What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after undergoing rigorous clinical trials. While the vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 illness, like any other vaccine, they can cause side effects in some people.

The most common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include:

• Pain and swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Nausea

These side effects usually occur within a few days of receiving the vaccine and are generally mild to moderate in severity. They typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week.

In rare cases, COVID-19 vaccines have been associated with more serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), but these instances are extremely rare.

If you experience side effects that are persistent or concerning, such as a high fever or severe headache, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.