Moderna covid vaccine side effects
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Side Effects of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
Common Side Effects: Injection Site Pain, Fatigue, and Headache
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, like other vaccines, has been associated with a range of side effects. The most frequently reported side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fever 14. These side effects are generally mild and self-limiting, resolving within a few days after vaccination 39.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Although rare, severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported following the administration of the Moderna vaccine. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that typically occurs within minutes to hours after vaccination. In the United States, the rate of anaphylaxis after the first dose of the Moderna vaccine was found to be approximately 2.5 cases per million doses administered 2. Most individuals who experienced anaphylaxis had a history of allergies or previous anaphylactic reactions 2.
Dermatological Reactions: "COVID Arm" and Bullous Eruptions
The Moderna vaccine has also been associated with dermatological side effects. A notable reaction is the "COVID arm," characterized by a delayed large local reaction at the injection site, which can appear several days after vaccination 10. Additionally, there have been rare reports of bullous drug eruptions, such as bullous pemphigoid, following the second dose of the Moderna vaccine 6. These reactions, while concerning, are uncommon and typically resolve with appropriate medical treatment.
Myocarditis and Other Serious Conditions
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, has been reported in some individuals following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, including the Moderna vaccine. This condition has been observed more frequently after the second dose and predominantly in younger males 7. Despite these reports, the overall incidence of myocarditis remains low, and the benefits of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of these rare adverse events 7.
Side Effects in Specific Populations: Immunocompromised Patients
Immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients receiving immunotherapy, may experience a higher frequency of side effects following the Moderna vaccine. These patients reported more frequent and delayed onset of side effects, with weakness being the most common reaction 8. However, there was no significant increase in serious adverse reactions in this population 8.
Conclusion
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is associated with a range of side effects, most of which are mild and transient. Severe allergic reactions and rare dermatological conditions have been reported but remain uncommon. The benefits of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 far outweigh the risks of these side effects. Continued monitoring and reporting of adverse events are essential to ensure the safety of all vaccine recipients.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Adverse Effects of Pfizer (BioNTech), Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 CoV-19), and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines among the Adult Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine caused fewer adverse effects than Oxford-AstraZeneca and Moderna, with females experiencing more side effects and younger individuals experiencing more side effects.
Observational StudyAllergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 21, 2020–January 10, 2021
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may cause mild allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in a small number of cases.
Highly CitedThe safety profile of COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States
The three COVID-19 vaccines have a wide safety profile with only minor and self-limiting adverse effects, but continued monitoring is needed for potential serious side effects.
Observational StudyHighly CitedCOVID-19 vaccines: comparison of biological, pharmacological characteristics and adverse effects of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines.
Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing infection, but Moderna is easier to transport and store due to its less temperature sensitive nature.
Highly CitedCovid-19: People who have had infection might only need one dose of mRNA vaccine
People who have previously had covid-19 infection may only need one dose of mRNA vaccine, with rapid antibody response and more frequent side effects compared to those who received a second dose in phase III trials.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedBullous drug eruption after second dose of mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine: Case report
The Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine may cause bullous drug eruptions in rare cases, with the most common side effects being headache, muscle pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site.
Case ReportUse of COVID-19 Vaccines After Reports of Adverse Events Among Adult Recipients of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna): Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, July 2021
The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks for rare serious adverse events in adults aged 18 years, with varying risks by age and sex.
Highly CitedRetrospective single system analysis of side effects experienced with mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) vaccinations in immunocompromised cancer patients compared with CDC VAERS database between December 15th, 2020, through July 31st, 2021.
Cancer patients receiving immunotherapy are more likely to experience mild side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, with weakness being the most common, but no statistically significant increase in more serious adverse reactions.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal“Covid arm”: Abnormal side effect after Moderna COVID‐19 vaccine
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may cause a localized erythematous reaction at the injection site, but no systemic involvement was observed in these two cases.
Case Report