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Do you plan take a pain killer before your vaccination appointment?
You don't need to. In fact, it's not a good idea.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work by making your body think it has been infected. 
This triggers your immnune system to go to work against it.
The vaccine often causes arm soreness and may cause fever, headache, muscle aches or other temporary inflammation symptoms.
It's part of the reaction the vaccine creates.
“These symptoms mean your immune system is revving up and the vaccine is working,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Only if your symptoms become severe should you call 911 or have someone drive you to a Lexington Medical Center Urgent Care or the ER.
It’s best to avoid painkillers unless you routinely take them for a medical condition. 
Painkillers that target inflammation, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) might curb your immune response. 
A study on mice in the Journal of Virology found these drugs might lower production of antibodies which block the virus from infecting your cells.
If you’re already taking one of those medications for a health condition, you should not stop before you get the vaccine — at least not without asking your doctor, said Jonathan Watanabe, a University of California pharmacist.
If you do need one, acetaminophen (Tylenol) “is safer because it doesn’t alter your immune response.” 
Other CDC tips:
• Hold a cool, wet washcloth over shot area and exercise your arm. 
• For fever, drink lots of fluids and dress lightly.
• Call your doctor if pain in your arm increases after a day or if side effects don’t go away after a few days.