COVID-19 vaccination and breast screening
- Vaccines of all types (including COVID) can result in temporary swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes can be a sign that the vaccine is working in the body to make antibodies against the virus as intended
- Swollen lymph nodes will usually be in the armpit on the same side as the vaccinated arm
- Lymph node swelling usually has resolved by 4–6 weeks after the second vaccination dose
- If we see armpit lymph node swelling on your mammogram, we may call you back for an ultrasound to rule out other causes of swollen lymph nodes.
- Do not delay your vaccine.
- Do not delay your mammogram.
