Experts warn that over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen, could affect the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines.
While the US continues to launch vaccines from both Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna to the general public, beneficiaries have reported minor side effects, such as temporary pain, that have led some to take over-the-counter preventive painkillers. before inoculation.
But several experts who spoke to ABC News on Wednesday warn that the practice may impair the body’s ability to form antibodies that protect against COVID-19.
“We do not recommend premedication with ibuprofen or Tylenol prior to COVID-19 vaccines due to a lack of data on how it influences vaccine-induced antibody responses,” said Dr. Simone Wildes, an infectious disease expert and member of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. . Vaccine Advisory Group, said for the network.
Concerns come from a study at Duke University that found that children who took painkillers before routine vaccinations produced fewer antibodies.
The CDC has also published guidelines advising vaccine recipients to monitor their side effects and try natural ways to relieve pain before using painkillers.
“If you develop a fever, chills, headache after the injection, use painkillers to help with the symptoms, but not before they develop and report any significant side effects to a medical professional,” said Dr. Wildes.