February 17, 2021

Should You Be Worried About COVID Arm?

Get the short answer from an inflammation and immunity specialist

A healthcare provider uses a syringe to withdraw the COVID-19 vaccine from a small bottle.

Q: There have been some reports of people getting “COVID arm” after being vaccinated for COVID-19. Should I be concerned about this big, itchy, red blotch and can it mean something more serious is going on?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

A: What we essentially think is going on with COVID arm is that your immune cells are reacting to muscle cells that have taken up the messenger RNA vaccine. The immune cells can be a little over-exuberant because they view the SARS-CoV2 spike protein produced by the vaccine as an infection that they need to fight off.

If you’ve ever had a tuberculosis test where they inject it under your skin and then check a day later to see if it’s puffed up, what you get is something called a “delayed type hypersensitivity reaction.” It usually takes a few days to develop. But if you have a certain type of infection, cells from your innate immune system will come in and try and destroy it and it ends up being an over-exuberant response.

COVID arm usually goes away within a few days and it is not life-threatening. The skin can be red, and some people have said that their injection arm was warm. But COVID arm is just a sign of your immune system being in overdrive.

Advertisement

That’s the puzzling thing when it comes to COVID-19. You’d think that this virus would just cause a cold and that’s it. But when it gets deep into your lungs, then it’s a race against the clock. The part of your immune system that’s making the antibodies will ramp things up to clear the virus.

On the other hand, your innate immune system is trying to destroy it. So, that’s the battle. And this is why the COVID-19 vaccines are so valuable. Because if you do get this infection in your lungs and you’re vaccinated, you can start making antibodies right away.

Should you end up with COVID arm, you can put a cold compress on it to help ease the inflammation. You can even take a pain reliever like Tylenol for the soreness. Rest and ice are good for most inflammatory conditions. And if you’re worried about possibly having a sore arm after your second dose, get it in the opposite arm to make things a little easier.

Advertisement

Thaddeus Stappenbeck, MD, PhD

Related Articles

An immunocompromised person in living room on a tablet device.
March 2, 2023
The Meaning of Immunocompromised

A compromised immune system requires precaution

A person coughing and holding their chest
December 2, 2021
You Have COVID-19 — Now What Happens?

What to expect when you’re treated for or hospitalized with COVID-19

older woman sad looking out window
October 8, 2021
How the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Is Taking a Toll on Mental Health

8 ways to cope with the stress of a long-haul pandemic

covid vaccine
October 6, 2021
Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If You Have Allergies?

Get the facts before assuming the worst

man sick with fever on couch
September 30, 2021
Flu vs. COVID-19: Can You Tell the Difference?

They have many overlapping symptoms but some key differences

covid testicular health
September 28, 2021
Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Your Testicles?

Just one more myth to add to the misinformation pile

A group of eight kids dressed in different costumes and wearing medical facial masks
September 24, 2021
COVID-19: How to Safely Enjoy Fall Activities

Best practices when out and about this autumn

A close-up of someone's hands as they hold a coffee mug, their fingernails streaked with white spots.
September 23, 2021
Are “COVID Nails” Real?

These nail changes could be a sign you had COVID-19

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad