The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against the use of painkillers prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent potential side effects, as it may affect the vaccines efficacy.

The agency said that people can take paracetamol or other painkillers to control the side effects such as pain, fever, headache, or muscle aches, which are experienced post vaccination, reported Euronews. A spokesperson said that taking painkillers such as paracetamol prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent side effects is not advocated as it is not known how these painkillers may impact the efficacy of the vaccine. If someone is already taking some medication, he should consult his doctor, as some people may be advised to continue taking antihistamines for rashes and other allergic reactions, said Professor Luke ONeill, Chair of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin… (Business Standard – IANS, June 25, 2021)