Side Effects

Vaccine FAQs Index>>

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under the FDA EUAs?
Updated 03/11/21

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals ages 16 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&) COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for use in individuals ages 18 and over.

Prior to receiving any COVID-19 vaccination, individuals with medical conditions should consult with their doctors to assist in deciding whether they should get vaccinated, including individuals who:

  • Have any allergies
  • Have a fever
  • Have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners
  • Are immunocompromised or are taking medication that affects the immune system
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have received another COVID-19 vaccine

Individuals are not eligible for the vaccine if they are allergic to any component of the vaccine (please see the FDA EUA fact sheets for ingredients in the Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines). Per the CDC, it is recommended that you speak with an allergist if you are allergic to any one of the COVID-19 vaccines or its components and are considering getting a different COVID-19 vaccine.

You may also contact Employee Health to discuss your situation and medical conditions. Having these conversations with your physician and/or Employee Health is important to making sure you are able to receive the vaccine at your scheduled time.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines? How will I know if I’m experiencing side effects or have been infected with COVID-19?
Updated 03/11/21

First and foremost, you cannot get COVID-19 from the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. These vaccines do not contain the virus or any component of the virus that causes COVID-19.

You might experience side effects that make you feel like you’re getting sick. Side effects for the COVID-19 vaccines are similar in nature. In clinical trials, patients who experienced side effects reported soreness at the injection site (in the arm). Other side effects include body aches, fatigue, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, feeling unwell and swollen lymph nodes. In two-dose vaccines, these side effects have been reported as more likely following the second dose but are also possible following the first dose.

These side effects are normal and do not mean you have COVID-19. They signal that your body is responding as it should and should go away within 24-48 hours. Unlike COVID-19 symptoms, any side effects from the vaccine will most likely resolve quickly.

Exhibiting side effects is a sign that the vaccine is working as intended – again, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. When we get a vaccine, our immune system becomes trained to recognize a potential infection, which triggers special cells to seek out and fight that perceived infection. These cells then send out signals to produce “antibodies” or, immune proteins designed to protect our body from future infections. If you don’t experience any side effects, that doesn’t mean the vaccine didn’t work. Not everyone will experience side effects, but rest assured, the vaccine is still going to be effective.

Should I go to work if I am experiencing side effects or COVID-related symptoms after receiving the vaccine?
Updated 01/25/21

Your health and safety are our top priority. Please do not come to work if you are sick. By staying home when you are sick, you can help protect yourself and your colleagues. However, some people may experience mild side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine that can resemble COVID-19 symptoms. Please monitor yourself closely in the 48 hours following vaccination and use this guide when determining if a call to the Employee Health Screening Hotline is necessary:

DO return to work (and do not call Employee Health) if: 

  • It is within 48 hours of receiving either dose of your COVID-19 vaccine and you are experiencing mild-to-moderate side effects related to the vaccine and do not have a fever.

DO NOT return to work (and call Employee Health) if: 

  • You are beyond 48 hours since receiving the vaccination and experience any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 – such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headache, or new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. 
  • You are within or less than 48 hours after vaccination and meet one or more of the following criteria: 
    • You experience symptoms that are not consistent with COVID-19 vaccine side effects. These include new loss of taste or smell, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath. 
    • You have symptoms that are consistent with vaccine side effects (muscle aches, fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)  BUT you had a recent exposure to an individual with COVID-19 (in the last two weeks). 
    • You have fever (temperature > 100 F).

Notify your manager or supervisor as you ordinarily would if you are calling out sick.

When should I get tested for COVID-19 if I have COVID-related symptoms after vaccination?
Updated 12/30/20

Call the Employee Health Screening Hotline at 410-328-2793 for COVID-19 testing if:

  • You have symptoms not consistent with COVID-19 vaccine side effects (new loss of taste or smell, cough, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath) at any time.
  • You have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 vaccine side effects (muscle aches, fatigue, headache, fever or chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea) that persist for > 48 hours from vaccination.

What if I have a history of severe allergic reactions? Will that impact my ability to receive the vaccine?
Updated 03/11/21

There is a remote chance that the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines could cause a severe allergic reaction, particularly in individuals who have previously experienced an anaphylactic reaction.

  • If you have a history of immediate or severe allergic reaction to anything – especially another vaccine or injectable medicine – it is strongly recommended you consult your doctor to ensure they recommend proceeding with vaccination.
  • If you have a history of food, pet, insect, venom, environment, latex and other allergies not related to vaccines or injectable therapies, you may proceed with vaccination.
  • Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient of the Pfizer, Moderna or J&J COVID-19 vaccines should not receive that specific vaccine.
  • Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should not receive either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.

All individuals with a history of anaphylaxis or serious allergies that require an EpiPen will be monitored for 30 minutes following vaccination. We have established response protocols and are prepared across all vaccine clinics to address any potential adverse events.

Additionally, unlike the flu vaccine and recommendations for individuals with egg allergies, the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain egg-based technology; thus, there is no concern for individuals with egg allergies in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine unless that allergy falls under the guidelines outlined above.

