Common side effects of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccination:
- Pain and/or swelling at the infection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
To help lessen potential side effects, we recommend…
- Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Applying a clean, cool and wet washcloth over your injection site.
- Exercising your arm.
- Staying hydrated.
- Wearing loose clothing to avoid discomfort.
If you think you may be having a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis from your COVID-19 vaccination, call 911 immediately. Symptoms can occur from 15 minutes to a few hours after receiving the shot, and commonly include…
- Respiratory: sensation of throat closing or tightness, high-pitched sound while breathing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, trouble swallowing/drooling, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sneezing.
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramps.
- Cardiovascular: dizziness, fainting, abnormally fast heart rate, abnormally low blood pressure, pulse difficult to find or “weak”, bluish discoloration, pallor, or flushing.
- Skin/mucosal: generalized hives, widespread redness, itching, or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, mouth, face, or extremities.
- Neurologic: agitation, convulsions, acute change in mental status, or a feeling that something bad is about to happen.
- Other: sudden increase in secretions from eyes, nose, or mouth, or urinary incontinence.
