Vaccine After-Care

What to Expect After Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine:

By receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you are preventing your risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 illness or hospitalization.

Your body still needs the full 14 days after receiving the vaccine to begin building antibodies against COVID-19.

Common Side Effects:

On the arm where you got the shot:

- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling

Throughout the rest of your body:

- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain - Chills
- Fever
- Nausea

 

Helpful Tips:

If you have pain or discomfort after getting your vaccine, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot:

- Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area
- Use or exercise your arm

To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot:

- Drink plenty of fluids
- Dress lightly
 

 

When to Call the Doctor

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your doctor or health care provider if any of the following conditions occur:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe, persistent headache
  • Leg pain or swelling
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Redness or tenderness of the vaccination site increases after 24 hours
  • Your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

Additional Information:

  • Are you Pregnant? See CDC information and guidelines for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Click HERE
  • Key things to know about COVID-19 vaccines – CDC Guidelines
  • FDA – Vaccine Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs)
    Moderna
    Pfizer
    Johnson & Johnson