COVID-19 vaccines - what to expect
COVID-19 vaccines protect people from getting COVID-19. They are a vital tool to help stop the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine works with your body’s immune system against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.While COVID-19 vaccines will not make you sick, they may cause certain side effects and flu-like symptoms. This is to be expected. These symptoms may be a sign that your body is making antibodies against the virus. Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.
If you think you are having a severe reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine after leaving the vaccination site, you should call 911 or the local emergency number right away. Symptoms of an immediate allergic reaction appearing in the first 4 hours after receiving the vaccine include:
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or high-pitched breathing sounds
- Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
- Hives, itchiness, redness of the skin
Symptoms of severe reactions may also include:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Palpitations
- Slurred speech
- Unconsciousness
If you notice any unusual or concerning symptoms, seek medical care right away.
If you had an immediate allergic reaction to the first dose of a 2-dose vaccine, CDC recommends that you do not get the second dose of the same vaccine.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19 vaccines for moderately or severely immunocompromised people.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Possible side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Preparing for your COVID-19 vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 3/13/2022
Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
