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[Bezzy Psoriasis](https://www.bezzypsoriasis.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) Follow Us Subscribe # Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19: What are the side effects? Written by Minseo Jeong on April 19, 2021 — Fact checked by Harriet Pike, Ph.D. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may sometimes cause no side effects or mild-to-moderate side effects, which can be fairly common post-vaccination. This Snapshot feature further addresses concerns around allergic reactions and false claims regarding risks to pregnancy and fertility.  [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fpfizer-vaccine-for-covid-19-what-are-the-side-effects&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F04%2FGettyImages-1312298449_header-1024x575.jpg&description=Pfizer%20COVID-19%20vaccine%3A%20What%20to%20know%20about%20the%20side%20effects "Share on Pinterest") Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images ### Coronavirus data All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our [coronavirus hub](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/coronavirus) for the most recent information on COVID-19. **Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.** The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, named BNT162b2, and known as [Comirnaty](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/comirnaty) in the European Union, is a two-dose [mRNA vaccine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-a-vaccine) developed by two pharmaceutical industry companies: [Pfizer](https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine) in the United States and [BioNTech](https://biontech.de/covid-19) in Germany. In December 2020, the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-key-action-fight-against-covid-19-issuing-emergency-use-authorization-first-covid-19) and [World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int/news/item/31-12-2020-who-issues-its-first-emergency-use-validation-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-and-emphasizes-need-for-equitable-global-access) authorized the vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 16 years and older, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization by either organization. The vaccine is currently approved in [90 countries](https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/vaccines/6/). More recently, the FDA published a [press release](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/joint-statement-hhs-public-health-and-medical-experts-covid-19-booster-shots) outlining their plans to include the Pfizer and Moderna shots in [booster](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/delta-variant-of-sars-cov-2-can-vaccine-boosters-stop-its-spread) campaigns in fall, 2021. This mRNA vaccine works by providing the body with a set of instructions for creating the spike protein found on the surface of the [SARS](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7543)\-CoV-2 virus. The presence of the protein antigen in the body triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, which prepares the body to fight against future infection by the virus itself. ### Coronavirus resources For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our [coronavirus hub](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/coronavirus). However, the vaccine does not contain the virus and cannot cause infection. Additionally, the mRNA in the vaccine does not have the ability to alter DNA inside cells, as it is a transient molecule and does not enter the nucleus where the DNA is stored. Although mRNA vaccines have been studied for many years, they have never before been approved for human use against disease. As a result, members of the public have raised concerns regarding potential unknown side effects. **Article highlights:** ## [Common side effects]() According to the [FDA’s vaccine fact sheet](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download), typical side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine include: - [tiredness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002) - headache - [fever](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266) - chills - muscle or joint pain - nausea - [diarrhea](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634) - swollen lymph nodes Individuals have also reported side effects at the injection site, including arm pain, redness, and swelling. These side effects are often signs that the vaccine is working, inducing a protective response from the immune system. Many individuals who received both doses of the vaccine have reported that symptoms are more prominent after the second dose. However, in most cases, these have been mild to moderate and last no more than a few days. ## [Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis]() Although rare, individuals may experience mild-to-severe allergic reactions to ingredients in the vaccine. Symptoms of severe reactions, or [anaphylaxis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216062), are listed in the [vaccine fact sheet](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) as: - difficulty breathing - swelling of face and throat - rapid heartbeat - rash - dizziness The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7002e1.htm?s_cid=mm7002e1_w) says that anaphylaxis is extremely rare. It has been reported by approximately 0.001% of individuals who have been vaccinated in the U.S. An ingredient found in mRNA vaccines that is of [particular concern](https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/suspicions-grow-nanoparticles-pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-trigger-rare-allergic-reactions) regarding allergic reactions is a chemical called polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is commonly found in laxatives used to treat [constipation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150322). In the vaccine, PEG functions to coat the mRNA molecule and support its entrance into cells. PEG has not often been a component of previous vaccines, so there is limited information on its allergic effects. Those with a history of severe or immediate allergy to PEG or other ingredients in mRNA vaccines are advised not to receive this type of COVID-19 vaccine. An [analysis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.13874) of one patient who experienced PEG-related anaphylaxis due to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated an extensive history of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to products containing PEG. ## [Pregnancy and fertility concerns]() Concerns regarding the [vaccine’s effects on fertility](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-021-00525-y) emerged when an internet source stated that the genetic information for the spike protein is similar to that of syncytin-1, a protein found in the placenta of mammals. The source — since removed from the web — claimed that the antibodies produced by the body in response to the vaccine, which targets the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ spike protein, could also target syncytin-1 and cause [infertility](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165748). **Scientists have demonstrated this claim to be inaccurate. Firstly, immunologists have shown no significant similarity between the genetic information of these two proteins, while blood plasma from COVID-19 patients does not react with syncytin-1.