From the Guidelines
Fatigue lasting for about a week after receiving a vaccine is a common and normal reaction, occurring in approximately 50% of vaccinees, as reported in a study on smallpox vaccination and adverse reactions 1. This side effect typically resolves on its own without treatment, but you can manage it by getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at standard dosing (325-650mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 3000mg daily) if approved by your healthcare provider. Some key points to consider about vaccine reaction fatigue include:
- The majority of symptoms, including fatigue, are reported during the first week after vaccination, with postvaccination days 3-7 being the peak period for symptom reporting 1.
- Approximately one third of vaccinees may be sufficiently ill to have trouble sleeping or to miss school, work, or recreational activities, but symptoms are self-limited and require only symptomatic care 1.
- Light activity as tolerated may help improve energy levels, as the fatigue occurs because your immune system is working to build protection against the disease, producing antibodies and activating immune cells, which requires energy and can temporarily leave you feeling tired.
- If fatigue persists beyond two weeks, worsens significantly, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe pain, contact your healthcare provider as this may indicate a different issue requiring medical attention 1. Most vaccine-related fatigue is self-limiting and represents a normal immune response rather than a concerning adverse reaction, with the majority of local symptoms, such as pain at the vaccination site and regional lymphadenopathy, being reported during the second week after vaccination 1.
From the Research
Vaccine Reaction: Fatigue One Week After Vaccination
- Fatigue is a common symptom reported after COVID-19 vaccination, with studies indicating that it can occur within one week of vaccination 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2023 found that general fatigue was one of the most frequent symptoms reported by patients who experienced persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, with an onset of 12 hours to one week after vaccination 2.
- Another study published in 2021 reported that 69% of participants experienced generalized fatigue after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with the average duration of fatigue being shorter in those who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) compared to those who took acetaminophen 3.
- A survey study conducted in Spain with 13,837 participants found that extreme tiredness was one of the most frequent severe symptoms reported during the week after vaccination, with a frequency of 7.0% 4.
- Chronic fatigue has also been reported as a symptom of post-acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PACVS), a condition characterized by chronic fatigue and dysautonomia after COVID-19 vaccination, with altered blood markers distinguishing it from normal vaccination response 5.
Factors Contributing to Vaccine Fatigue
- Vaccine fatigue, or people's inertia or inaction towards vaccine information or instruction due to perceived burden and burnout, can be influenced by various factors, including the frequency of immunization demands, vaccine side effects, misconceptions about the severity of diseases and the need for vaccination, and lack of trust in the government and media 6.
- Effective and empathetic vaccine communications may help eliminate preventable vaccine fatigue across sectors in society 6.