Q- How much will the COVID 19 Vaccine shot hurt? Will it make me very sick?

Side effects after a vaccine shot are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection against disease. 


Side effects of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine usually start within a day or two of getting the vaccine. They might feel like flu symptoms and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days

  • Side effects at the injection site Your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week.
  • Headache, fever, chills, or tiredness

These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week.


Q- When should I call the doctor?

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

  • If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
  • If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days


V-safe app- CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. 

If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Click here to learn more on "How to register and use the v-safe app?"


Reference- 1. Answering Patients’ Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC. (2020, November 25). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/answering-questions.html

2. CDC. (2020, February 11). COVID-19 and Your Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html#:~:text=V%2Dsafe%20is%20a%20smartphone