Covid-19 Vaccines
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines:
Several types of vaccines are available to help prevent COVID-19. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the right vaccine for you. The vaccine is given as a shot into a muscle in your upper arm. Infants and young children may receive the vaccine in the upper thigh. You may need 1, 2, or 3 doses for full protection. The number of doses and time between doses depend on the type of vaccine you receive. Your age, health, and vaccine history will also determine how many doses you need. Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months or older. Healthcare providers recommend vaccination even if you have already had COVID-19.
What to tell your healthcare provider before you get the vaccine:
Tell your healthcare provider if you had an allergic reaction to a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine. Tell your provider if you have ever been diagnosed with inflammation in or around your heart. Tell your provider if you have been diagnosed with severe inflammation in your organs. This is called multisymptom inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) or MIS-C in children. Your provider can tell you if you should get a different type of COVID-19 vaccine.
Reasons you should wait to get the vaccine:
- You currently have COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to get the vaccine.
- You had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). You should wait 90 days and have no symptoms before you get the vaccine.
- You are sick or have a fever on the day of your vaccine appointment.
Risks of the vaccine:
The vaccine may cause mild symptoms. You may have pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Headache, fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and muscle or joint pain may also develop. Infants or young children may be irritable, cry more than usual, or have poor appetite. Rarely, adolescent and young adult male persons may develop inflammation in or around the heart. You may still get COVID-19 after you receive the vaccine. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, or wheezing.
- Your mouth and throat are swollen.
- You have chest pain, shortness of breath, or your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
- Your face is red or swollen.
- You have hives that spread over your body.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your heart feels like it is fluttering or pounding.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have any other signs or symptoms that concern you or do not go away.
- You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
- You have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccination.
Apply a cold compress
to the area where the shot was given if it is swollen, sore, or tender. Use and move your arm to help relieve these symptoms. Symptoms are usually mild and will go away in a few hours.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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