How long should one avoid exercise after receiving a vaccine?

Dec 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Avoid strenuous exercise within 24 hours after receiving routine vaccines. For mRNA vaccines, avoid high-intensity exercise for one week; during this period, low-intensity activities such as walking are acceptable, and exercise intensity should be gradually increased. If chest pain, palpitations, or severe redness and swelling at the injection site occur after exercise, seek medical attention promptly. Routine vaccines include influenza vaccines.

  Avoid strenuous exercise within 24 hours after receiving routine vaccines. For mRNA vaccines, avoid high-intensity physical activity for one week; light activities such as walking are acceptable during this period. Gradually resume exercise intensity over time. Seek medical attention promptly if chest pain, palpitations, or severe redness and swelling at the injection site occur after exercising.

  For routine vaccines such as influenza vaccine, the body needs to initiate an immune response after vaccination. Strenuous exercise may worsen redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site and increase the risk of local infection due to sweating. Low-intensity activities do not affect immune response and can actually promote blood circulation.

  For mRNA vaccines, such as certain COVID-19 vaccines, high-intensity exercise may increase the risk of myocarditis, so strict rest for one week is recommended. Individuals accustomed to regular exercise may begin with stretching or slow walking, and only gradually progress to moderate-intensity activities after ensuring no adverse symptoms occur, avoiding sudden increases in physical strain.

  Keep the injection site clean after vaccination. Avoid pulling or straining the injected area during exercise, and wear loose, breathable clothing. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, wipe off sweat promptly after exercise, and adjust your exercise pace according to your body's response to ensure both optimal immune response and proper recovery.