COVID-19 vaccines are safe
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has a vaccine approval process that thoroughly assesses a vaccine's safety.
The TGA monitors COVID-19 vaccine safety by:
- collecting and reporting data on side effects
- working with international regulators to share knowledge
- monitoring safety
- checking each batch meets quality standards.
Had a COVID vaccine and concerned about side effects? Check your symptoms with the COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect Checker.
Safe in pregnancy
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has provided the following advice on the use of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy:
- If you are pregnant you are a priority for COVID-19 vaccination and can be vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at any stage of pregnancy.
- If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
- Real-world evidence has shown that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
- The Novavax vaccine can be considered if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy, if you cannot access Pfizer or Moderna, and if the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks for you.
- If you are pregnant, you have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Your baby may also have a higher risk of being born prematurely.
- COVID-19 vaccination may provide indirect protection to babies by transferring antibodies through the placenta (during pregnancy) or through breastmilk (during breastfeeding).
Find out more in the COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy
Vaccine side effects
The TGA report that most side effects are mild and go away within a couple of days.
AusVaxSafety is tracking whether people experience side effects after COVID-19 vaccines. Their data shows that in Australia:
- over half the participants report no side effects (around 55%)
- just under half report any side effect (around 44%)
- less than 1% report visiting a doctor or emergency department after being vaccinated
- reports are consistent with side effects seen in clinical trials and surveillance in other countries.
You do not need to prepare for side effects by taking anything before getting your vaccination.
For details on possible side effects for each vaccine, see:
Side effect checker
If you have had a COVID-19 vaccination and think you may be experiencing side effects, you can use healthdirect's side effect checker. Click the button below or call 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day.
When to seek help
Contact your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital if you have:
- a reaction that you consider severe or unexpected
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- swelling in your leg
- persistent abdominal (belly) pain
- severe and persistent headaches, blurred vision, or other neurological symptoms
- tiny blood spots under the skin that are not at the site of injection.
Reporting a suspected side effect or reaction
If you are worried about a suspected side effect or reaction, you can report it yourself or through a health professional. Find out more about reporting suspected side effects associated with a COVID-19 vaccine.
Compensation scheme
We are setting up a COVID-19 vaccine injury compensation scheme for people who experience significant adverse events.
Continuous monitoring
The TGA continues to monitor vaccines even after they are approved.
The TGA's monitoring systems mean it can oversee the safety of a vaccine across the country. In the unlikely event that there is a safety risk, the TGA will inform healthcare providers and the community as soon as possible.
Patient resources
Our patient resources include fact sheets about each vaccine and what to expect after your vaccination.
