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UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccines May Make You Feel Sick

COVID-19 Vaccines May Make You Feel Sick
Updated Apr. 21, 2021
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CDC is reviewing this page to align with updated guidance.

It is normal to feel sick after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

You may have a sore arm.

Put a cool, wet cloth on your sore arm.

A cool, wet cloth may make your arm feel better.

Move and use your arm.

Moving your arm may make it feel better.

 

You may have the chills.

You may have a fever.

Medicine may help your fever.

Drink plenty of water.

 

You may feel very tired.

You may need to rest.

You should feel better in a few days.

 

Some COVID-19 vaccines need 2 doses.

You may feel sick after dose 1.

You may feel sick after dose 2.

Make sure you get 2 doses if needed.

 

Get Help if You Feel Very Sick

Call your doctor if your arm hurts more each day.

Call your doctor if you are worried about how you feel.

Get help right away if you feel very sick.

Call 9-1-1 or the emergency department if you need help.

Tell the operator that you need help.

Tell the operator that you got a COVID-19 vaccine.

Original Guidance: Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine | CDC

Download & Print: COVID-19 Vaccines May Make You Feel Sick [82.9 KB, 2 Pages]

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.