Common reactions such as pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, mild fever, muscle aches and/or drowsiness may occur after vaccination. Specific treatment is not usually required.
Any medicine, including COVID-19 vaccines, can have potentially serious side effects, such as severe allergic reaction. However, the risk of this is extremely small.
Learn more about the possible side effects of vaccination and how to manage them.
When to seek help
Serious reactions to vaccination are extremely rare. If you have a reaction that is unexpected, or if you are unsure, consult with your immunisation provider.
If you believe your reaction is severe or life-threatening you should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to your closest emergency department.
Concerns about side effects
Any reactions causing you concern, whether serious or minor, should be reported to the Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site).
The WAVSS system is the central reporting service in WA for any significant adverse events following immunisation.
If you have experienced an adverse event (reaction) to a vaccine:
Your immunisation provider should report all suspected significant vaccination reactions to WAVSS, but you can also do it yourself.
