People have reported varying degrees of side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, ranging from barely noticeable symptoms to full-blown illness. Since most individuals suffer negative reactions after the second dose of the vaccine, they may want to postpone the shot, and that is not recommended.

According to Dr. Rudolf Kotula, an infectious disease physician at the Nebraska Methodist Health System, don’t put off your vaccine. Instead, be prepared.

“It’s critical that you keep your appointment for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine,” he says. “Receiving the second dose is the only way the vaccine’s efficacy can be ensured—and the only way you can maximize your immunity to COVID-19.”

Kotula reiterates that experiencing any side effect, such as fatigue, joint pain, fever and chills, headache of nausea is actually a good thing because it means your body is reacting to the vaccine in an appropriate manner.

The expert says there are several things you can do to minimize your discomfort that will not lessen the effectiveness of the vaccine.

• You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen AFTER receiving the shot to treat post-vaccination symptoms. According to USA Today, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization agree that it is okay to take pain relievers after the vaccine if symptoms become bothersome, but recommend against their use as a precautionary measure. Research has shown that taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can reduce the production of antibodies and could alter the immune response.
• Apply a clean, cool wet cloth to the injection site. This can help relieve arm pain and swelling. Wear loose clothing so you do not constrict the area.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before and after vaccination, according to Kotula. “Dehydration can exacerbate any side effects that you may encounter,” he warns.
• Use or exercise your arm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using your vaccinated arm to reduce pain and discomfort. But don’t overdo it, warns Kotula. “You may want to take it easy for one or two days following vaccination,” he says. “Overdoing can weaken your immune system—and right now, the goal is to strengthen it.”
• Don’t stop taking allergy medications. If you are already taking medications for allergies, don’t stop taking them, according to WebMD. But taking an antihistamine like Benadryl prior to getting vaccinated may blunt anaphylaxis, a severe but rare reaction to the vaccine, that could delay appropriate treatment. Discuss taking any antihistamine with your doctor.
• Avoid alcohol 24 hours before and after getting vaccinated. Experts say that alcohol may accelerate allergic reactions, according to WebMD.
• Prep your immune system. A Boston-based company has developed a pre-vaccine formula called Vacci-Prep that contains a mix of vitamins C, A, and D3, along with zinc, selenium, amino acids, and probiotics. According to Martin Floreani, the CEO of Dentovations, research shows that these supplements can improve vaccine response.