In Therapeutic Goods Administration’s COVID vaccine safety report of 2022, the Australian Government’s Department of Health said that swollen lymph nodes were one of the most prevalent “adverse events” or side effects of a booster or third vaccine dose, that was reported in about “one in 20” people.
The research found that 1 in 20 people who were administered the Pfizer reported swollen lymph nodes and one in 10 people who received Moderna complained of the same side effect.
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Experts believe this is due to the immune response triggered by the vaccine in the body.
Lymph nodes or glands are small, bean-shaped clusters of cells that contain different types of immune system cells, which help fight infections. When the lymph nodes swell, it is a sign that something is not right in the body. Swollen lymph nodes occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses.
That said, when your body receives a booster jab on the upper arm, it builds SARS-CoV-2 virus spike proteins, which is then carried by the cells to the nearest lymph nodes – situated in the armpit. This can cause swelling and pain.
