Why do some people think that there are medications that they should avoid when they get their COVID-19 vaccine?
“Taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen before receiving a vaccine may reduce its ability to work and blunt your immune response to the vaccine.”
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
Probably because there is general advice to avoid some medications, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, before getting a vaccine.
What Medications Should I Avoid When I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Why would someone take acetaminophen or ibuprofen before they get a vaccine?
Maybe to try and help avoid side effects, like pain or fever.
“Antipyretic or analgesic medications (e.g., acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be taken for the treatment of post-vaccination local or systemic symptoms, if medically appropriate. However, routine prophylactic administration of these medications for the purpose of preventing post-vaccination symptoms is not currently recommended, as information on the impact of such use on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibody responses is not available at this time.”
Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
Unfortunately, there is some evidence that your vaccine might not work as well if you pre-medicate with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
“If you regularly take aspirin, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil) for other medical conditions, continue to do so as directed by your physician or as needed. Otherwise, do not pre-medicate.”
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
Still, you likely shouldn’t stop these medications or any other, like aspirin, if you are taking them daily to prevent heart attacks or stroke, etc.
What about allergy medications?
There are no recommendations for those who might be at risk to pre-medicate with antihistamines or other medications before they get their COVID-19 vaccine.
More on COVID-19 Vaccines
- Can I Give My Kids Tylenol When They Have Their Vaccines?
- Allergic Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccination Questions and Answers
- CDC – Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
- CDC – COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions
- ACAAI Provides Further Guidance on Risk of Allergic Reactions to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 FAQs: Medications, Treatment and Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- Avoid daily aspirin unless your doctor prescribes it, new guidelines advise
- Effect of antipyretic analgesics on immune responses to vaccination
- The Effect of Prophylactic Antipyretic Administration on Post-Vaccination Adverse Reactions and Antibody Response in Children: A Systematic Review
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