World Health Organization warns against taking painkillers or anti-allergy medications before getting the Covid-19 vaccine

World Health Organization(WHO) continues to issue advice after more information circulated encouraging people to use paracetamol and antihistamines (anti-allergy) before vaccination to reduce potential side effects after vaccination.

"It would be helpful to take antihistamines before getting the Covid-19 vaccine," one Italian posted on Twitter.

However, WHO affirms that self-medication with painkillers is not recommended and may affect the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine.

WHO said that the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are mostly mild and recommends not taking painkillers before the injection.

So far, scientists are unclear how painkillers might affect how vaccines work.

However, you can take paracetamol or other painkillers after the injection if you experience pain, fever, headache or muscle aches.

WHO added that common side effects after vaccination such as sore arm, headache or fatigue are all normal reactions and mostly mild, will go away after a day or two.

With antihistamines, although they may reduce certain allergic reactions, they do not prevent them completely.

“There is no reason to try antihistamines to limit the symptoms you may have after the injection. You should only use them when symptoms appear,” said Professor Luke O'Neill, Head of Biochemistry at Trinity College, Ireland.

Professor O'Neill recommends that if you are using any medication, you should inform your doctor for advice and guidance. In some cases, your doctor may continue to prescribe antihistamines to treat rashes and other allergic reactions.