Vaccine Safety for COVID-19
Answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety.
Did you know?
Safe and Effective
- The COVID-19 vaccine is approved by Health Canada and is safe. It has met all the requirements for approval.
- It is an important layer of protection, along with other precautionary measures.
- Experts are closely monitoring any adverse reactions that could occur following vaccination to ensure the public receives a safe, effective vaccine.
Possible Reactions to the Vaccine
As a precaution, after receiving your shot, stay at the vaccination clinic for at least 15 minutes.
- Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine, such as pain at the injection site in your arm.
- These side effects mean your body’s immune system is learning how to protect you from COVID-19.
- Most reactions are harmless and last less than 48 hours.
- Most people have stronger reactions to the second dose than they did to the first dose, although some have no reaction at all.
- Reactions can be reduced by taking Tylenol (acetaminophen).
- Vaccines can not cause COVID-19 because they do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19.
If you have an allergic reaction, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination. The person giving the vaccine will be able to treat this reaction immediately.
Side Effects
In most cases
(more than 50% of people)
- Pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
What to do
- Apply a cold, damp compress at the injection site
- Use medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) if needed for fever or discomfort
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe
Very often
(less than 50% of people)
- Fever
- Shivering
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
What to do
- Use medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) if needed for fever or discomfort
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe
Often
(less than 10% of people)
- Redness, swelling at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
What to do
- Apply a cold, damp compress at the injection site
- Use medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen or Advil (ibuprofen) if needed for fever or discomfort
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe
Please note:
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In a very small number of people (around 2 people out of 100,000), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) or pericarditis (inflammation around the heart) has been reported after immunization with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna).
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Myocarditis or pericarditis occur more frequently in young males under the age of 30 following the 2nd dose, and more frequently with Moderna. Cases present most often with mild symptoms and recover quickly.
