What Type of Side Effects Might My Child Experience from the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Serious health events related to COVID-19 vaccination are rare, and most of the side effects are mild and resolve in a few days. Among children, the most common side effects are pain, redness and swelling of the arm, as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea.

You may want to give your child acetaminophen four times a day for the first one to two days at the appropriate dosing after receiving the vaccine. Please don’t give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen before receiving the vaccine. To reduce pain and discomfort where your child got the shot, apply a cool, wet cloth to the spot on the arm where the shot was given. Drinking lots of fluids and wearing light clothing can help when there is fever.

Not vaccinated? Schedule your or your child's appointment with us at LVHN.org/vaccines.

Looking for more COVID-19 vaccine info? For more vax facts, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs page.