Good Question: Do I need to avoid painkillers before & after my vaccine? Good Question: Can I take painkillers if I feel side effects from vaccine? By Jessica Dyer | February 1, 2021 at 8:00 PM EST - Updated February 1 at 8:00 PM CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - âI know four people who have received the first dose. But only one of those were told, and only after asking, not to take ibuprofen if you have a fever or feel bad; that it may affect the efficacy. I hadnât heard this, but upon looking it up online, I saw one article supporting not taking ibuprofen or Tylenol before or a few days after. Is this accurate?â - viewer Anita asked.