My Concerns Are Could I Have Either Nullified The Vaccine Or Infected Myself With Covid?

Posted on Wed, 12 Feb 2025

Question: Hello, my name is XXXXXXX and today I received my first dose of the covid-19 vaccine. When I returned home, I decided to wipe my arms with a Lysol disinfecting wipe, and accidentally I wiped the bottom of the band-aid for my injection site. My concerns are could I have either nullified the vaccine or infected myself with covid?

Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No concerns

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There would not be any concerns with this. First, it sounds like you didn't even wipe the injection side, but just around the band-aid, but even if you had wiped the injection site, the vaccine was already injected into your muscle, and so would not be affected by wiping the skin overlying it.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (39 minutes later)

It occurred to me that the Lysol disinfecting wipe I used on my arm may have collected covid virus in the wiping process. Could I have transferred the virus to my injection site and get the disease?

PS Thank you so much for answering my previous question.

Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, not possible

Detailed Answer:
I do not believe the COVID virus could survive for any amount of time on a Lysol disinfecting wipe, but even if it could, you would not be able to infect yourself in this way, the COVID virus infects primarily through mucous membranes (such as the oral and nasal passages).

Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (16 hours later)

Thank you so much Dr. Branch! I can't tell you how much your responses have given me peace of mind.
Sincerely, XXXXXXX Rios

Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcome...

I'm glad I could help. Please let me know if there's anything else I can help with in the future.

Thank you for your question and take care.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee