What to expect

 Following the mass vaccination sessions in Valencia the questions are, "now that we have had our first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine, are we safe?" and "what can we expect as possible side effects?"

The answer to the first is emphatically, no. 

In fact, there is some evidence  that suggests we could be more vulnerable to infection in the first 8 days as our bodies gradually build up the antibodies necessary to combat the disease. That is partly because some people wrongly believe they are protected as soon as they have their first shot and drop their guard - not wearing masks, neglecting social distancing and mixing more freely with others.   

After those first 8 days our immunity should slowly increase until, by 21 days, the vaccine should be 90% effective.

At 21 days we will have a second dose that tops up and lengthens the effect of the first dose. 

Of course, nobody knows how long the protection will last and whether or not we will need booster shots later in the year to prolong the protection or protect us from new variants.  

Possible Side Effects of the vaccine

It is important to note that not everyone will have side effects. Having them is a sign that the vaccine is working, not having them though does not mean that the vaccine is ineffective.  

In the arm where you got the shot:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling

Throughout the rest of your body:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

These side effects usually start within a day or two of getting the vaccine. Side effects might affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.