COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect: Migraines and Remedies
Vaccination against COVID-19 has become a crucial part of the global response to the pandemic. However, like any medical intervention, vaccines can come with side effects. One common side effect reported by many people is headaches.
According to various studies, around 69% of people report pain, redness, or swelling around the injection site after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Headaches can also be a side effect of the flu vaccine and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines, headaches are a common side effect. The ZOE COVID Study reports that around 10% of people experience headaches or tiredness after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Similarly, around 25-42% of people in the original Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine trial experienced headaches. Headaches are also reported as a side effect of the Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines.
The symptoms tend to be more intense after the second vaccine dose than the first, and they typically peak within 24 hours of vaccination and last up to 48 hours in total. It's worth noting that these side effects are generally mild to moderate and transient.
There is some evidence that migraine headaches can occur as a side effect after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, particularly with mRNA vaccines. However, larger and more recent studies, such as one analyzing adverse events after the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine containing the Omicron JN.1 lineage, found no increased risk of adverse events, which include neurological symptoms, post-vaccination.
The American Migraine Foundation states that COVID-19 can pose a greater risk than getting the vaccine for people living with migraine headaches. Nevertheless, if migraine or other symptoms persist or worsen after vaccination, it is advisable to seek medical advice for proper evaluation.
It's important to note that there is no evidence that migraine medication will interfere with the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Identifying and avoiding triggers is another method of managing chronic migraine headaches. Common triggers for migraines include stress, biological changes, tiredness, strong or flashing lights, changes in weather, certain foods and drinks, and identifying these factors is an important step to preventing migraines.
The COVID-19 vaccine can cause more serious reactions in some people, such as anaphylaxis, in those who are allergic to a substance in the vaccine. The American Migraine Foundation recommends against taking over-the-counter medications before the vaccination to help prevent side effects.
In summary, while headaches including migraine-like symptoms have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination, there is no strong evidence that COVID-19 vaccines significantly increase the risk of migraine headaches in the general population. Side effects like headache tend to resolve within a few days and do not indicate a sustained increased risk of migraines. If you experience headaches or other symptoms after vaccination, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
- Headaches are a common side effect reported by many people after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines.
- The ZOE COVID Study found that around 10% of people experience headaches or tiredness after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
- Migraine headaches can occur as a side effect after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, particularly with mRNA vaccines.
- Larger and more recent studies have found no increased risk of adverse events, including neurological symptoms, post-vaccination.
- The American Migraine Foundation states that COVID-19 can pose a greater risk than getting the vaccine for people living with migraine headaches.
- There is no evidence that migraine medication will interfere with the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, and identifying and avoiding triggers is an important step in managing chronic migraine headaches.
