Moderna COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine PF Side Effects
Generic name: sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 10, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Moderna COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine PF.
Applies to sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine: intramuscular suspension.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine (the active ingredient contained in Moderna COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine PF) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine:
More common
- Chills
- difficulty in moving
- headache
- joint pain
- muscle aches, cramps, pains, or stiffness
- nausea
- swollen joints
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Less common
- Fever
Incidence not known
- Anxiety
- blue or pale skin
- chest discomfort or tightness
- chest pain, possible moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder
- cough
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- fainting
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- trouble breathing
Other side effects
Some side effects of sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine: intramuscular suspension.
General
The most commonly reported side effects included injection site pain, headache, fatigue, and myalgia.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Postmarketing reports: Myocarditis, pericarditis[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Rash, urticaria
Postmarketing reports: Acute urticaria, delayed urticaria, erythema multiforme[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 24%), vomiting (up to 24%)[Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Lymphadenopathy[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity events/hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Facial swelling
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis[Ref]
Immunologic
Common (1% to 10%): Acute otitis media[Ref]
Acute otitis media occurred more frequently in patients 6 to 23 months of age who received this vaccine compared to placebo.[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (up to 97.2%), localized swelling/hardness (up to 17%), injection site erythema (up to 13.5%), localized swelling/induration (up to 12.6%)
Common (1% to 10%): Delayed injection site reactions, injection site lymphadenopathy
Frequency not reported: Injection site pruritus, injection site rash, injection site swelling, injection site urticaria[Ref]
Delayed injection site reactions included at least 1 of the following: erythema, pain, and/or swelling.
Facial swelling occurred in 2 patients on Day 1 and Day 3 with a history of injection of dermatological fillers.[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Appetite loss (up to 32.1%)[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (up to 61.5%), chills (up to 49.1%), arthralgia (up to 41%)[Ref]
Nervous system
Acute peripheral facial paralysis/palsy was reported in 3 patients who received their second dose after 22 days, 28 days, and 32 days.[Ref]
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 78.4%), sleepiness (up to 37.3%)
Frequency not reported: Acute peripheral facial paralysis/palsy, Bell's palsy, febrile convulsion
Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, facial paralysis, hypoesthesia, paresthesia[Ref]
Other
Axillary swelling and tenderness included localized axillary swelling or tenderness ipsilateral to the vaccinated arm and lymphadenopathy.[Ref]
Very common (10% or more): Pain (up to 91%), fatigue (up to 75.2%), use of antipyretic/pain medication (up to 57.3%), axillary swelling (up to 28%), axillary tenderness (up to 28%), fever (up to 23.9%)
Common (1% to 10%): Axillary/groin swelling or tenderness[Ref]
Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more): Irritability/crying (up to 67.6%)[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about Moderna COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine PF (sars-cov-2 (covid-19) mrna-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: viral vaccines
Professional resources
References
1. Product Information. Spikevax Bivalent (Original / Omicron BA.1) (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) mRNA-1273 (bivalent booster) vaccine). Moderna Therapeutics Inc. 2023.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.