** Secondly, if this claim were true, it would mean that natural SARS-CoV-2 infection would likely cause a higher rate of miscarriage. This has not been seen in studies examining the effects of COVID-19 — female participants with the disease did not display a higher risk of early pregnancy loss. Additionally, the vaccine’s clinical trials included 11 female participants in the vaccinated group who became pregnant during the trial, compared to a similar number of 12 female participants in the control group. While there is not yet long-term evidence regarding this claim, animal studies have also not reflected any evidence of fertility loss due to the vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech are also [conducting](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-commence-global-clinical-trial-evaluate) clinical trials in pregnant people to observe the vaccine’s effects in those who are pregnant as well as their infants. ## [Heart health side effects]() On [June 25](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-june-25-2021), 2021, the FDA added revisions to both the [patient](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) and [healthcare provider](https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download) fact sheets for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, addressing the potential, if very rare, risks of [myocarditis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/myocarditis), or inflammation of the heart muscle, and [pericarditis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193320), which is inflammation of the lining outside the heart. **In the patient fact sheet, the FDA notes that, for people who experienced myocarditis or pericarditis after their vaccine, “symptoms began within a few days following receipt of the second dose.” However, it also adds that “\[t\]he chance of having this occur is very low.”** The FDA advises people to seek medical attention immediately should they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or “feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart” after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The CDC further [notes](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/myocarditis.html) that these side effects are most likely to occur in adolescents and young adults, and that most of those who receive immediate care respond well to treatment and their condition quickly improves. ## [Should I receive the vaccine?]() Regulatory agencies are keeping a close eye on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Up to this point, there have not been any risk indications that require a pause in distribution for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Additionally, health experts note that while some people may experience minor or moderate side effects after vaccination, these typically go away after a few days. The CDC [recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Contraindications) that anyone who does not have known allergies to the vaccine ingredients, or relevant contraindications, receive the vaccine to prevent severe illness or death and reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19. ***For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel [coronavirus](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256521) and COVID-19, click [here](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/live-updates-coronavirus-covid-19)***. - [Immune System / Vaccines](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/immune-system) - [Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/infectious_diseases) - [COVID-19](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/covid-19) Share this article Written by Minseo Jeong on April 19, 2021 — Fact checked by Harriet Pike, Ph.D. ## Latest news - [9 steps to improve heart health, per new dietary guidance from AHA](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9-steps-improve-heart-health-diet-guidance-aha) - [AI model can accurately predict liver cancer risk, study suggests](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ai-model-accurately-predict-liver-cancer-risk) - [AI-powered stroke tool linked to improved patient outcomes in large clinical trial](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ai-powered-stroke-tool-linked-improved-patient-outcomes-large-clinical-trial) - [Eating same meals on repeat, and more at weekends may help you lose more weight](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-same-meals-repeat-more-weekends-may-help-lose-more-weight) - [Cooking at least one meal at home weekly may cut dementia risk by up to 67%](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cooking-at-least-one-meal-at-home-weekly-may-cut-dementia-risk) ### Related Coverage - [Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine: What to know about side effects](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-what-to-know-about-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext) [In this Snapshot, we take a closer look at the potential side effects associated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Vaxzevria.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-what-to-know-about-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-what-to-know-about-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What to know about the Nimbus COVID-19 variant](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nimbus-covid?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Angelica Balingit, MD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers) [Unofficially named 'Nimbus', NB.1.8.1 is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more here.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nimbus-covid?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nimbus-covid?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir)](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-paxlovid?utm_source=ReadNext) [Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) is a prescription drug that treats COVID-19 in certain adults. Learn about dosage, side effects, and more.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-paxlovid?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-paxlovid?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Pemgarda (pemivibart) and cost](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-pemgarda-cost?utm_source=ReadNext) [Get the facts on cost and Pemgarda, how generics compare with brand names, what financial assistance may be available, and more.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-pemgarda-cost?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-pemgarda-cost?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Pemgarda side effects: What you should know](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-pemgarda-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext) [Pemgarda is a prescription drug used to treat COVID-19 prevention. Learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects it can cause and how to…](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-pemgarda-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-pemgarda-side-effects?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 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Written by Minseo Jeong on April 19, 2021 — Fact checked by Harriet Pike, Ph.D. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may sometimes cause no side effects or mild-to-moderate side effects, which can be fairly common post-vaccination. This Snapshot feature further addresses concerns around allergic reactions and false claims regarding risks to pregnancy and fertility. **Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.