Side effects of the vaccine
Vaccines, like all medications, can have side effects. Side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine are usually mild or moderate, and should last only a few days. Side effects of the vaccine may be more common after the second dose. Some people may notice a reaction around the part of the arm where the vaccine was given. The reaction may happen 1-2 days after vaccination, or a week or more after vaccination. In both situations, the reaction should only last a few days.
Common side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine are:
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given
• Swelling and tenderness in the arm pit
• Fatigue
To help with side effects, use a cool cloth over the sore arm and ask your health care provider if you can take medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever.
Very rare cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis and pericarditis) have been reported after getting mRNA vaccines, mostly after the second dose in males under 30 years of age. Symptoms usually appear within the week after receiving the vaccine and are usually mild and treated with medication and rest. If you or your child experience any shortness of breath, chest pain or a feeling of a rapid or abnormal health rhythm (palpitations), contact your health care provider immediately.