Devon Quash, M.D. Nikunj Patel, M.D. Director of Oncologic Imaging at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center in San Diego said this is no reason for alarm because the swelling of the lymph nodes can be a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. "What it indicates is that this is something the vaccine is doing, something it's supposed to do that it's mounting an immune response naturally," Patel explained. The Society of Breast Imaging recently released a directive that provided guidance for routine mammograms for women who get the COVID-19 vaccine. "Consider scheduling screening exams prior to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4 to 6 weeks following the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination."