Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

Generic name: COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 9, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects associated with COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

Applies to COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine: intramuscular suspension.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine (the active ingredient contained in Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine) 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 COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine:

More common side effects

• chills
• difficulty in moving
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle aches, cramps, pains, or stiffness
• nausea
• swollen joints
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• 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 COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) 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 COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine: intramuscular suspension.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included injection site pain, headache, and fatigue.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Myocarditis, pericarditis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Erythema nodosum, erythema, swelling
• Postmarketing reports: Urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea/vomiting (up to 23.9%)^[Ref]

Nausea/vomiting included Grades 3 and 4 nausea/vomiting.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Axillary mass, lymph node pain, lymphadenitis, lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity events
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Herpes zoster infection^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (up to 93.1%), injection site swelling/hardness greater than 25 mm (up to 20.5%), localized erythema/redness greater than 25 mm (up to 19.5%), swelling at the injection site (up to 13.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Erythema at the injection site
• Frequency not reported: Delayed injection site pain, injection-site lymphadenopathy, injection site rash, injection site urticaria, vaccination-site lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Injection site pain included pain, Grade 3.

Localized erythema/redness greater than 25 mm included Grade 3 localized erythema/redness greater than 25 mm.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (up to 61.7%), arthralgia (up to 45.6%), chills (up to 49%)^[Ref]

Arthralgia included arthralgia, Grades 3 and 4.

Myalgia included Grade 3 myalgia.

Chills included chills, Grade 3.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 70.2%)
• Frequency not reported: Bell's palsy, facial paralysis
• Postmarketing reports: Syncope^[Ref]

Headache included headache, Grades 3 and 4.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 70.1%), use of antipyretic/pain medication (up to 57.3%), axillary swelling/tenderness (up to 39.5%), fever (up to 19%)^[Ref]

Axillary swelling/tenderness included axillary swelling/tenderness, Grade 3.

Fatigue included fatigue, Grade 3 and fatigue, Grade 4.

Fever included Grades 3 and 4 fever.^[Ref]

Further information

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer