You should speak with your health care provider before getting the updated vaccine, especially if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to previous vaccines. Some local pharmacies are offering updated COVID vaccines. Please check with your local pharmacy for availability and information about whether you need a prescription.
Your Penn Medicine care team can provide you with information about how to schedule an appointment at one of our locations and discuss which vaccine may be best for you.
In August 2025, the FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines with some restrictions.
- Moderna vaccine for children 6 months and older with known health conditions that place them at high risk for severe illness from COVID and people over 65.
- Pfizer vaccine for people 5 and older with known health conditions that place them at high risk for severe illness from COVID and people over 65.
- Novavax vaccine for people 12 and older with known health conditions that place them at high risk for severe illness from COVID and people over 65.
Is the COVID vaccine safe?
All COVID-19 vaccines meet the FDA’s rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness.
Getting vaccinated is a safer and more reliable way to build immunity to COVID-19 compared to gaining natural immunity by contracting the virus. The ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines are safe and commonly found in various foods. The vaccines do not interact with or alter your DNA, and there is no evidence that they cause fertility issues. Additionally, new COVID-19 variants arise from natural mutations in the virus, not from the vaccines.
Although rare, some individuals have experienced serious complications following vaccination, known as adverse events. These events can either be caused by the vaccine or coincidental events that occur after vaccination. Two serious but rare adverse events identified with COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are anaphylaxis and myocarditis or pericarditis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after any vaccination and requires immediate treatment with epinephrine and possibly hospitalization. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. People with severe allergies to any components of the mRNA vaccines should not receive these vaccines. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to injectable medications or other vaccines, you should talk with your doctor to evaluate your risk.
Recovering after COVID-19 vaccines
Some people experience no side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, while others may have mild, temporary reactions that typically resolve within a few days. Even if you don’t experience side effects, your body is still building protection against COVID-19. Common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, which might appear red on lighter skin tones.
In the unlikely event of emergency symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, call 9-1-1 immediately. Other potential side effects are:
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
To relieve common side effects:
- Use an ice pack or a cool, damp cloth on the injection site to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling.
- Take a cool bath to soothe discomfort.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, but only after vaccination and after consulting your doctor.
It’s normal for some side effects to last up to 10 days (about one-and-a-half weeks). If the injection site worsens after 24 hours, you have persistent symptoms lasting more than 72 hours (about three days), or you have any concerns about side effects, contact your Penn Medicine health care provider .
