Common side effects
As with any vaccine, you may have some temporary side effects after receiving Pfizer or Moderna. This shows your immune system is working.
Common side effects after Pfizer or Moderna include:
- injection site pain or swelling
- tiredness
- headaches
- muscle or joint pain
- fever and chills
Less common side effects after the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine include:
- redness or swelling at the injection site
- nausea
- enlarged lymph nodes
- feeling unwell
- pain in arm or leg
- insomnia
Most side effects are mild and go away within 1 to 2 days. AusVaxSafety data shows that side effects are more common after the second dose.
Rare side effects
Rare side effects after the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), myocarditis and pericarditis.
Myocarditis or pericarditis
In rare cases, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart) can develop after vaccination with Pfizer or Moderna.
The TGA reports that these rare effects on the heart typically occur:
- withing 1 to 5 days of vaccination
- predominantly after the second dose
- more often in men aged under 40
But they can occur in any gender, at any age, and after any dose. Contact a doctor or go to hospital immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms after a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination:
- chest pain
- pressure or discomfort in the chest
- irregular, skipped heartbeats or ‘fluttering’
- fainting
- shortness of breath
- pain when breathing
Non-Urgent Afterhours Care
For non-urgent information please contact Health Direct 1800 022 222
Speak to your doctor if you have any other side effects and they worry you.