Clinical trials found the Pfizer vaccine to be very safe. Medsafe, the NZ government’s medicines safety authority, have also assessed the vaccine and deemed it safe and fit for purpose.

However, like any vaccine, there are some potential side-effects to the vaccine. They are mainly mild or moderate and should only last a few days after vaccination. Side-effects are more common after the second dose.

Very common or common side effects are: pain swelling or redness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, joint or muscle pain, chills or fever, nausea.

Uncommon side effects are: enlarged lymph nodes, malaise – or feeling unwell, pain in the limbs, insomnia, itching at the injection site.

Palsy, or temporary one-sided drooping of the face, is a rare potential side effect.

It is also possible that some people might have a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine. When you have the vaccine your health professional will monitor you for at least 20 minutes afterwards.

SHOP

PRESCRIPTIONS

MEDSUPPORT

ARTICLES

QUESTIONS

CONTACT