COVID-19 vaccine side effects and reactions

Like most medicines, you might experience some mild side effects in the days after getting your COVID-19 vaccine. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus.

Most side effects do not last long, and will not stop you from having additional doses, or going about your daily life. They usually start within a day or 2 after your vaccine.

The most common reported reactions are:

• pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• feeling tired or fatigued
• headache
• muscle aches or joint pains
• chills
• dizziness
• swollen lymph nodes
• nausea
• fever
• chest discomfort.

Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are similar in tamariki and rangatahi to those seen in adults. Some side effects are more common after the second dose.

If you feel uncomfortable

You can:

• place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack on the injection site for a short time
• rest and drink plenty of fluids
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Some side effects are more serious but rare, such as a severe allergic reaction.

Serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis from the vaccine are rare. This is why people are watched for around 15 minutes after their vaccine. Vaccinators are well trained in managing these if they happen.

Speak to your healthcare provider, doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Medsafe's reports give detailed information about adverse reactions that are reported.

COVID-19 overview of vaccine reports — Medsafe

Myocarditis and pericarditis

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue forming a sac around the heart. These conditions are usually caused by viral infections including COVID-19, but they are also very rare and serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis linked to the vaccine generally appear within a few days, and mostly within the first few weeks after having the vaccine.

The risk of myocarditis is highest in people aged 16 to 30 years, particularly 16 to 18 years, and is higher in men.

Symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis include:

• tightness, heaviness, discomfort or pain in your chest or neck
• difficulty breathing or catching your breath
• feeling faint or dizzy or light-headed
• fluttering, racing or pounding heart, or feeling like it is 'skipping beats'.

Tamariki are less likely to have these side effects but may not tell you about the symptoms. We recommend you ask your tamariki how they feel after being immunised. If they seem unwell or you are concerned contact a healthcare provider.

Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis are rare but serious side effects. These reactions usually happen soon after your vaccine, which is why you need to wait at least 15 minutes. If you do have a serious allergic reaction, vaccinators are trained to manage this.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any component of the vaccine, it is recommended you do not have the same vaccine again.

Bell’s palsy

Temporary one-sided facial drooping (Bell's palsy) has been reported as a rare side effect, affecting every 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 people in the clinical trials.

Reporting suspected COVID-19 vaccine side effects means the safety of COVID-19 vaccines within Aotearoa New Zealand can continue to be closely monitored.

You can report your own reactions, or reactions experienced by someone else, including tamariki (children). You do not have to be certain the vaccine caused the reaction to make a report.

Reactions are reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM).

New Zealand Adverse Reactions Reporting Form — CARM

You can also search for reported suspected adverse reactions to medicines and vaccines on the Medsafe website

Suspected Medicine Adverse Reaction Search