Dreaming Of Space? Colorado Doctor Talks Weird COVID Vaccine Side Effects

At this point in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, everyone knows about the sore arm and fatigue as side effects.

"We all know the usual ones, a sore arm, some aches and pains, fatigue," CBS4 Medical Editor Dr. Dave Hnida said during his weekly Q&A session. "Fortunately severe side effects are very, very uncommon, maybe two-tenths of one percent out of all the millions of vaccines that have been given."

But as the country expands vaccine eligibility, doctors are learning of new and much weirder side effects.

One of the weirdest includes vivid dreams, especially about space. People who have been vaccinated have reported having Back To The Future themed dreams featuring hover cars and other sci-fi fantasies.

"Flying to the moon, planting the flag on the moon. Even somebody going out and taking Abraham Lincoln to get a Big Mac and having the staff want him to autograph the bills," said Dr. Hnida. "We really think it has something to do with the immune response. They are temporary."

He says it's believed that the body's response to the vaccine interrupts sleep cycles, especially during the REM cycle where we dream.

Other side effects Dr. Hnida talked about were "metal mouth" or "nickel mouth," and an arm rash that clears up on its own within five to seven days.

“I think the bottom line, if you have anything weird going on, the most important thing to know is you’re not alone and they are generally not of great concern," he said. "Certainly, if you do something unusual and you are worried about it, talk to your doctor for more information.”

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