If it feels good, do it — not a bad guideline for pre- or post-shot workouts. Image: Pixabay

Should I Exercise Before Getting the Vaccine? How About After?

There’s little research on this, but common sense can guide you

Before heading out for my first of two Covid-19 vaccine shots, I worried I might not feel like exercising later in the day. So I dropped to the mat in our bedroom for 40 quick push-ups (my current max) and then did a quick set of curls. Afterward, feeling some mild shoulder soreness, I pondered a bike ride. But then I wondered: Would exercise before or after the shot enhance or inhibit vaccine effectiveness? And might getting my blood pumping make me feel better? Or worse?

There’s not a lot of research on this, especially specific to the Covid-19 vaccines, but the upshot seems to be:

• Exercising before the shot is probably fine, maybe even wise, especially as part of an ongoing effort at physical activity and fitness.
• If you feel sick after the shot, that means your immune system is hard at work, and it’s not the time to stress your body out further. Rest up (though call a healthcare provider if the symptoms become serious).
• If you feel fine afterward, your body is still working hard in reaction to the vaccine, so take it easy, but frankly there’s no clear research to suggest you should not be active.