Difficulty breathing. Hoarseness or wheezing. Swelling around the eyes, lips, or throat. Hives. Paleness. Weakness. Rapid heartbeat or dizziness.
Fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Hives or swelling at the injection site. Labored breathing or fast heart rate. Dizziness that lasts longer than a day or two. [6] X Research source Continuous bleeding from the injection site. [7] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source
Injections of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Oral or injected antihistamines for hives and/or itching. Hospital stay for cardiovascular reactions or loss of consciousness.
Contact your doctor if you are unsure of any of your side effects or how you’re feeling. It’s better to be safe than sorry with an adverse reaction.
Soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Headache. Low grade fever (below 101 degrees Fahrenheit/ 38 Celsius). Nausea or vomiting. Muscle aches. Cough or sore throat. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Runny nose.
Take an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. These can relieve pain and reduce swelling or inflammation. Follow dosing instructions as directed on the product packaging or by your doctor.
Place a cool washcloth or ice pack on the injection site if you have any swelling, discomfort, or redness. Use as often as necessary for 20 minutes at a time until your symptoms go away. Put a cool, damp washcloth on your face or neck if you have any dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating. [14] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Remove the compress if your skin gets too cold or numb. [15] X Research source
Contact your doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop within a day or two or gets worse.
Sit or even lie on the floor for a few minutes if you’re feeling dizzy. Loosening any clothing or sitting with your head between your knees may help the dizziness go away. [18] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Eat a small snack to boost your blood sugar and help minimize any dizziness you may feel. [19] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Aim to eat a healthy snack such as a piece of string cheese, toast with peanut butter, or apple slices.
Follow packaging instructions or your doctor’s orders for treating your fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Contact your doctor right away if your fever doesn’t go away after two days or increases above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius.
Apply a hydrocortisone cream every four to six hours to relieve itching. If the itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral prednisone or methylprednisolone. Take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or hydroxyzine (Atarax) every four to six hours to control injection site itching.
