This leaflet is for children and young people and tells you what to expect after the COVID-19 vaccination.
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short term and not everyone gets them. The very common side effects should only last a day or two.
Very common side effects in the first day or two include:
You may have a mild fever for two to three days after the vaccination. However, a high temperature is unusual and may be because you have another infection or illness. If you are worried, speak to your doctor or nurse. Children and young people can take paracetamol (in the correct dose and form for their age) to help them feel better. It’s important to read the dosing instructions on (or in) the packet.
Remember – children and young people under 16 should not take medicines that contain aspirin.
Cases of inflammation of the heart (called myocarditis or pericarditis) have been reported very rarely after COVID-19 vaccines.
Most children and young people recover and feel better following rest and simple treatment.
Get medical advice urgently if you notice the following side effects.
Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week.
If the symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can visit 111.wales.nhs.uk online, call NHS 111 Wales by dialling 111, or contact your GP surgery.
If you do get advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about the vaccination (show them the vaccine record card, if possible) so that they can carry out a proper assessment.
Make sure you keep the vaccine record card safe.
You can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online by searching Yellow Card scheme, by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine as the vaccines do not contain organisms that grow in the body so they cannot cause COVID-19 infection. It is possible to have caught COVID-19 and not have the symptoms until after the vaccination. The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are:
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, stay at home and follow the current national guidance by visiting: gov.wales/coronavirus
If you need more information on symptoms, visit: 111.wales.nhs.uk
The vaccine produces a strong immune response and provides good protection against severe illness from COVID-19.
It may take a few weeks to build up some protection from the vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective – some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but the effects should be less severe.
Children and young people with disorders of the immune system may not make a strong immune response to the vaccine, but it should offer them protection against severe disease.
COVID-19 is spread through droplets breathed out from the nose or mouth, particularly when speaking or coughing. It can also be picked up by touching your eyes, nose and mouth after contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
You must still follow the current guidance at gov.wales/coronavirus
You can find more information on vaccines offered in Wales at: phw.nhs.wales/vaccines
You can find out more information about vaccines, including their contents and possible side effects, at: medicines.org.uk/emc. You will need to enter the words ‘COVID vaccine’ in the search box.
You can report suspected side effects online at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by downloading the Yellow Card app, or calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
To find out how the NHS uses your information, visit:
111.wales.nhs.uk/AboutUs/Yourinformation
For other formats of this leaflet, visit:
phw.nhs.wales/vaccines/accessible-information
© Public Health Wales, August 2022
(with acknowledgement to UK Health Security Agency)
Version 1