Vaccine Side Effects
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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Need to know more about vaccine side effects? We’ve got you covered.
It’s normal for the body to experience side effects after vaccination.* Most go away within a few days. They can be bothersome, and some people may want additional support for relief.
A more serious reaction can mean the body is allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine and requires medical attention. Always call 911 for medical emergencies.
Looking for information about vaccine side effects? We have you covered.
One to three days after a vaccine, some people may experience mild side effects:*
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint or muscle pain
- Nausea
- Pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site
Sometimes, these side effects can last longer or become more intense than expected. If this happens, a MinuteClinic® provider can help.
Whether it’s for the flu, COVID-19 or another disease, vaccines help protect everyone from becoming seriously ill.*
Getting help
- You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Vaccine side effects are caused by a reaction from the immune system. This reaction is normal and shows that the immune system is protecting the body as it should.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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*FOR SIDE EFFECTS AFTER VACCINATION SOURCE: Department of Health and Human Services. Vaccine side effects. Updated May 6, 2022.
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*FOR MILD SIDE EFFECTS LIST SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Possible side effects from vaccines. Updated July 31, 2024.
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*FOR BECOMING SERIOUSLY ILL SOURCE: Nandi A, Shet A. Why vaccines matter: understanding the broader health, economic, and child development benefits of routine vaccination. Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics. 2020;16(8):1900–1904.