After you get your COVID-19 vaccine
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Developed by the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia.
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After you get your COVID-19 vaccine
- Please wait for 15 minutes after your vaccination
- Inform a health care provider if you feel unwell while waiting
- Please leave your mask on and remain at least 2 metres away from others
The next few days
The vaccine may cause side effects, such as:
- pain where the needle was given
- headache
- feeling tired
- sore muscles
- nausea or vomiting
- fever or chills
These reactions mean the vaccine is working to help teach your body how to fight COVID-19.
For most people, these side effects will last no longer than a day or 2 and will go away on their own.
Serious side effects after receiving the vaccine are rare.
If you develop serious symptoms or symptoms that could be an allergic reaction such as:
- itchy bumps on the skin
- swelling of your face, tongue or throat
- difficulty breathing
Call 9-1-1 right away. Be sure to tell them that you received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Symptoms such as cough or other respiratory symptoms are not side effects of the vaccine and are more likely to be due to a respiratory infection like COVID-19.
If you develop these symptoms, you may need to be tested for COVID-19.
Contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1 for advice.
After the vaccine
Continue to follow public health guidelines:
- wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
- physically distance
- wear a mask where required
- do not receive any other vaccines until 28 days have passed after you receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
Not everyone will be able to get vaccinated right away, so it's still important to protect yourself and others.