Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages
  3. Evergreens

These are the 4 most common COVID vaccine side effects in teens

By

Whether or not you decide to get your teenager the COVID-19 vaccine is a choice between you, your teen, and your doctor. But if you do decide to get your teenager vaccinated against COVID-19, we do want you to know about the potential side effects.

As with any vaccination, there can be some not-so-fun after signs that your body is building up protection against the virus. It’s always best to be prepared so your teen can feel as comfortable as possible. Let’s go over the COVID vaccine side effects in teens so you and your kid know what to expect.

A teenager giving the thumbs up while getting the COVID vaccine.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Which COVID vaccine can your teen get?

As of right now, the vaccine that young people ages 12 to 17 can get is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer is one of the two options that are available as a 2-dose vaccine for everyone 18 and older.

Recommended Videos

According to the fact sheet about the vaccine from the FDA, it’s an mRNA vaccine, which means it uses a tiny, microscopic grease bubble to bring the information needed for your cells to fight the virus.

You’ll get one dose, wait 3 to 4 weeks to get the second dose, then wait another two weeks to be considered fully vaccinated. If you decide to get your teen vaccinated, there are some common side effects to be aware of. Letting your teenager know what to expect can help calm any nervousness about getting vaccinated. Let’s go over information about the side effects and some of the top ones you can expect.

Side effects in teens are similar to adults

From the basic side effects to the mild ones, the side effects teens will experience are the same ones that adults experience after getting the Pfizer vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners all state that “the common side effects are basically the same for all vaccines,” and that “teens experience the same range of side effects as adults do.”

Pain and swelling in the arm

This is pretty much standard for any kind of vaccination. From when you get your baby vaccinations to if you get the annual flu shot, you can expect this basic combo. The arm your teen gets the vaccine in might feel sore, painful to move, and have some swelling at the spot where the needle was inserted.

They might have these feelings for a few days. The discomfort might even be intense enough that your teen lacks full range of motion of the arm for a couple of days.

A teenage boy showing off his COVID vaccination arm.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Headache and tiredness

Your teenager could have a headache for a bit and feel worn out. They might want to take a nap. They could feel sleepy and complain about a headache for a few days. If this persists past a few days, and you haven’t noticed your teen regaining their energy, you can talk to their doctor to make sure everything is okay.

Muscle soreness and pain

In addition to having pain at the spot of the injection, your teen could feel whole body aches. It’s best not to have them do anything rigorous for a few days after each injection. They could experience joint pain and have trouble moving around.

If it’s possible to get your teen vaccinated right before the weekend, that would be best so they don’t have to miss school if they feel bad. But if they do have to go to school the next day, be ready for them to ask to come home early.

Chills, fever, and flu symptoms

Unfortunately, these symptoms will likely occur for your teen. You can expect body chills, fever, and all of the fun that comes with flu, like nausea. If your child feels any of these symptoms within the first few hours of getting the vaccine, it’s best to have them stay home for a few days to let it run its course.

A teen showing off her COVID vaccine bandage.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to alleviate the pain

You can’t give your child regular pain relievers

The worst part for you as a parent is that the CDC recommends you not giving your child normal pain relief, like aspirin, to help deal with the side effects. Rather, the CDC recommends talking to your child’s doctor to find “a non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home to comfort your child.”

If your teen says they don’t feel right, the symptoms last for longer than a few days, or they have side effects more severe than the usual suspects, it’s always best to take them to the doctor just to be safe.

Even though the side effects should only last 1 to 3 days, the time can feel extremely long for your teen. Every teen is going to be different. Even if your teen doesn’t have any effects after the first dose, it’s possible to experience multiple after the second. Or, it’s not uncommon for teens to develop symptoms after both.

It’s a good idea to know the side effects so even if your teen feels horrible, they’ll be assured that it’s all normal. And then, you and your teen will both feel a little more in control, knowing about the COVID vaccine for teens and the possible side effects.

Is your newborn eating too much? What to know about overfeeding
Cues to watch out for to let you know if you're overfeeding a newborn
Mother holding baby in nursery

Every parent knows the excitement and anxiety that comes when it's time to bring their baby home from the hospital for the first time. Besides the sleep schedule, many new parents may be worried about whether their infant is getting enough to eat. But is going the other direction something parents should also worry about? Is there such a thing as overfeeding a newborn? The short answer is yes. Overfeeding a newborn is a possibility, but it doesn't happen often.

Every newborn has differences in appetite where one might drink a bottle or breastfeed longer than another. Before you stress, don't worry. There are signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to giving your little one too much food. Whether it's your first or third child, if you are concerned about overfeeding your newborn, we have the information you need to know.
Why overfeeding a newborn is something you don't want to do

Read more
Recognizing early autism signs in toddlers: 6 things to know
Which toddler behaviors are quirky and which are red flags for autism?
Toddler boys playing a party game

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that about 1 in every 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. If your child is on the spectrum, the initial diagnosis can be upsetting, but early intervention following a diagnosis is vital. The early signs of autism in toddlers, though, can be easy to overlook. If you have a child you think might be on the spectrum, it's best to know the early signs as your toddler develops.

There is a long list of possible signs as the autism spectrum is wide and diverse. One sign may appear in one child, but not in another. Certain early signs of autism are more common than others, which is why knowing the red flags is important. The earlier a child receives a diagnosis, the better the support system will be for them.
Understanding autism

Read more
Can you use a heating pad while pregnant? Here’s what you should know
Heat pads and pregnancy work together, just follow some precautions
Pregnant woman using heating pad hot water bottle

Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with awe and wonder, but it's also painful and uncomfortable. Experiencing all. the changes your body goes through as your baby grows is magical, but it's also kind of a pain. As pregnancy progresses throughout the trimesters, so, too, does the discomfort. From backaches to sore feet and sciatica to insomnia, pregnancy can be very hard on a person's body.
Often, a heating pad can provide some much-needed relief from those pregnancy-induced aches and pains, but many wonder if it's safe to use a heating pads while pregnant. Using heating pads during pregnancy can be an understandable concern.
Despite the relief they may give, many pregnant people are hesitant to use them out of fear the heat they produce may harm their baby. Fortunately, using a heating pad while pregnant can be very safe as long as you do so carefully and take proper precautions.

Why would you need a heating pad?

Read more