The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the full list of Covid vaccine side effects that should prompt people to seek urgent medical attention, as the NHS rolls out autumn and winter jabs to eligible groups.
Throughout the coming months, the NHS is offering Covid vaccines to adults aged 75 and above, care home residents, and anyone aged six months and over who is immunosuppressed. Vaccinations run until December, with those at greatest risk prioritised first. Covid vaccines can be given alongside the annual flu jab or scheduled separately, and there must be a minimum of three months since a person's last Covid jab dose.
Which vaccines are being offered
The UKHSA explains that different vaccines may be provided to different individuals. Available formulations include updated vaccines produced by Pfizer, Moderna, or HIPRA, which are designed to deliver enhanced antibody responses against Omicron variants.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has authorised these updated vaccines for deployment, and eligible people are encouraged to accept whichever approved vaccine they are offered to guarantee timely winter protection.
Common side effects
Common Covid jab side effects include a painful, heavy sensation and tenderness in the arm where the injection was given (most pronounced around one to two days after vaccination), general aches or mild flu-like symptoms, a headache, and fatigue.
Side effects requiring urgent medical attention
According to the patient information leaflets provided with these vaccines, the following symptoms indicate that urgent medical assistance should be sought:
Moderna Spikevax
- Signs of heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis): chest pain, breathlessness (shortness of breath), palpitations.
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat; shortness of breath or wheezing; feeling faint or light-headed; changes in your heartbeat; hives or rash; nausea or vomiting; stomach pain.
HIPRA BIMERVAX
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, face, or throat; shortness of breath or wheezing; feeling faint or light-headed; changes in your heartbeat; itchy swelling under the skin (hives) or rash; nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting; stomach pain.
You should also contact a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if standard side effects fail to ease and continue beyond a few days.
Pfizer Comirnaty 10
- Signs of heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis): chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations.
Pfizer Comirnaty 30
- Signs of heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis): chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations.
If you experienced serious side effects following any previous Covid-19 vaccination, you may be advised to avoid or postpone further vaccination. You should discuss this with your doctor or specialist.
