As vaccines become more widely available, we are seeing more of the natural medicine community weighing in with tips on how to prepare the body for vaccination and reduce side effects. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that having an immune response to vaccination is normal and in some ways indicates the vaccine is doing its job. But, like with any immune response, we want the immune system to be responsive without over-reacting. So here are a few of my favorite tips.

Rest up! This is most important for before and after. Especially with the second dose, I felt pretty wiped out up until 48 hours after. Rest will also help your immune system, thyroid, and well, all systems, operate better.
Shake it! Get some exercise, dance, do some shaking Qigong. Activity stimulates circulation of blood and lymph to reduce inflammatory responses.
Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D or your preferred immune support blend. Magnesium can help with detoxification too.
Grapefruit? I heard this somewhere and it makes sense because grapefruit helps cleanse the liver and kidneys. But so does plain old water, so at the very least, drink lots of H2O.
Arnica and alternating hot and cold (hydrotherapy) on the injection site.
Avoid sugar, alcohol and other inflammatory issues.
Acupuncture and herbs as needed!

Stay strong, lovelies!