COVID-19 (12y+) vaccine, Pfizer (2023-2024)

Generic name: COVID-19 (12y+) vaccine, Pfizer (2023-2024) [ KOE-vid-19 VAX-een ]
Brand name: Comirnaty (2023-2024) PF (cvx 309)
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (preservative-free 30 mcg/0.3 mL)
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 18, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 is a serious disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). COVID-19 is spread from person to person through the air.

COVID-19 can affect your lungs or other organs. Symptoms may be mild or serious and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is used to help prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in people who are 12 years and older.

COVID-19 vaccine does not contain coronavirus and cannot give you COVID-19. This vaccine will not treat an active COVID-19 infection.

Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine may not provide protection in every person.

This vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your vaccination provider may want to watch you for a short time after your shot, to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction. You will be treated quickly if you have a reaction right after you receive the vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if the first shot of COVID-19 vaccine caused an allergic reaction. Your doctor or vaccination provider will determine if you can safely receive this vaccine.

Not all possible side effects are known. Becoming infected with COVID-19 is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

Some people receiving this vaccine had inflammation of the heart muscle or the lining around the heart within the first week after receiving this vaccine, but the risk of this side effect is very low. Seek medical attention right away if you have:

• chest pain;

• shortness of breath; or

• fast or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

Common side effects of COVID-19 (12y+) vaccine, Pfizer may include:

• fever, chills;

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the shot was given;

• feeling tired; or

• headache, muscle pain, joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

You may also use a smartphone-based program called V-safe to communicate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about any health problems you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: www.cdc.gov/vsafe.

Related/similar drugs

Paxlovid, Lagevrio, remdesivir, molnupiravir, Actemra, nirmatrelvir / ritonavir

Warnings

Becoming infected with COVID-19 is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this vaccine if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are infected with COVID-19, are waiting for testing results, or are exposed to someone infected with COVID-19: You may not be able to receive this vaccine until you have no symptoms and/or your required quarantine period has ended. Receiving this vaccine will not make you less contagious to other people if you are infected with COVID-19 but you have no symptoms.

Ask your doctor if you are unsure about any COVID-19 treatments you received.

Tell your vaccination provider if:

• you have a fever;

• you have any allergies;

• you have had inflammation in or around your heart (myocarditis or pericarditis);

• you have bleeding problems, or if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• you have a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine;

• you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding;

• you've received any other COVID-19 vaccine; or

• you have fainted after receiving an injection.

How is this vaccine given?

Read all vaccine information sheets provided to you.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is given as a single dose.

For people who received any COVID-19 vaccine: a single dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is given at least 2 months after the last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Your doctor or vaccination provider will determine whether you need an additional dose.

You will receive a reminder card showing the date and type of each injection. Take this card with you each time you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Keep using infection control methods when you are in public or around others who may not have been vaccinated. This includes social distancing, hand-washing, using protective face covering, disinfecting surfaces you touch a lot, and not sharing personal items with others.

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will not cause you to test positive on a coronavirus test. However, once your body develops immunity to COVID-19, you could test positive on an antibody test (a test to detect immunity in your body from previous exposure to coronavirus).

It is not known how long this vaccine will protect you from infection with COVID-19. It also is not known how long immunity will last in a person who's been infected with and recovered from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine is still being studied and all of its risks are not yet known. Updated federal public health recommendations may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines.

COVID-19 (12y+) vaccine, Pfizer dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for COVID-19:

Single dose: 0.3 mL IM once, at least 2 months after receiving the last previous dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Comments:
-The US FDA issued a Biologics License Application (BLA) to allow the emergency use of this unapproved product for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This product is not approved by the US FDA for this use.
-For additional information: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization

Use: For active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Usual Pediatric Dose for COVID-19:

12 years and older:
-Single dose: 0.3 mL IM once, at least 2 months after receiving the last previous dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Comments:
-The US FDA issued a BLA to allow the emergency use of this unapproved product for active immunization to prevent COVID-19. This product is not approved by the US FDA for this use.
-For additional information: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization

Use: For active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your vaccination provider or health department if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving this vaccine?

Avoid receiving other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.

What other drugs will affect this vaccine?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have received and all medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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