Communicating About Vaccine-Related Side Effects

Are vaccine-related side effects normal?

Many people experience common side effects after getting a vaccine, such as pain, swelling, or redness around the injection site, as well as mild fever or chills, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. These side effects typically go away on their own after a few days.

While mild side effects are common, serious side effects after vaccination, also known as adverse effects, are extremely rare. Examples include:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of your face and throat
A fast heartbeat
A bad rash all over your body
Dizziness and weakness

How common are serious side effects from vaccines?

Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. For example, if 1 million doses of a vaccine are given, 1 to 2 people may have a severe reaction. Getting vaccinated is much safer than getting the diseases vaccines prevent.

I keep hearing the term “vaccine injury.” What is the difference between a vaccine injury and a serious vaccine-related side effect?

“Vaccine injury” is a legal term. Under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, the federal government created the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) to provide a way for people who believe they experienced a serious, rare side effect from a vaccine to be compensated by the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured the vaccine. People can file a claim, which kicks off a legal process involving the federal government.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) administer the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), which captures and analyzes reports of serious adverse events following a vaccine. These types of events are rare.

A vaccine injury refers to a very small set of rare and serious side effects. In contrast, a vaccine side effect can be anything from a common side effect to something more serious. When someone uses “vaccine injury” to describe any vaccine side effect, they are using the term more broadly than its legal meaning.

What should I do if I suspect I have a serious side effect from a vaccine?

If you experience a severe reaction after a vaccine, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital. If you have mild side effects that do not go away after several days, call a vaccination or health care provider.

What is being done to make vaccines safe?

Every vaccine goes through a transparent and rigorous development process. Vaccines are continually monitored from the early stages of research through public release.

After a vaccine is released to the public, the CDC and the FDA continue to monitor its development process, manufacturing facility, and overall safety and effectiveness. If a problem is reported or discovered, they inform health officials, health care providers, and the public. In addition to monitoring safety, some vaccines, such as the flu shot, are regularly updated to maintain effectiveness.

Are certain people more susceptible to vaccine side effects?

Some people are more susceptible to side effects due to specific genetic, demographic, or health-related factors. Before administering a vaccine, a provider will ask about your background and any pre-existing conditions. There are also eligibility requirements that ensure safe and effective vaccines are available to more susceptible groups, such as those specifically recommended for young children, international travelers, or older adults.