I have heard individuals with certain cosmetic enhancements, such as dermal fillers, have had reactions to the Moderna vaccine. Should I not be vaccinated if I have any kind of facial fillers?
Updated 12/28/20

Early reports also show that some people with dermal fillers in their face may experience an adverse reaction (facial swelling) to the Moderna vaccine. According to the FDA, this potential side effect should not stop people from being vaccinated. In cases where individuals experienced swelling or inflammation in the part of the face that received the filler, these individuals were treated with steroids and antihistamines and their reactions resolved.

I have heard that some individuals may experience a rash around the site where they got their shot. Should I be concerned about this?
Updated 01/25/21

After getting the vaccine, some individuals may develop a rash around the site where they got their shot that could be a sign of an allergic reaction. This may appear up to a week after getting the vaccine, but this kind of delayed reaction is very rare. If you experience this kind of rash, you should follow up with your provider to ensure that it is safe for you to get your second dose.

Is it true that there is a risk of Bell’s palsy after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
Updated 12/28/20

During the clinical trials, there were reports of Bell’s palsy, but these cases have not been definitively tied to the vaccine. While these cases are being investigated, the number of cases seen in the clinical trials among individuals who received the vaccine was in line with what might naturally occur in the general population.

Have there been any instances of side effects or adverse events in UMMS employees who have received the vaccine?
Updated 12/28/20

Vaccine side effects in UMMS employees have been consistent with the expected side effects for both vaccines, and soreness at the injection site is the most commonly reported side effect. Some employees have experienced lightheadedness during the 15-minute observation period following vaccination, which resolved quickly.

As a reminder, it is important to stay hydrated and nourished prior to your vaccine appointment as much as possible to reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell or lightheaded. Other adverse events have been minimal among employees who have received the vaccine and primarily occurred in individuals who have had a previous allergic reaction.

How do I report any adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine?
Updated 12/28/20

If you experience any adverse events during the observation period immediately following your vaccination (15 minutes for all and 30 minutes for individuals with a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions that require an Epi-Pen), you will be treated immediately as needed. Once your side effects resolved or it is determined that you are able to be released, please make sure you follow up with your local Employee Health team to close the loop for reporting purposes. If you experience any side effects once you have left the vaccine clinic, please inform Employee Health and seek immediate medical care if your side effects are severe in nature or indicative of an allergic reaction.  

Vaccine side effects for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should be reported to the FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) via the toll-free number (1-800-822-7967) or online here. The CDC also offers an optional text-message-based tool called v-safe for individuals to report any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine and receive follow-up as needed, as well as reminders for your second dose. Individuals may register online through the CDC’s dedicated site.

If you have a reaction to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and cannot receive the second dose, can you be vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Updated 03/11/21

Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should not receive a second dose of the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine. However, these individuals may be eligible to receive the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine as long as they are not allergic to any ingredient of the vaccine.

If you are not able to complete the vaccination series for Pfizer or Moderna due to a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, a single dose of the J&J vaccine may be given at least 28 days after the mRNA vaccine was given. Per the CDC, it is recommended that you speak with an allergist if you are allergic to any one of the COVID-19 vaccines or its components and are considering getting a different COVID-19 vaccine.

Should I receive the vaccine if I am currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Updated 03/11/21

There are no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In other words, the vaccine trials were not performed on pregnant women and so there is no information as to the effects of the vaccine on the unborn baby. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of all COVID-19 vaccines in individuals who are pregnant are planned or underway.

For individuals receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, there are no safety data available on the effects of mRNA vaccines on the breastfed infant or milk production, but these are not thought to be a risk to the breastfed infant. Similarly, for individuals receiving the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, there were no concerns identified in animal developmental or reproductive studies.

The CDC recommends that pregnant women, women who plan to become pregnant, and women who are breastfeeding consult with their physician to help them decide if it is appropriate for them to be vaccinated. You can also read recommendations regarding vaccination in pregnant and lactating women.

There is a registry that monitors outcomes in women who receive the J&J COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. Women who are vaccinated with Janssen COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in the registry by visiting https://c-viper.pregistry.com.

If my physician clears me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, what should I do if I am pregnant and experience fever following vaccination?
Updated 12/14/20

For pregnant individuals who experience fever following the vaccine, use of acetaminophen may be recommended by your physician, as fever has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?
Updated 03/11/21

There are currently no data to support whether the COVID-19 vaccines affect future fertility, but there is also no indication to suggest the vaccines cause any adverse issues related to fertility for individuals who have received the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines have been studied in tens of thousands of people and infertility has not been reported as an issue by men or women. In the Pfizer clinical trial, 23 women became pregnant after receiving the vaccine and there were 13 pregnancies during the Moderna clinical trials as well as eight pregnancies in the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine. Moderna also conducted an animal reproductive toxicity study, which was thoroughly reviewed by the FDA as part of the EUA process, and found no adverse effects on female reproduction, fetal or embryonal development or postnatal development.

