Does the COVID-19 vaccine have any side effects?

It is likely that you have already wondered what side effects you can expect from the COVID-19 vaccine… Do you know what they are?

Like any other medicine or vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine can also have adverse reactions or side effects. Most of these effects or reactions are mild and short term and not all people identify them.

All vaccines, by stimulating our defenses, ie our immune system, can cause mild and short-lived side effects. 

In the case of COVID-19, some of the individuals vaccinated in clinical trials reported having felt:

• injection site pain;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• muscle aches;
• joint pain;
• fever.

Other effects such as redness at the site of vaccine administration and nausea occurred in less than 1 in 10 cases. These effects usually disappeared within 24 to 48 hours. Although fever may develop for 2-3 days, a high temperature (40°C or more) is rare and may indicate you have COVID-19 or other infection. Therefore, self-monitor symptoms. If symptoms persist or if another reaction occurs that concerns you, contact your treating physician or the SNS24 Hotline (808 24 24 24). In case of emergency, contact 112 and contextualize your current illness situation.

If you seek advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, tell them about your vaccination so they can assess you properly.

You can also report any adverse effects of the vaccine through the Adverse Reactions (ADR) Reporting Portal of INFARMED, I.P.

Source: DGS