feeling. But not to worry, she says. It is typically not severe and doesn’t last long.

So how do you know if the side effects are dangerous? What would necessitate a trip to the emergency room? What are the side effects that you should look for? Crosby says go to the ER if you experience any of the following symptoms after the second shot: “Shortness of breath, chest pain, numbness or tingling in extremities [and] facial swelling of any kind - tongue, mouth, lips."

Another popular question that everyone wants to know is after you get the second shot, how long does it take to be totally protected?

When you receive a vaccine, your innate immunity is stimulated first. Within a week and a half or so, your adaptive immunity starts firing, offering you actual protection from the virus. Crosby says 28 days seems to be the magic number for many.

She says the response she gets from patients when sharing this news is emotional, often bringing tears to their eyes.

"It’s been very emotional for a lot of people, it represents hope, light at the end of the tunnel,” Crosby said.

For Florida resident Marla Green, the second shot represents freedom. She received the injection on Tuesday and now says she is planning on seeing family and friends.

She's relieved that the vaccination process is complete, but is now waiting to see what side effects she might experience.