** The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, named BNT162b2, and known as [Comirnaty](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/comirnaty) in the European Union, is a two-dose [mRNA vaccine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-a-vaccine) developed by two pharmaceutical industry companies: [Pfizer](https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine) in the United States and [BioNTech](https://biontech.de/covid-19) in Germany. In December 2020, the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-key-action-fight-against-covid-19-issuing-emergency-use-authorization-first-covid-19) and [World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int/news/item/31-12-2020-who-issues-its-first-emergency-use-validation-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-and-emphasizes-need-for-equitable-global-access) authorized the vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 16 years and older, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization by either organization. The vaccine is currently approved in [90 countries](https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/vaccines/6/). More recently, the FDA published a [press release](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/joint-statement-hhs-public-health-and-medical-experts-covid-19-booster-shots) outlining their plans to include the Pfizer and Moderna shots in [booster](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/delta-variant-of-sars-cov-2-can-vaccine-boosters-stop-its-spread) campaigns in fall, 2021. This mRNA vaccine works by providing the body with a set of instructions for creating the spike protein found on the surface of the [SARS](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7543)\-CoV-2 virus. The presence of the protein antigen in the body triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, which prepares the body to fight against future infection by the virus itself. However, the vaccine does not contain the virus and cannot cause infection. Additionally, the mRNA in the vaccine does not have the ability to alter DNA inside cells, as it is a transient molecule and does not enter the nucleus where the DNA is stored. Although mRNA vaccines have been studied for many years, they have never before been approved for human use against disease. As a result, members of the public have raised concerns regarding potential unknown side effects. **Article highlights:** ## According to the [FDA’s vaccine fact sheet](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download), typical side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine include: - [tiredness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002) - headache - [fever](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266) - chills - muscle or joint pain - nausea - [diarrhea](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634) - swollen lymph nodes Individuals have also reported side effects at the injection site, including arm pain, redness, and swelling. These side effects are often signs that the vaccine is working, inducing a protective response from the immune system. Many individuals who received both doses of the vaccine have reported that symptoms are more prominent after the second dose. However, in most cases, these have been mild to moderate and last no more than a few days. ## Although rare, individuals may experience mild-to-severe allergic reactions to ingredients in the vaccine. Symptoms of severe reactions, or [anaphylaxis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216062), are listed in the [vaccine fact sheet](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) as: - difficulty breathing - swelling of face and throat - rapid heartbeat - rash - dizziness An ingredient found in mRNA vaccines that is of [particular concern](https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/suspicions-grow-nanoparticles-pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-trigger-rare-allergic-reactions) regarding allergic reactions is a chemical called polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is commonly found in laxatives used to treat [constipation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150322). In the vaccine, PEG functions to coat the mRNA molecule and support its entrance into cells. PEG has not often been a component of previous vaccines, so there is limited information on its allergic effects. Those with a history of severe or immediate allergy to PEG or other ingredients in mRNA vaccines are advised not to receive this type of COVID-19 vaccine. An [analysis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.13874) of one patient who experienced PEG-related anaphylaxis due to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated an extensive history of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to products containing PEG. ## Concerns regarding the [vaccine’s effects on fertility](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-021-00525-y) emerged when an internet source stated that the genetic information for the spike protein is similar to that of syncytin-1, a protein found in the placenta of mammals. The source — since removed from the web — claimed that the antibodies produced by the body in response to the vaccine, which targets the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ spike protein, could also target syncytin-1 and cause [infertility](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165748). **Scientists have demonstrated this claim to be inaccurate. Firstly, immunologists have shown no significant similarity between the genetic information of these two proteins, while blood plasma from COVID-19 patients does not react with syncytin-1.** Secondly, if this claim were true, it would mean that natural SARS-CoV-2 infection would likely cause a higher rate of miscarriage. This has not been seen in studies examining the effects of COVID-19 — female participants with the disease did not display a higher risk of early pregnancy loss. Additionally, the vaccine’s clinical trials included 11 female participants in the vaccinated group who became pregnant during the trial, compared to a similar number of 12 female participants in the control group. While there is not yet long-term evidence regarding this claim, animal studies have also not reflected any evidence of fertility loss due to the vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech are also [conducting](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-commence-global-clinical-trial-evaluate) clinical trials in pregnant people to observe the vaccine’s effects in those who are pregnant as well as their infants. ## On [June 25](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-june-25-2021), 2021, the FDA added revisions to both the [patient](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) and [healthcare provider](https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download) fact sheets for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, addressing the potential, if very rare, risks of [myocarditis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/myocarditis), or inflammation of the heart muscle, and [pericarditis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193320), which is inflammation of the lining outside the heart. **In the patient fact sheet, the FDA notes that, for people who experienced myocarditis or pericarditis after their vaccine, “symptoms began within a few days following receipt of the second dose.” However, it also adds that “\[t\]he chance of having this occur is very low.”** The FDA advises people to seek medical attention immediately should they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or “feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart” after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The CDC further [notes](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/myocarditis.html) that these side effects are most likely to occur in adolescents and young adults, and that most of those who receive immediate care respond well to treatment and their condition quickly improves. ## Regulatory agencies are keeping a close eye on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Up to this point, there have not been any risk indications that require a pause in distribution for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Additionally, health experts note that while some people may experience minor or moderate side effects after vaccination, these typically go away after a few days. The CDC [recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Contraindications) that anyone who does not have known allergies to the vaccine ingredients, or relevant contraindications, receive the vaccine to prevent severe illness or death and reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19. ***For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel [coronavirus](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256521) and COVID-19, click [here](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/live-updates-coronavirus-covid-19)***.