After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, some people complain that they experience symptoms resembling the Corona virus infection, such as fever, chills, and body aches. However, that doesn't mean it's a symptom of COVID-19, but a follow-up event after immunization or AEFI.
Post-immunization co-occurrence (AEFI) is any condition or health disorder that occurs after immunization. However, this condition does not always have a cause and effect relationship with vaccine use.
Although all types of vaccines used in national immunization programs are very safe and effective if managed and administered properly, there is no guarantee that vaccine recipients will not experience AEFI, because this is a natural reaction of the body and can vary from person to person.
AEFIs can be mild symptoms, such as feeling unwell, or severe symptoms, such as a severe allergic reaction that causes shortness of breath.
Regarding Adverse Events After Immunization (AEFI)
Vaccination can cause side effects in some people. Generally, the side effects that appear are mild, temporary, not always present, and depend on the condition of the recipient's body.
However, these side effects still need to be monitored and evaluated further. If a follow-up event occurs after immunization, the National Committee for the Assessment and Management of AEFIs will assist in dealing with it.
There are several reactions that can occur after giving the COVID-19 vaccine, including:
- Local reactions, such as COVID arm or the appearance of pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, and cellulitis
- Systemic reactions, such as fever, muscle aches throughout the body, joint pain, weakness, and headache
- Other reactions, such as urticaria, anaphylactic shock, and fainting
Severe AEFIs, such as anaphylactic shock, are rare. However, to be sure, you will be asked to wait for 30 minutes to monitor whether there are complaints that arise after vaccination. That way, if a complaint does arise, the doctor can immediately provide treatment.
Adverse events after immunization are divided into five categories, namely:
- Reactions related to vaccine products, namely AEFI triggered by one or more components contained in the vaccine product
- Reactions related to vaccine quality defects, i.e. AEFIs triggered by one or more vaccine quality defects, including vaccine delivery kits provided by the manufacturer
- Reactions related to incorrect immunization procedures, namely AEFI triggered by inadequate vaccine handling
- Anxiety reactions related to immunization, namely AEFI that occurs due to fear or anxiety when administering vaccines
- Coincident events, namely AEFI caused by things other than vaccine products, immunization errors, or anxiety due to immunizations
AEFIs can affect otherwise healthy individuals and should be checked immediately. Therefore, if you experience a reaction like the one mentioned above after receiving the vaccine, immediately contact the nearest health facility for treatment.
Difference between AEFI and COVID-19 Symptoms
After the COVID-19 vaccination, some people will experience side effects in the form of fever and mild body aches. However, that doesn't mean you have COVID-19 symptoms. The side effects included in this AEFI indicate that the body's immune system is responding to the incoming vaccine.
However, the COVID-19 vaccination does not immediately give you immunity against the Corona virus. The new immunity will be fully formed within 28 days after the second dose of vaccine is injected.
There have been several case reports where people were exposed to COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine. In these cases, some feel symptoms, some do not. Symptoms of COVID-19 that can be felt include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Hard to breathe
- Fatigue
- Body aches or muscle pain or myalgia
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of sense of taste and smell (anosmia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Because these symptoms can be similar to AEFIs, an examination from a doctor is required, either in the form of a physical examination, examination of antigens and antibodies, or a CT scan.
The COVID-19 vaccination does not guarantee 100% of the body will be immune to Corona virus infection. However, vaccination can reduce the risk of complications due to COVID-19 which can indirectly reduce mortality from this disease.
So, even though you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, still obey the applicable health protocols and be aware of complaints in your body. Immediately contact a doctor if you feel AEFI or symptoms of COVID-19 as mentioned above so that you can get the right examination and treatment.