The region’s Public Health and Medical Services Department said some of the recipients of the vaccine complained of headaches and dizziness but assured that there was nothing to be concerned about.

"There are minor side effects to the vaccine. Some of the recipients said they were experiencing pain at the site of injection while others felt dizzy and cold. But they are not ill,” said Dr Than Than Myint, head of the department.

Mandalay began vaccinating its health workers against COVID-19 on January 27. The vaccination program for the region’s health workers is expected to take three days, catering to some 15,000 healthcare staff and personnel.

The Ministry of Health and Sports released a statement saying that they expect one out of ten recipients of the vaccine to feel pain and experience inflammation and redness at the site of injection.

They added that one percent of the recipients are expected to experience side effects such as headaches, body aches, lethargy and slight illness. Other side effects include dizziness, itching, over-sweating, loss of appetite, cramps and inflamed lymph nodes.

The ministry also said it was not advisable for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and people under the age of 18 to receive the vaccine.

COVID-19 positive patients and suspects, and patients who have only recovered from the illness should not be vaccinated, they added. - Translated