What to Expect at Your Vaccine Appointment

These tips will help you know what to expect when you get vaccinated, what information your provider will give you, and resources you can use to monitor your health after you are vaccinated.

At Your Appointment

  • You should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it.
  • You should receive a paper or electronic version of a fact sheet that tells you more about the specific COVID-19 vaccine you are being offered. Each authorized COVID-19 vaccine has its own fact sheet that contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of receiving that specific vaccine.131442557_10158705563406026_7913883795337108966_o

After Vaccination

  • In order for the COVID-19 vaccine to be most effective, most vaccines will require a 2 dose series followed by a booster.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about getting started with v-safe, a free, smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also reminds you to get your second dose if you need one. More information about v-safe can be found here.
  • It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.

Fact Sheets for Recipients and Caregivers

Common side effects

On the arm where the vaccine was given: pain, swelling
Throughout the rest of the day: fever, chills, tiredness, headache

When to call the doctor

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:
- If the redness or tenderness where you go the shot increases after 24 hours
- If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

The information above is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.