Reminder: 15-Minute Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Observation Period is Now Optional

The 15-minute post-COVID-19 vaccination observation period is now optional. COVID-19 vaccine Providers, particularly when vaccinating adolescents, should consider observing vaccine recipients for 15 minutes. Syncope (fainting) may occur in association with any injectable vaccine, especially in adolescents. Procedures should be in place to prevent falling injuries and manage syncopal reactions. Patients should be seated or lying down during vaccination. If syncope develops, patients should be observed until symptoms resolve.

Additionally, providers should consider observing people with the following medical histories for 30 minutes after COVID-19 vaccination to monitor for allergic reactions:

• Allergy-related contraindication to a different type of COVID-19 vaccine
• Non-severe, immediate (onset within 4 hours) allergic reaction after a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
• Anaphylaxis after non-COVID-19 vaccines or injectable therapies

For further information, please see CDC Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination.