Caymanians COVID-19 Vaccine Drive Frequently Asked Questions Preparing for Your Vaccine Schedule and Locations Myths & Facts COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ

Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.

Important

This site does not provide medical advice, it is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Common Side Effects
On the arm where you got the shot
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
In the rest of your body
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
If you had a severe or immediate allergic reaction after getting the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get a second dose of either of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
Helpful Tips to Relieve Side Effects

Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated. You can take these medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects if you have no other medical reasons that prevent you from taking these medications normally.

It is not recommended you take these medicines before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects.

If You Received a Second Shot

Side effects after your second shot may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot. These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days.

When to Call the Doctor

In most cases, discomfort from pain or fever is a normal sign that your body is building protection. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours

If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
Remember
Side effects may make you feel a little sick or even make it hard to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
You should get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a doctor tells you not to.
COVID-19 vaccines may not fully protect you until a week or two after your final shot. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
Article Data Sources

Related Information

Preparing for Your COVID-19 Vaccination

Vaccine Clinic Locations and Schedule

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety