Mwendwa opens up on side effects after taking Covid-19 vaccine

Less than a day after taking the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, AFC Leopards winger Harrison Mwendwa has opened up the side effects he has developed.

According to medical experts, it is normal to experience side effects after taking the vaccine as it shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mwendwa revealed he endured a long night with the side effects getting the better of him.

“I got similar symptoms to malaria and had constant headaches, but that was at night, I was awake for the better part of the night because I had no sleep, right now it’s only the headache.”

“There is also some numbness on the part that was injected, I was advised to take painkillers when the side effects persist, apart from the headaches and nausea there is no severe effects,” explained Mwendwa.

The side effects of the vaccine do not affect everyone as Ulinzi Stars midfielder Elvis Nandwa revealed that he did not exhibit any effects from the vaccine after taking in back in March.

Mwendwa however encouraged players who are yet to get the vaccine to do more research on the vaccine before taking it.

“Our club doctor had briefed us on the side effects and assured us that the vaccine is safe, I had to seek advice from other doctors too to find out more information about the vaccine.”

“For those who have not taken it I would say that it is not bad, we will all have to be vaccinated at some point but it is wise to get more information about the vaccine before taking it,” added midfielder.

The short term side effects include tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the injection site headache or muscle ache, joint pain, chills, nausea or vomiting, feeling tired and fever (temperature above 37.8°C).