Getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot is an important way to stay protected against severe illness from COVID-19. With booster doses now recommended for all adults, you may be wondering if you can get your booster shot on an empty stomach or if you need to eat first.
The short answer
Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on an empty stomach. The CDC and health experts say it is fine to get any of the COVID vaccine boosters, including Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, without eating beforehand.
Why it’s okay to get a booster shot on an empty stomach
There are a few reasons why it is considered safe and effective to get a COVID-19 booster shot without eating first:
- The vaccines are injected into your arm muscle, not your digestive system. This means food in your stomach does not impact the immune response.
- Clinical trials did not require eating before vaccination. The safety and efficacy of the vaccines was established without requiring food intake beforehand.
- Other vaccines are routinely given without regard to food intake. Vaccines like the flu shot are often given at pharmacies and clinics without checking when you last ate.
Major health organizations like the CDC recommend staying hydrated before and after your vaccine, but do not require eating around the time of vaccination. The immune response generated by the vaccines does not depend on food or nutrients in your system at the time of injection.
It’s more important that you get the booster than when you get it
Health experts emphasize that getting a timely COVID-19 booster shot is what matters most, not whether or not you eat before being vaccinated. With COVID-19 cases rising in many communities, getting boosted soon after you become eligible is the priority.
Trying to schedule your booster shot around eating could lead to unnecessary delays. Rather than waiting until after a meal, get the booster dose as soon as you can once you become eligible. Immunity from previous shots may decrease over time, so boosters are important for staying protected.
Side effects may be worse on an empty stomach for some
While there is no medical reason you have to eat before getting your booster, some people may prefer not to get the shot on an completely empty stomach. Some individuals report having more intense temporary vaccine side effects like headache, fatigue or nausea when vaccinated without eating beforehand compared to when they’ve eaten.
If you tend to get lightheaded or experience headaches when you have gone too long without food, having a small snack before your booster appointment may make you more comfortable. But there is no evidence that eating before vaccination makes the booster more effective or prevents vaccine side effects.
What to eat before a booster shot
While eating is not necessary for vaccine effectiveness or safety, having a light meal or snack before your booster shot can prevent hunger, weakness and dizziness, especially if getting vaccinated in the morning. Some good options include:
- Piece of fruit and yogurt
- Oatmeal or high-fiber cereal
- Nut butter on toast
- Protein bar or shake
- Half a sandwich
- Carrots and hummus
Avoid eating a large, heavy meal right before getting your booster. Fatty, greasy or spicy foods could potentially increase temporary vaccine side effects like nausea in some people.
Hydrate before and after your booster shot
While food is not a requirement, health experts strongly recommend staying well hydrated before and after getting any COVID-19 vaccine shot. Drinking enough water can help minimize potential temporary side effects like headache, dizziness and fatigue.
Aim for around four 8-ounce glasses of water in the 24 hours before your booster appointment. Continue to sip water after vaccination as well. If you experience headache or muscle aches after your booster, staying hydrated can help you feel better.
Take care of yourself after vaccination
Whether you get your COVID-19 booster shot on an empty stomach or after eating, give your body what it needs in the 24 hours following vaccination:
- Rest: Take it easy and listen to your body. If tired, rest as needed.
- Hydrate: Keep drinking plenty of fluids.
- Eat: Choose nourishing foods that appeal to you when hungry.
- Move: Gentle exercise like walking can reduce soreness.
Taking good care after any vaccine shot, including COVID-19 boosters, can minimize discomfort and support a healthy immune response.
The bottom line
While there is no medical requirement to eat before getting your COVID-19 booster shot, a small snack may make you more comfortable if you tend to feel lightheaded when your stomach is empty. What matters most is getting vaccinated as soon as you can once eligible for boosted protection against COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I eat before getting my COVID-19 booster shot?
There is no requirement to eat before getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. However, if you tend to experience side effects like dizziness or headache when your stomach is empty, having a light snack beforehand can make you more comfortable.
Will getting the booster on an empty stomach reduce its effectiveness?
No, getting your COVID-19 booster shot on an empty stomach will not make it less effective. The immune response generated by the vaccines does not depend on food intake. The injectable vaccines work just as well whether or not you eat beforehand.
What should I eat before my booster appointment?
If you prefer to have a small snack before getting boosted, choose something light and nutritious like yogurt and fruit, oatmeal, nuts, or half a sandwich. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that could potentially worsen side effects.
How much water should I drink before getting boosted?
Health experts recommend drinking plenty of fluids before and after your booster shot, aiming for around four 8-ounce glasses of water in the 24 hours before your appointment. Staying hydrated can help minimize discomfort.
Should I take pain medicine before my booster?
No, you should not take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) before your booster shot. These medications could potentially blunt your immune response to the vaccine. You can take them afterward if you develop discomfort.
The bottom line
While there is no need to eat before your COVID-19 booster appointment, having a light snack can prevent side effects associated with low blood sugar if you tend to feel dizzy and weak when your stomach is empty. Regardless of food intake, staying hydrated before and after vaccination is important. What matters most is getting boosted for optimal protection against COVID-19.
What experts say about getting boosted on an empty stomach
Health agencies and experts agree that you do not need to eat before getting a COVID-19 booster shot for optimal immune response and protection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“Neither food nor drink are required to get any COVID-19 vaccine. You may eat or drink as you prefer during your vaccine appointment.”
Dr. Kelly Fradin, pediatrician, says:
“Eating prior to receiving your COVID vaccine booster is not necessary. The vaccine will be just as effective if you haven’t eaten beforehand.”
Registered dietitian Tamara Melton notes:
“While a small snack can prevent hunger and dizziness, there is no medical reason you need to eat prior to a COVID booster shot. These injectable vaccines work systemically and do not depend on food or nutrient intake to generate an immune response.”
Pharmacist Imani Wilson explains:
“You definitely don’t need a full meal before your booster appointment. But if you tend to get shaky and lightheaded when you haven’t eaten, having a light bite can help you feel better during and after vaccination.”
Dr. Jessica Cohen, infectious disease specialist, says:
“Don’t put off getting your COVID-19 booster shot just because you can’t eat beforehand. The most important thing is getting boosted as soon as you’re eligible for enhanced protection against infection, hospitalization and death.”
Key takeaways
- You do not need to eat before getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot – the vaccines work just as well on an empty stomach.
- Having a small, light snack can prevent side effects like dizziness if you tend to feel weak when you haven’t eaten.
- Drink plenty of fluids before and after your booster appointment to stay hydrated.
- Getting your booster shot as soon as possible once eligible is what matters most, not timing it with a meal.
- Take care of yourself after vaccination by resting, continuing to hydrate, eating nutritious foods, and moving your body gently.
The bottom line
You can get your COVID-19 booster shot without eating beforehand – there is no medical requirement to eat first for vaccination effectiveness or safety. A light snack may make you more comfortable if you tend to have side effects when your stomach is empty. Drink lots of water before and after your booster appointment. Most importantly, schedule your booster as soon as possible once eligible for optimal protection against COVID-19.