For the J&J vaccine, there were two pregnancies in individuals who received the vaccine that are ongoing with no reported outcomes to date.

It is recommended that pregnant women discuss fertility concerns with their provider prior to vaccination. According to the CDC, routine testing for pregnancy before COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended. Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that individuals undergoing fertility treatment and pregnant women should be encouraged to get vaccinated based on eligibility criteria. Because the vaccines are all inactive, ASRM does not suggest delaying pregnancy attempts because of vaccination or deferring fertility treatment until after the second dose for two-dose vaccines.

Should I receive the vaccine if I am immunocompromised?
Updated 03/11/21

Immunocompromised individuals, including those receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have diminished immune response to the COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals with underlying immunocompromised states such as HIV were included in the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials and were shown to tolerate the vaccine. While no immunocompromised individuals were included in the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) clinical trials, there are no data to indicate that they cannot get the vaccine. A formal clinical trial to study the J&J COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised individuals is expected to begin in Q3 2021.

These individuals may still receive the vaccine as long as there are no contraindications, but should consult with their physician prior to vaccination, and continue all current guidance to protect themselves and others following vaccination.

Is it safe for immunocompromised individuals to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Updated 03/11/21

Yes. While immunocompromised individuals were not specifically included in the Phase 3 clinical trials, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is considered safe for immunocompromised persons as long as there are no contraindications. As with any vaccine, these individuals should talk to their doctor prior to vaccination and continue to follow all current infection prevention guidance to protect themselves and others following vaccination.

Is it safe for people ages 60 and older with comorbidities to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Updated 03/11/21

Yes, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe for people ages 60 and older who have underlying medical conditions. Data from the clinical trials show that the potential benefits of the vaccine outweigh any known and potential risks. The vaccine demonstrated similar safety in efficacy in persons with comorbidities, including those that put individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19, compared to those who did not have comorbidities.

I heard that some people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine experienced deep vein thrombosis. Is that something I should be concerned about?
Updated 03/11/21

A very small number of individuals in the Phase 3 clinical trials who experienced thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and transverse sinus thrombosis). These events occurred in participants who received the placebo and the vaccine and there are no data to suggest that these events were a result of the vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns about existing medical conditions, please talk to your doctor before you get any COVID-19 vaccine.

Does the Johnson & Johnson vaccine cause tinnitus?
Updated 03/11/21

While there were six individuals in the Phase 3 clinical trials who experienced tinnitus, there are no data to indicate that this occurred as a result of the vaccine.

What if I have recently received a non-COVID vaccination?
Updated 12/14/20

Individuals should ensure they have not received non-COVID vaccine in the 14 days prior to their vaccination appointment or should plan to schedule their COVID-19 vaccination appointment 14 days following the non-COVID vaccination.

What if I have received COVID-19 treatment such as monoclonal antibody therapy? Will I still be able to get the vaccine?
Updated 03/04/21

Individuals who have received monoclonal antibody therapy or convalescent plasma for COVID-19 should not be vaccinated in the 90 days after receiving such therapy. This recommendation does not apply to persons who received antibody therapies for non-COVID-19 treatments.

I get weekly COVID-19 tests because I work in a nursing home. Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my test results?
Updated 12/18/20

No, the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect viral test results, including PCR and antigen tests.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect serology test results?
Updated 12/18/20

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine will likely affect serology test results depending on the test, as the vaccine is designed to instruct your body to develop the antibodies that protect against future COVID-19 infection.

Does the vaccine affect different demographic groups in different ways?
Updated 03/11/21

The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines included high-risk populations in Phase 3 clinical trials.

  • For the Pfizer clinical trials, of more than 37,000 participants, 9% were Black or African American, 28% were Hispanic/Latinx and 21% had at least one underlying comorbidity (for example, diabetes or obesity).
  • For the Moderna clinical trials, of more than 30,000 participants, 10% were Black/African American, 20% were Hispanic/Latinx, American and 25% were 65 or older. The vaccines were proven to be safe and effective for everyone.
  • For J&J, of the 44,325 participants, 19.4% were Black/African American, 45.3% were Hispanic/Latino, 9.5% were American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2% were Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and 5.6% were multiracial.

While COVID-19 appears to affect different groups disproportionately, there was no difference in the efficacy of any vaccine across different demographics.

A lot of people seem to worry about unknown long-term vaccine side effects. What is the best clinical response to that concern?
Updated 03/11/21

The earliest studied vaccines are entering the six-month follow-up period with no obvious risks. Available data for all of the vaccines support that known and potential benefits outweigh any known and potential risks. These data were thoroughly reviewed by the FDA and the CDC for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Each product that is granted an EUA must still make its way through the full FDA approval process to receive full FDA approval. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will still continue clinical trials to collect additional safety and effectiveness data, and all manufacturers will ultimately be expected to submit the vaccines for full FDA approval. 

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