Common side effects include pain, redness and swelling on the arm where they get the shot. Others may include pain, redness or swelling where you got the shot, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea throughout the rest of your body.
These side effects may affect your child’s ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.
Ask your child’s healthcare provider for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home to comfort your child. It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety in children and teens.