Wilmington physician explains COVID-19 side effects

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As more and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, there are more questions and concerns about potential side effects. What can you expect? Should you take off work? One local expert has the answers.

Dr. Paul Kamitsuka, Infectious Disease Physician at Wilmington Health and Chief Epidemiologist at NHRMC, says most side effects are mild.

Some may experience soreness or redness near the injection site. Fewer may develop a fever or feel sick, which he says should resolve itself within 24-48 hours.

Dr. Kamitsuka says feeling these symptoms just means the vaccine is working, as your body forms antibodies to the Spike protein found in COVID-19.

“The side effects may be a little bit bothersome, but certainly compared to the risk posed by the COVID virus itself, it’s well worth enduring any side effects that you have for protection and reassurance,” Kamitsuka said. “After all, all three vaccines are virtually 100 percent protective against dying from COVID.”

Kamitsuka says you should not plan to take off work after receiving the vaccine, as most people do not experience serious side effects.