More than one in 1,000 people may experience six specific side effects of the AstraZeneca jab. As it stands, more than 30 million people have had their first dose of the Covid vaccine; the over-40s will be next in line. The Health Service Executive has listed swollen lymph glands as "rare", but it can occur. The NHS explained that swollen glands "are a sign the body is fighting an infection".

In terms of the Covid vaccine, it would mean your body is learning to defend itself against the deadly virus.

Tender, swollen lymph glands can be felt:

  • On each side of the neck
  • Under the chin
  • In the armpits
  • Around the groin

Swollen glands should go down in two weeks, and you can help ease this uncomfortable side effect by:

  • Resting
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Taking painkillers

Another "rare" body disturbance from the AstraZeneca jab is a rash on the skin.

People who are administered the jab may experience "sweating", "sleepiness", "dizziness" and/or "reduced appetite".

These side effects are expected to be "short term", but if you're concerned about the length of time you've had any of them, do call your GP.

 

More common side effects of the jab include:

  • Feeling tired
  • Tenderness, bruising, pain, redness or itching in the arm where they had the vaccine injection
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Fever