Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and don’t last long, and not everyone gets them. The most common side effects should only last a day or two.
The most common side effects in the first day or two are:
pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given.
Rare or very rare side effects from the vaccine include:
allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives (a raised, itchy rash), difficulty swallowing, and feeling dizzy, and
Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nerve condition that can cause muscle weakness.
Serious side effects are rare. Overall, the vaccine is safer than the risk of serious illness from RSV infection.
To find out more about the side effects of the vaccine, read the patient information leaflet online:
If your symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, contact NHS Wales by calling 111 or ring your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard (external site), by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Call 999 immediately if you have had the vaccine and experience any of the following.
Difficulty breathing
Prolonged fainting, confusion or unconsciousness
Swelling of the face, neck or tongue.
These symptoms may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction and typically happen within 15 minutes of being vaccinated.