As an effort to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccination in Indonesia has been taking place since 2021 until now.  The two main doses, which were previously mandatory, are now being strengthened with a booster shot, available for 18 years and over.  By receiving a booster vaccine, your body's immunity will be stronger against the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Booster vaccines, just like the main vaccine, will usually have side effects or AEFI (Post Immunization Adverse Events) which you don't really need to worry about.  This is because these side effects are temporary effects and are lighter than the risk of contracting Covid-19.  However, if you are still in doubt, here is an explanation of the possible side effects after the booster vaccine and how to overcome them.

Booster Vaccine Side Effects

“After the booster vaccine with AstraZeneca, I felt weak and feverish for 2-3 days.  I want to sleep all the time."  (Nana, Bekasi)

 “After the booster, I had a fever for three days and my arm was sore for about a week.  After contacting the health worker on the vaccine card, I was prescribed to take paracetamol three times a day and my body is getting better."  (Nurul Aini, Bandung)

 “I got Pfizer as my booster vaccine.  At first I didn't feel anything after the injection, but when I got home my eyes felt heavy. I also felt feverish, tired, and sore hands for four days.” (Alya, Jakarta)

Those are the testimonies of several smartcitizens who have received the Covid-19 booster vaccine.

Smartcitizen, from these testimonials we can know that a person's body responds differently to the Covid-19 booster vaccine.  You may not experience any side effects after vaccination, but you may also experience mild symptoms, such as:

• Headache
• Sore in the arm
• Muscle ache
• Joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fever (marked by a temperature above 37.8°C) or chills

If you feel the symptoms of these side effects, stay calm, because generally these symptoms will disappear within one to three days.

How to Deal With the Side Effects 

After the booster vaccination, monitor your body condition and pay attention to how you feel.  If you feel uncomfortable, you should immediately rest and consume lots of water to relieve side effects.

If there is a reaction such as pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, simply apply a cold compress.  Furthermore, your arm can be moved and used as usual. If you feel a fever, you can take fever-reducing medication according to the recommended dose and apply a compress with warm water.

If the symptoms do not go away for more than a week, remain calm and immediately contact the health officer at the contact number on the vaccination card.  You can also report about AEFI to the Ministry of Health.

Register and Get Your Booster Shot Immediately

Smartcitizen, now you know how to deal with the side effects of booster vaccines. Don't need to hesitate anymore to get a booster vaccine as soon as possible.  If you are 18 years old and over and have already received a booster vaccine e-ticket at PeduliLindungi, you can register to become a booster vaccine recipient.  The easiest way to register for Jakarta residents is through the JAKI super app.  Download the JAKI application via Google Play Storeor Apple App Store, then register yourself anytime and anywhere. For optimal protection after vaccination, stay vigilant and always obeying health protocols.