covid jab and paracetamol

[Evamollie]

I have read that taking paracetamol before a covid jab can help to prevent adverse reaction. I had one v bad reaction to first Pfizer jab but fine with next three Pfizer jabs. Having next jab (Pfizer I hope) on Saturday. Any one with experience re paracetamol and jab?

[Seacat30]

The World Health Organisation (and various other sources) suggest that it is OK to take paracetamol after vaccination but say to try to avoid doing it before the jab if you can.

WHO

[piglette in reply to Seacat30]

”Experience MILD side effects”, that is an understatement in my case. Humph.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I always take for 24 hours before any vaccine and 24 hours afterwards...can't say whether it has affected how the vaccine works...but I (touch wood) haven't succumbed to anything over the last 15 years or so I've followed same procedure.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I, on the other hand, have never taken paracetamol either before or after a jab and have had no problems related to the jab except possibly a brief and not severe flare of PMR which paracetamol wouldn't have helped anyway.

[Pixix]

I had my first reaction after Moderna new bivalent jab about 8 weeks ago, it only lasted 24 hours, was like ‘flu. I didn’t take anything before or after, just let it go through my system. Plenty of liquids. That’s my first reaction to a jab in 66 years! I think some people get quite wound up & stressed about injections which would cause PMR to be unhappy, the same as any stress does! I’m sad for folk who have needle phobia, I had weekly injections for many weeks age 9 & lots while serving in the Navy…I got so used to it. But it’s an individual choice whether to take something before even getting any symptoms, for sure. I’ve never considered it, but as SeaCat shows, the WHO don’t recommend it.

[MrsNails]

See Seacat30 reply below - l just took some Paracetamol after my jabs & had a rest on the bed…..