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COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts

Coronavirus vaccine research Coronavirus vaccine challenges Pathways to develop and produce a COVID-19 vaccine The vaccine development timeline How to protect yourself and prevent COVID-19 infection Content What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine even if I've already had COVID-19? What COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized or approved and how do they work? Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19? What are the possible general side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine? What are the long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines? Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the heart? What is the connection between the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome? What are the symptoms of a blood clotting reaction to the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine? Do the COVID-19 vaccines protect against the COVID-19 variants? Are COVID-19 vaccines free? Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an existing health condition? Is it OK to take an over-the-counter pain medication before or after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine? What are the signs of an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine? Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions? Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the COVID-19 vaccine? Can a COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility or menstruation? What COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids? If children don’t frequently experience severe illness with COVID-19, why do they need a COVID-19 vaccine? How did the FDA determine the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in kids ages 12 through 15? Can I stop taking safety precautions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Can I still get COVID-19 after I’m vaccinated? Are COVID-19 vaccine additional doses or boosters recommended?

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine?

You might be having an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine if you experience these signs within four hours of getting vaccinated:

  • Hives
  • Swelling of the lips, eyes or tongue
  • Wheezing

If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, get help right away. Tell your doctor about your reaction, even if it went away on its own or you didn�t get emergency care. This reaction might mean you are allergic to the vaccine. You might not be able to get a second dose of the same vaccine. However, you might be able to get a different vaccine for your second dose.