13 possible Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine side effects

It’s understandable to be concerned about something new but many jabs have expected side effects, which are usually nothing to worry about.

But if you are concerned, don’t worry – anyone going to get the Covid vaccine will receive plenty of information from the NHS.

Even if you do get some side effects - and those listed here are only 'possible' effects - they will typically be quite mild and pass quickly.

Other people will notice nothing at all.

Here though we run through the information given out to patients who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus immunisation.

The Pfizer Covid vaccine being prepared (Credit: PA)

13 official Pfizer Covid vaccine side effects

The following are listed under a section of a leaflet given to patients entitled ‘possible side effects’.

Very common – may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

1 - Pain at injection site

2 - Tiredness

3 - Headache

4 - Muscle pain

5 - Chills

6 - Joint pain

7 - Fever

Common – may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

8 - Injection site swelling

9 - Redness at injection site

10 - Nausea

Uncommon – may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

11 - Enlarged lymph nodes

12 - Feeling unwell

Rare side effects – may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:

13 - Temporary one sided facial dropping

What to do about vaccine side effects

The leaflet given out to those who receive the vaccine goes on to explain what you should do about any side effects.

It said: “If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

“This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

“If you are concerned about an adverse event, it should be reported on a yellow card. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store and include the vaccine brand and batch/Lot number if available.

“Alternatively, adverse events of concern in association with Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine can be reported to Pfizer Medical Information on 01304 616161 or via www.pfizersafetyreporting.com.

“Please do not report the same adverse event(s) to both systems as all reports will be shared between Pfizer and MHRA (in an anonymized form) and dual reporting will create unnecessary duplicates. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this vaccine.”

4 other ‘warnings and precautions’ BEFORE getting the jab

The leaflet also includes four bullet points with crucial information for patients before they take the Pfizer jab.

These are introduced with the sentence: “Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given the vaccine if you have:”…

1 – Ever had a severe allergic reaction or breathing problems after any other vaccine injection or after you were given the vaccine in the past [e.g. if you’re about to receive the second dose but had problems with the first].

2 – A severe illness with high fever – however, a mild fever or upper airway infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination.

3 – A weakened immune system, such as due to HIV infection, or are on a medicine that affects your immune system.

4 – A bleeding problem, bruise easily or use a medicine to inhibit blood clotting.

Children and pregnancy, driving and other medicines

The information given to vaccine recipients also includes advice for children, pregnant women, those on other medicines, and explains whether or not you should drive after receiving the injection.

On driving or using machinery, the leaflet says the vaccine has “no or negligible influence” to stop people – but it points out some side effects would be unsafe, so concludes: “Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure that you are not affected.”

Pregnant or breast-feeding women are told to speak to their doctor before receiving the vaccine.

The vaccine is not recommended for children under the age of 16.

And those on other medicines are also advised to mention this to their doctor or health professional.