Why You Might Not Feel the Needle During a COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
Many people are familiar with the sensation of a needle pricking during a vaccine injection, but have you ever wondered why some individuals might not feel a thing? This blog post explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, clarifying that the absence of pain does not compromise the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Minimal Sensory Input
One of the common scenarios is that the person administering the vaccine was exceptionally skilled, ensuring a painless injection. Despite the advancements in medical technology, the process of injecting any substance into the body can sometimes be unnoticed by the patient. This happens because the needle used for the vaccine is extremely thin and can easily bypass pain receptors under the skin.
Understanding Needle Sizes
The dose of the Moderna vaccine is 0.5 ml, equivalent to the size of a tenth of a teaspoon, and the needle used is around 23-25 gauge, which is approximately half a millimetre in outer diameter. Due to the small size of the needle, it can easily bypass pain receptors, leading to a pain-free experience.
Surprising Experiences
For those who have received multiple doses of the vaccine, the experience may vary. While some individuals might feel slight discomfort during the injection, others might not feel anything at all. This phenomenon is not uncommon. For example, I received my first dose of AstraZeneca and a booster dose of Moderna. The first dose resulted in a small ache at the injection site starting the day after for a day or two, confirming that it was indeed the vaccine. In contrast, I did not feel a thing during the third dose administered by a skilled nurse.
Managing Your Sensory Input
It's not uncommon for individuals to avoid looking at the needle during an injection. Doing so can help mitigate muscle tension, making the process more comfortable. In my experience, when I look away during the injection, any potential pain is diminished. If the nurse has to make special mention that the injection is complete, it means that the needle entered without tactile feedback.
No Needle, No Problem
Even if the needle is not felt, the needle entry spot might not be visible either. The needle's small size means that it might not leave an entry wound that is easily discernible. Vaccinations have been optimized to use thin, precise needles, making the process of receiving a vaccine more comfortable for many individuals.
Conclusion
It's important to understand that the absence of pain during a vaccine injection does not indicate a failure of the vaccine. The vaccine's effectiveness is determined by its ability to stimulate an immune response, which is independent of the patient's sensory experience.