What vaccines does a 65 year old need

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine available to children ages 5 through 17 years old. For adults ages 18 years and older, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) are preferred over Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine. All COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized and recommended for use in the U.S. are safe and effective. However, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are preferred based on an updated risk-benefit analysis.

Side effects from both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are more common after the second dose. This is because your immune system recognizes the virus spike protein from the first dose of the vaccine and mounts a stronger response.

Because taking over-the-counter painkillers before getting vaccinated may reduce the responsiveness of your immune system and therefore weaken the effectiveness of the vaccine, the CDC does not recommend taking Tylenol or ibuprofen before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

The most important ingredient in both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is mRNA. The mRNA tells your cells how to make a protein from the coronavirus. Once your body knows how to make the protein, it can recognize COVID-19 and fight it. Learn more about how mRNA vaccines work.

CDC does not recommend mixing products for a two-dose primary series or additional primary doses. For a booster dose, adults ages 18 years and older may choose which vaccine product they get. CDC recommends either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most circumstances.

Studies have shown that Tylenol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs might have some effect on how the immune system works, but we don’t know if this would cause COVID-19 vaccines to be less effective. To be extra cautious, it’s best to avoid taking OTC pain relievers before you get your shot.

Because of this uncertainty, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend avoiding pain relievers and fever reducers before getting any vaccine.

The bottom line Because there’s a possibility that OTC pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, might weaken your immune system’s response to vaccines, it’s best not to take them before you get your shot. But feel free to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine if you need it.

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine. This is recommended by experts because it can help ease the side effects you might experience.

Taking one of the following medications is not, on its own, a reason to avoid getting your COVID-19 vaccination:

• Over-the-counter medications (non-prescription)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)

To reduce pain and discomfort where the shot is given

• Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
• Use or exercise your arm.

Experiencing mild fever, chills, headache, or fatigue from the COVID-19 vaccine means that your immune system is kicking in the way it’s supposed to, according to experts. They advise trying to avoid painkillers in order to ensure the strongest possible immune response.

Since there’s no concrete evidence one way or the other on whether OTC pain relievers make the COVID-19 vaccines less effective, it could actually be much riskier for you to stop any regular medications. Stopping a daily low-dose aspirin can raise your risk of heart problems or blood clots.

Can I take antibiotics after I get a vaccine?

Yes. If you need antibiotics for a bacterial infection, you should take them. They won’t affect how well the vaccine works.