Things You Need To Fight the Vaccine's Side Effects, Recommended By an Expert Things You Need To Fight the Vaccine's Side Effects, Recommended By an Expert The CDC reports that common side effects of getting the COVID-19 vaccine include pain, redness, and swelling on the arm where you got the shot as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea throughout the rest of your body. They recommend using a cool compress to reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot as well as drinking plenty of fluids to reduce discomfort from fever. We spoke to registered dietitian