Can I Exercise Before Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers no official guidance on exercising before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.Experts say there’s likely no drawback to exercising before you get vaccinated, and there may even be some benefits.Exercising before you get vaccinated could potentially boost your immune response.If you regularly exercise, you may be wondering if you can continue to do so before or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t offer specific advice on physical activity and vaccination. However, there is research that suggests that working out before you get vaccinated may help boost your body’simmune response, which is how the body reacts to potentially harmful invaders.The History and Evolution of VaccinesWhat Does the CDC Say About Exercise and the Covid Vaccination?The CDC doesn’t offer any official guidance on exercise, either before or after your COVID-19 vaccine. They do say that you can “use or exercise your arm” after you get your vaccine to reduce possible pain and soreness where you got the shot.It’s not entirely clear why there is no official advice on exercise, but it’s likely because the clinical trials for the vaccines did not advise participants on exercise,Richard Watkins, MD,aninfectious diseasephysician and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, tells Verywell.CDC: If You’re Going to the Gym, Wear a Face MaskDoes Exercise Make Vaccines More Effective?Some research suggests that:Exercising before vaccination can help improve the body’s immune response.Exercising regularly can help boost immune system function.Even one short exercise session can prompt better immune function.Another review of 20 studies on exercise and vaccine responses also determined that both working out regularly and before vaccination can help improve the body’s vaccine response.There is no specific data for how exercise may impact the COVID-19 vaccine, lead study authorKate M. Edwards, PhD, associate professor of exercise and sport sciences at the University of Sydney, tells Verywell. “But research has shown that exercising—15 minutes, moderate intensity, resistance exercise—before receiving other vaccines is safe, might actually reduce some of the symptoms ofvaccine reactions, and boost your immune response,” she says.The reason, notes Edwards, is that “exercise activates your immune system, bringing more cells into the blood.” She cites an example of exercising the arm muscles where you received the vaccine to combat soreness. “Those muscle cells are releasing immune molecules that could help the immune system identify and respond more efficiently,” she adds.What This Means For YouExperts say there’s no reason not to exercise before you get vaccinated against COVID-19. Just stick to your usual workout routine and don’t push yourself too hard.Can You Exercise Before Your COVID-19 Vaccine?Doctors agree that it seems to be fine, and may even be beneficial to get some activity in before your Covid shot.Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Verywell that people can “absolutely" exercise before getting vaccinated against COVID-19. “If you have no contraindications—[or a condition that makes it unsafe to partake in physical activity]—to work out, to begin with, then it is safe to work out before your COVID-19 vaccine,” she adds.Stacey Rose, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, agrees. “I am not aware of any contraindications for physical activity before COVID-19 vaccination,” she tells Verywell.Experts say there really aren’t any potential issues with exercising before you are vaccinated, although they suggest being mindful of your limits. “You don’t want toinjureyourself and then have to miss your vaccine appointment,” Watkins says.Exercising After COVID-19? Experts Say Take It EasyCan You Exercise After Your Covid-19 Vaccine?Rose says it’s fine to work out after you’re vaccinated, but recommends listening to your body. “If you are feeling tired or sore, then take a break from exercising,” she says.While you can do any exercise after being vaccinated, Rose says it’s “probably better to exercise using the muscles where the vaccine is given” to lessen any discomfort you may feel at the injection site, like arm soreness. She suggests resistance band exercises or body-weight exercises that use your arms, noting they “might be a better idea than going for a run.”What to Do Before, During, and After Your COVID-19 Vaccine AppointmentFrequently Asked QuestionsAs of December 2021, there isn’t enough research on alcohol use and the Covid-19 vaccine. The CDC does not mention anything about alcohol use prior to getting the Covid vaccine, however, they note that alcohol use weakens the immune system response.Learn MoreWhat to Eat Before and After Your COVID-19 VaccineAccording to the CDC, you should not take over-the-counter medications orantihistamines, which are allergy medications, before getting your Covid vaccine. As of December 2021, it is not known how these medications may impact the shot’s effectiveness.If you regularly take medication, speak with your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.Learn MoreThe Differences Between Tylenol, Aleve, and AdvilAccording to the experts who spoke with Verywell, it is okay to exercise after getting your vaccine, including using the arm that was vaccinated. However, be mindful of your body and take a break if you feel exhausted or too sore to work out.The CDC lists feeling tired as a common side effect of the vaccine.Learn MoreWhat Is Lethargy?The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers no official guidance on exercising before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.Experts say there’s likely no drawback to exercising before you get vaccinated, and there may even be some benefits.Exercising before you get vaccinated could potentially boost your immune response.

Key Takeaways

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers no official guidance on exercising before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.Experts say there’s likely no drawback to exercising before you get vaccinated, and there may even be some benefits.Exercising before you get vaccinated could potentially boost your immune response.

If you regularly exercise, you may be wondering if you can continue to do so before or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t offer specific advice on physical activity and vaccination. However, there is research that suggests that working out before you get vaccinated may help boost your body’simmune response, which is how the body reacts to potentially harmful invaders.

The History and Evolution of Vaccines

What Does the CDC Say About Exercise and the Covid Vaccination?

The CDC doesn’t offer any official guidance on exercise, either before or after your COVID-19 vaccine. They do say that you can “use or exercise your arm” after you get your vaccine to reduce possible pain and soreness where you got the shot.

It’s not entirely clear why there is no official advice on exercise, but it’s likely because the clinical trials for the vaccines did not advise participants on exercise,Richard Watkins, MD,aninfectious diseasephysician and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, tells Verywell.

CDC: If You’re Going to the Gym, Wear a Face Mask

Does Exercise Make Vaccines More Effective?

Some research suggests that:

Another review of 20 studies on exercise and vaccine responses also determined that both working out regularly and before vaccination can help improve the body’s vaccine response.

There is no specific data for how exercise may impact the COVID-19 vaccine, lead study authorKate M. Edwards, PhD, associate professor of exercise and sport sciences at the University of Sydney, tells Verywell. “But research has shown that exercising—15 minutes, moderate intensity, resistance exercise—before receiving other vaccines is safe, might actually reduce some of the symptoms ofvaccine reactions, and boost your immune response,” she says.

The reason, notes Edwards, is that “exercise activates your immune system, bringing more cells into the blood.” She cites an example of exercising the arm muscles where you received the vaccine to combat soreness. “Those muscle cells are releasing immune molecules that could help the immune system identify and respond more efficiently,” she adds.

What This Means For YouExperts say there’s no reason not to exercise before you get vaccinated against COVID-19. Just stick to your usual workout routine and don’t push yourself too hard.

What This Means For You

Experts say there’s no reason not to exercise before you get vaccinated against COVID-19. Just stick to your usual workout routine and don’t push yourself too hard.

Can You Exercise Before Your COVID-19 Vaccine?

Doctors agree that it seems to be fine, and may even be beneficial to get some activity in before your Covid shot.

Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Verywell that people can “absolutely" exercise before getting vaccinated against COVID-19. “If you have no contraindications—[or a condition that makes it unsafe to partake in physical activity]—to work out, to begin with, then it is safe to work out before your COVID-19 vaccine,” she adds.

Stacey Rose, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, agrees. “I am not aware of any contraindications for physical activity before COVID-19 vaccination,” she tells Verywell.

Experts say there really aren’t any potential issues with exercising before you are vaccinated, although they suggest being mindful of your limits. “You don’t want toinjureyourself and then have to miss your vaccine appointment,” Watkins says.

Exercising After COVID-19? Experts Say Take It Easy

Can You Exercise After Your Covid-19 Vaccine?

Rose says it’s fine to work out after you’re vaccinated, but recommends listening to your body. “If you are feeling tired or sore, then take a break from exercising,” she says.

While you can do any exercise after being vaccinated, Rose says it’s “probably better to exercise using the muscles where the vaccine is given” to lessen any discomfort you may feel at the injection site, like arm soreness. She suggests resistance band exercises or body-weight exercises that use your arms, noting they “might be a better idea than going for a run.”

What to Do Before, During, and After Your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

Frequently Asked QuestionsAs of December 2021, there isn’t enough research on alcohol use and the Covid-19 vaccine. The CDC does not mention anything about alcohol use prior to getting the Covid vaccine, however, they note that alcohol use weakens the immune system response.Learn MoreWhat to Eat Before and After Your COVID-19 VaccineAccording to the CDC, you should not take over-the-counter medications orantihistamines, which are allergy medications, before getting your Covid vaccine. As of December 2021, it is not known how these medications may impact the shot’s effectiveness.If you regularly take medication, speak with your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.Learn MoreThe Differences Between Tylenol, Aleve, and AdvilAccording to the experts who spoke with Verywell, it is okay to exercise after getting your vaccine, including using the arm that was vaccinated. However, be mindful of your body and take a break if you feel exhausted or too sore to work out.The CDC lists feeling tired as a common side effect of the vaccine.Learn MoreWhat Is Lethargy?

Frequently Asked Questions

As of December 2021, there isn’t enough research on alcohol use and the Covid-19 vaccine. The CDC does not mention anything about alcohol use prior to getting the Covid vaccine, however, they note that alcohol use weakens the immune system response.Learn MoreWhat to Eat Before and After Your COVID-19 Vaccine

As of December 2021, there isn’t enough research on alcohol use and the Covid-19 vaccine. The CDC does not mention anything about alcohol use prior to getting the Covid vaccine, however, they note that alcohol use weakens the immune system response.

Learn MoreWhat to Eat Before and After Your COVID-19 Vaccine

According to the CDC, you should not take over-the-counter medications orantihistamines, which are allergy medications, before getting your Covid vaccine. As of December 2021, it is not known how these medications may impact the shot’s effectiveness.If you regularly take medication, speak with your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.Learn MoreThe Differences Between Tylenol, Aleve, and Advil

According to the CDC, you should not take over-the-counter medications orantihistamines, which are allergy medications, before getting your Covid vaccine. As of December 2021, it is not known how these medications may impact the shot’s effectiveness.If you regularly take medication, speak with your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.

According to the CDC, you should not take over-the-counter medications orantihistamines, which are allergy medications, before getting your Covid vaccine. As of December 2021, it is not known how these medications may impact the shot’s effectiveness.

If you regularly take medication, speak with your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.

Learn MoreThe Differences Between Tylenol, Aleve, and Advil

According to the experts who spoke with Verywell, it is okay to exercise after getting your vaccine, including using the arm that was vaccinated. However, be mindful of your body and take a break if you feel exhausted or too sore to work out.

The CDC lists feeling tired as a common side effect of the vaccine.Learn MoreWhat Is Lethargy?

The CDC lists feeling tired as a common side effect of the vaccine.

Learn MoreWhat Is Lethargy?

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365Pascoe A, Fiatarone Singh M, Edwards K.The effects of exercise on vaccination responses: a review of chronic and acute exercise interventions in humans.Brain Behav Immun. 2014;39:33-41. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2013.10.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol and substance use.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preparing for your covid-19 vaccination.Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365Pascoe A, Fiatarone Singh M, Edwards K.The effects of exercise on vaccination responses: a review of chronic and acute exercise interventions in humans.Brain Behav Immun. 2014;39:33-41. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2013.10.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol and substance use.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preparing for your covid-19 vaccination.Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365Pascoe A, Fiatarone Singh M, Edwards K.The effects of exercise on vaccination responses: a review of chronic and acute exercise interventions in humans.Brain Behav Immun. 2014;39:33-41. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2013.10.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol and substance use.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preparing for your covid-19 vaccination.Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.

Edwards K, Booy R.Effects of exercise on vaccine-induced immune responses.Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2013;9(4):907-910. doi:10.4161/hv.23365

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.

Pascoe A, Fiatarone Singh M, Edwards K.The effects of exercise on vaccination responses: a review of chronic and acute exercise interventions in humans.Brain Behav Immun. 2014;39:33-41. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2013.10.003

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol and substance use.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preparing for your covid-19 vaccination.

Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Possible side effects after getting a covid-19 vaccine.

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