Possible side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine include redness, hardness, and itching at the area of the injection, in addition to fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and allergies, according to Abu Bakr al-Qady, treasurer of the Doctors Syndicate and a member of the Coronavirus Committee in the Medical Professions Union.
Qady told al-Watan news website that some cases, the person receiving the vaccine may feel muscle pain, joint pain, and lethargy, and sometimes they may experience a seizure.
After receiving the vaccine, which helps protect the body by forming an antibody response, it will take a few weeks to build up immunity after getting the vaccine, he said.
The vaccine’s side effects do not require specific treatment, and usually go away within a few days.
Qady discussed the various technologies used in coronavirus vaccines, explaining the difference between China’s traditional Sinopharm vaccine and vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, which rely on mRNA.
He said: “Most manufacturing techniques revolve around two basic types. The first are inactivated vaccines, which contain the laboratory-produced virus after its DNA has been destroyed. Famous examples of this type are the polio vaccine, the rabies vaccine and the seasonal influenza vaccine.”
The second type are attenuated vaccines, which contain the a weakened version of the live virus. This method also prompts the body to produce antibodies without becoming infected.
The most famous examples of attenuated vaccines are the oral polio vaccine, Sabin, the yellow fever vaccine, and the measles vaccines, he added.
Egypt’s vaccination campaign began on January 24. Less than two months later, the country is now vaccinating the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
Health Minister Hala Zayed announced on Sunday that over 400,000 people had registered to receive the vaccine on the ministry’s website. There are roughly 40 vaccination sites around the country.
