Can shortness of breath be a side effect of the covid vaccine?

Probably not. If you have a fever or fatigue for a day, it may be due to the vac. However, any shortness of breath needs to be checked out. At 18, you are between a pediatrician and an adult primary care physicians. If you do not have a doctor that you have seen and relate too, I would advise seeking out a family physician that you like. Checking out your shortness of breath would be a good start.

Many people experience some anxiety or vaso-vagal symptoms with a vaccination. If you are otherwise asymptomatic it is unlikely to be a problem. Follow up with your health care provider if you are unsure