Last updated: 8 September 2022 Show On this page:
Common side effectsLike all medicines, you might experience some mild side effects in the days after getting your vaccination. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus. Most side effects do not last long, and will not stop you from going about your daily life or having another vaccine dose in the future. Some side effects may temporarily affect your ability to drive or use machinery. Side effects are reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) and Medsafe closely monitors and releases safety reports showing this data. The top 10 reported side effects of the Pfizer vaccine in New Zealand are:
Timeframe: 20 February 2021 to 30 April 2022 See details in the full Medsafe reports When you’re likely to experience a side effectMost side effects appear within a day or two after being vaccinated.
If you’re concerned about how you’re feelingIf you’re unsure about your symptoms or if they get worse, call Healthline: Phone 0800 358 5453 If you’re concerned about your safety, call 111. Tell them you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccination so they can assess you properly. Rare side effectsThere are some side effects that are more serious but very rare, like a severe allergic reaction or an inflammation of the heart. Myocarditis and pericarditisMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue forming a sac around the heart. These conditions are usually caused by viral infections (including COVID-19), but they are also very rare and serious side effects of the Pfizer and Novavax vaccines. Symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis linked to the vaccine generally appear within a few days, and mostly within the first few weeks after having the vaccine. If you get any of these new symptoms after your vaccination, you should seek prompt medical help. If these symptoms don’t go away, seek medical help again. Children are less likely to have these sorts of side effects but may not volunteer symptoms. Caregivers should ask children how they are feeling. Symptoms may include:
If you feel any of these symptoms in the days or weeks after the vaccine, you should see a healthcare professional, such as a GP, afterhours service or emergency department – there will be no charge for the consultation. You can also call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 anytime to get advice. If you’re concerned about your safety, call 111. Tell them you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccination so they can assess you properly. Allergic reactionsThere are some side effects that are more serious but rare, like a severe allergic reaction. Serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis occur rarely. This is the reason people are observed for around 15 minutes post vaccination. Vaccinators are well-trained in managing these if they occur. Bell's palsyTemporary one-sided facial drooping (Bell's palsy) has been reported as a rare side effect, affecting every 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 people in the clinical trials. Serious adverse cases reportedMedsafe's reports give detailed information about serious adverse cases reported. See details in the full reports CARM and Medsafe investigate reports of significant adverse events, including those with a fatal outcome. The aim of the investigation is for CARM and Medsafe to determine the likelihood the vaccine caused the reported events. For significant cases, including deaths, the COVID-19 Independent Safety Monitoring Board (CV-ISMB) review the information supplied during the investigation and provide their view on the likely relationship of the reported events to vaccination. The COVID-19 Independent Safety Monitoring Board holds meetings every 3-4 weeks to look at COVID-19 vaccine safety data. They can also call additional meetings if an urgent issue arises internationally or there’s a report of a serious unexpected event. More information about the Board How to report side effectsReporting COVID-19 vaccine side effects means the safety of COVID-19 vaccines within Aotearoa New Zealand can be closely monitored. You can report your own side effects, or side effects experienced by someone else (including a child). You don’t have to be certain the vaccine caused the side effects to make a report. Report your side effects Text invites to submit side effectsIf you get a COVID-19 vaccine booster, or a child in your care has had a paediatric (child) COVID-19 vaccine, you may be invited by text to let us know about any side effects experienced in the days after – this is called a ‘Post Vaccine Symptom Check’. The text invite will come from the Ministry of Health and you’ll be asked to reply ‘YES’, ‘NO’, or ‘STOP. All replies are free of charge. If you want to take part you’ll be sent a link to an online web form. |