Tips to reduce side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Although unlikely, if you experience emergency warning symptoms at any time after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine, call 9-1-1 immediately. Emergency warning symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, or any other sudden and severe symptom.

Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fever, body aches and headaches. These reactions are frequent (and indicate that your body is making an immune response to the vaccine) and should go away within 1-2 days, with the exception that swollen lymph nodes may persist up to about 10 days.

Swollen lymph nodes may be seen on routine screening mammograms for up to a month after vaccination. If you are due for a screening mammogram soon and it will not result in undue delays, you may consider scheduling it 4-6 weeks after your second vaccine appointment.

Help identify and minimize mild side effects

Read the vaccine information that came with your scheduling invite to refresh your knowledge about side effects.

• Use an ice pack or cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness, soreness and/or swelling at the place where the shot was given.
• A cool bath can also be soothing.
• Drink liquids often for 1-2 days after getting the vaccine.
• Take an over the counter pain reliever unless you have any specific contraindication.

For symptoms that are severe or last 72 hours or more contact your regular clinician or Primary Care Provider.

What are common vaccine side effects in kids?

Common side effects include tiredness, headaches, pain where the shot was given, and chills. Less common but other known side effects are fever, diarrhea, joint aches, vomiting and swollen lymph nodes in the underarm on the same side as the shot. These reactions show that your child’s body is making a good response to the vaccine and most should go away within 1-2 days. Swollen lymph nodes may last up to about 10 days.

How to respond to vaccine side effects in kids

These tips will help you identify and decrease mild side effects:

• Read the Vaccine Information that was given to you at your child’s vaccine appointment to remind yourself about side effects.
• Use an ice pack or cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness, soreness and/or swelling at the place where you child’s shot was given.
• A cool bath can also be soothing.
• Have your child drink liquids often for 1-2 days after getting the vaccine.

Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may be given if your child develops side effects after the vaccine, unless your child has been advised not to take over-the-counter pain relievers. You may follow the dose directions on the box or speak to your child’s pediatrician. Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 18 years.

Emergencies: Although very unlikely, if your child experiences emergency warning symptoms at any time after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine, call 911 immediately. Emergency warning symptoms include trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away, new confusion or difficulty waking up, bluish lips or face, or any other sudden and severe symptom.

For symptoms that are severe or last 72 hours or more, contact your child’s pediatrician.

When to be tested for COVID-19 infection

The following symptoms suggest COVID-19 infection and are not common vaccine side effects:

• New loss of smell or taste
• Cough or shortness of breath
• Congestion/sore throat/runny nose/conjunctivitis (red eye)
• Nausea/vomiting or diarrhea.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, stay at home, avoid others and take a COVID test.