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Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

Generic name: COVID-19 mRNA (Moderna) vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 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

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

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

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

Hematologic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

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

Arthralgia included arthralgia, Grades 3 and 4.

Myalgia included Grade 3 myalgia.

Chills included chills, Grade 3.[Ref]

Nervous system

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

Other

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]

References

1. (2023) "Product Information. Spikevax (2023-2024) PF (cvx 312) (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) mRNA-LNP vaccine (cvx 312))." Moderna US, Inc

2. (2024) "Product Information. Spikevax (2024-2025) PF (cvx 312) (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) mRNA-LNP vaccine (cvx 312))." Moderna US, Inc

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.