Side effects are more common after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine than after the first dose and in people under 55 years of age.
The following are not side effects of vaccination and may be symptoms of COVID-19 or another infection:
- cough
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- sore throat
- loss of taste or smell
If you have the above symptoms you should quarantine and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. Continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations for how to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.
Side effects of the vaccine and/or symptoms of COVID-19, include:
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle pain
- joint pain
If you are younger than 55 and the above symptoms are mild to moderate, start within 72 hours of vaccination, and end within 48 hours after they start, these are most likely vaccine side effects. Up to 83% of the population has one side effect after vaccination.
However, if these symptoms start more than 72 hours after vaccination and/or do not end within 48 hours after they start, consult with your medical provider for next steps.