You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine. There is no live COVID-19 virus in each of the approved vaccines which can infect you. The vaccines make our bodies produce one single protein from the virus—the protein that infects our cells. By making that protein, we prevent infection. You may have side effects like a headache or chills, but that is because your body is creating an immune response, not because you have an infection.

It may also be possible to have caught COVID-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.

The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following:

• a new continuous cough; 
• a high temperature; and 
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

Although a mild fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test.