After Getting the Vaccine Part 1

After getting the vaccine
Immunity after vaccination
It takes about two weeks for your body to build up initial protection after your primary vaccine series. Some people who are vaccinated will get sick, but vaccination greatly reduces the chance of hospitalization and death.
Even when you are vaccinated, you should:
• Wear a mask when recommended. For more information, refer to Masks: COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often.
• Stay home if you are sick, especially if you have been around someone who has COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested. Learn more at CDC: Symptoms of COVID-19.
• Do not visit people who have had close contact to someone with COVID-19 and are in quarantine.
• If you travel, follow CDC requirements and recommendations at Travel During COVID-19.
• Follow guidance specific to your workplace.
Vaccine side effects
Some side effects are common after vaccination. They are a result of your body responding to the vaccine (it's also OK if you don't have any side effects at all). Side effects happen within a day or two of vaccination and go away one to two days later. You may have:
• Pain where you received the vaccine
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Achy muscles and joints
• Chills
• Fever
• Swelling in your armpit
If your symptoms don't go away or get worse, you may have been exposed to COVID-19 before your body had time to build the protection from the vaccine. Get tested if you think you may have COVID-19.
Serious adverse events
A serious adverse event is something that results in hospitalization or is life-threatening. Most adverse effects occur in the six weeks after getting a vaccine.
If you have a severe reaction, contact your health care provider. If it is an emergency, go to a hospital or call 911.
There have been reports of some serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, most occurring 15-30 minutes following vaccination. Allergic reactions like this are known to happen after taking medicines or getting vaccinated, but they are still very rare. Clinics are prepared to respond quickly to adverse reactions. You will be asked to wait 15-30 minutes after you have been vaccinated so that clinic staff can observe you.
Learn more at CDC: Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination.