What v-safe registrants wrote to the CDC after their Pfizer or Moderna shots, in their own words. Each card is one person, with all of their free text. This page shows only the longer stories: the 116,000 people who wrote at least 400 characters in all. The text is as the CDC released it, except that email addresses and phone numbers are hidden. You get a random set of these people on every visit.
9.13.2021 – I have Menderes Disease, which I have had since age 7 when I had an accident. One of the symptoms, tinnitus, which I have always had, has gotten louder and my hearing has diminished in that ear. I understand it may be related to the vaccination. Office visit with 2 different hearing tests.
11.2.2021 – The glands in my neck are swollen, and muscles in my neck hurt. It hurts when I swallow. These symptoms are moderate to severe.
4.6.2021 – Exactly one week after my vaccine my arm swelled up, about 3x as normal. It was red & hot. I then started breaking out in hives, that were starting from injection site and spread to my chest & all down the right side of my back. Had to see a Dr.
4.20.2021 – I have felt out of it. Like a brain fog, since 1 week after my 1st vaccine. I'm not sure if it's related to the vaccine or not. Because of my weird reaction that I have, one week after my vaccine, my doctor recommended that I wait a couple of months.
3.23.2022 – Had Covid in January. Have since then experienced heart palpitations, fatigue and headache
4.9.2021 – Burning sensation from my neck to my finger tips
4.10.2021 – Burning sensation down my arm to my hand, into my armpit area and across my back and up into my neck on the side of the injection
4.13.2021 – Burning sensation and aching into my neck this morning that lessened during the day
4.16.2021 – Everyday gets a bit better. I am able to work out normally. The tiredness and the pain is nominal.
4.30.2021 – Burning sensation radiating from the injection site down my arm into my hand up into my neck and jaw and over under my shoulder blade
5.1.2021 – Burning sensation in injection arm, into my back and neck
5.2.2021 – Burning sensation up and down my arm, under my shoulder blade and into my neck
5.3.2021 – Burning sensation in my arm, neck, back and rib age in the side of the injection
5.3.2022 – Depression has elevated from mild to crying uncontrollable
5.15.2022 – Abdominal pain, chest pain Have pcp appt tonorrow
5.23.2022 – Tested positive for COVID
1.13.2021 – On 1/8 Erythema, itching 25 cent size left deltoid medial to injection site which doubled in size on 1/9. No other symptoms. Gone by 1/10
1.27.2021 – One week after my first dose on 12/30 I had itching medial to the injection site. There was 25 cent area of pale erythema. No other symptoms, no fever. Next day erythema doubled in size. No itching. Day after that completely resolved.
1.29.2021 – Nasal congestion. Did not think I was feverish yesterday so didn't check temp. But, in middle of night I diaphoresed- woke up with very damp nightshirt. Temp was normal thend
1.31.2021 – Sinus congestion
11.5.2021 – On 11/4 had generalized myalgias, chills , and temp of 101 orally.
5.19.2022 – Forgot to say have been having L axilla pain x6 days. Doesn't interfere with anything. Slightly tender node on palpation L axilla.
5.20.2022 – L axillary discomfort now resolved
10.1.2022 – Swollen, slightly tender left axillary node since day of injectio
10.2.2022 – Left axillary lymph node swelling decreased in size and tenderness
10.3.2022 – Swollen left axillary node resolved
5.18.2021 – Intermittent pains in left thigh & groin area. I have a hip replacement & I was afraid it was failing. My Dr did X-ray of area & said all was well & that it could be vaccination causing inflammation in weak areas. It is gone now.
4.22.2022 – Throbbing pain on the outside of my leg by my ankle. It is there early before I start moving and return at night when I go to sleep. I'm using Ibuprofen to alleviate it. I am pain free all day!
4.29.2022 – Sharp, radiating pain on outside of left ankle which eventually circled my ankle & made it difficult to walk. It is improving each day . Started last Friday.
10.2.2022 – Contracted Covid in early August. Took Paxlovid & had a rebound case. Symptoms were sore throat, stuffiness in my head, tiredness, and low grade fever. Lasted about three weeks, fine now.
4.23.2021 – Sore or Aching Arm
7.24.2022 – 7/23/22 - Arm very sore, almost a numbness type of feeling. Today, 7/23/22 Arm soreness has lessened, area still a little swollen, and new soreness under armpit area.
7.25.2022 – I have had a very mild headache, but temperatures have been in 100's so dehydration cilould be issue, and there has been wild fire smoke, so difficult to pinpoint or relate to the booster shot.
8.12.2022 – I tested positive for Covid on 8/10/2022.
8.19.2022 – Positive for Covid on Aug 10th. Feeling 85% back to normal, some dizziness this morning, natious, dry vomit, but it passed.
10.18.2022 – Mild discomfort in lungs when breathing in, and some discomfort on the right side of the arm, unde4 arm, and right pectoral chest area.
10.25.2021 – Right after receiving the vaccine, I started my menstrual cycle out of sync to when i usually get it and significantly more intense and longer than usual.
10.26.2021 – Heavy menstrual cycle, out of sync of when i'd expect it. Started same day i got the shot. It is the heaviest menstrual bleeding, and the longest cycle i have ever experienced. I don't know if it is related to the shot, but that is the only think of
11.4.2021 – I think i just picked up a cold. I have a sore throat and am very tired
12.29.2021 – None
1.2.2022 – Feeling a discomfort/pain in my kidney. Reported to dr. Took Tylenol and drinking electrolytes. Helping some.
3.30.2022 – It's not that it just started, just didn't think about until brought to my attention. I am almost completely exhausted come 8:30 PM.
8.18.2022 – Had headaches for two days in a row. On third day, I woke up with real bad vertigo. Lasted until I went to sleep. Other than those three days, I've been fine. Although at times, it feels like the vertigo wants to come back, but goes away.
4.17.2021 – I always have joint and back pain so hard to decipher if from the shot.
4.18.2021 – I feel very loopy. Also I want to mention that I had a shot of Tardol right after my vaccination. I had to go to ER for my ribs. Not sure if that matters.
4.22.2021 – Stomach pain for two days. Better today.
4.23.2021 – Very tired this morning and my body ached buy I went outside at 2pm in the sunshine and felt better moving around.
5.15.2021 – Two hours after the shot I got very spacey and foggy and shouldn't have been driving. I went outside for a few hours after I got home and felt better. I've been outside a lot today and taking it easy. I think that helps a lot. Also my joint and body ached are not from the shot as I always have them.
5.3.2021 – Only lasted for two hours after being active all day
10.30.2021 – Disequilibrium
1.14.2022 – On side of injection- Mild armpit pain and breast pain lasting 2-3min, on two separate occasions today.
1.15.2022 – Mild armpit/breast pain on injection side lasting no more than 3min, on two occasions since last check in.
1.16.2022 – One occurrence since last check in of minor breast/armpit pain on injection side lasting no more than 2-3min.
1.17.2022 – One occurrence since last check in of mild armpit/breast pain on side of injection, lasting no longer than 2-3min.
1.18.2022 – Same armpit/breast pain as previously described. One occurence since last check in only lasting for 2-3min
2.1.2022 – My intermittent breast pain still exists, and my period is lasting longer than what I would consider normal for me, especially since I skipped the sugar pills in my birth control.
2.5.2021 – Dizziness
2.8.2021 – Puffy spot anterior axilla on side of injection
2.9.2021 – Swelling of anterior axilla on side of injection
2.10.2021 – Swelling in armpit - mild compared with yesterday
2.25.2021 – Mental confusion
5.6.2021 – Tinnitus, GI upset w/ diarrhea, waking early with feeling of impending doom that lasts 3-5 hours, nausea, loss of appetite
8.5.2021 – Heightened panic, dissociative episodes. These are new for me Ive never had disassociation before this month.
2.4.2022 – Frozen shoulder
4.3.2021 – Was diagnosed with Covid in December. Feels worse in that the vaccine hits all at once.
4.5.2021 – Parosmia got worse after the vaccine.
4.6.2021 – Just the Parosmia that worsened after the vaccine
4.7.2021 – Parosmia worse after vaccine.
4.9.2021 – Parosmia which worsened after the vaccine is bad today.
4.23.2021 – Parosmia worse. Have a small lump in my arm where vaccine was administered.
4.30.2021 – Had what felt like an explosion of light in my eye. Knocked me back. Went to ophthalmologist and she said it was a vitreous detachment. Could be a precursor to retinal detachment. Two tiny lumps under the skin near the vaccination site. In person visit with ophthalmologist
5.7.2021 – Parosmia is worse. Stomach issues are worse.
5.14.2021 – Parosmia is worse. Hair loss is more. Ive lost half of my hair. Not sure if its due to long Covid or the vaccine. But certain symptoms did escalate after the J&J vaccine. More nausea.
7.2.2021 – Short term memory loss. Parosmia worse.
10.1.2021 – Gallstones/gallbladder removal
4.2.2022 – Tingling hands and feet, arm pain
10.5.2022 – I've had some mild respiratory symptoms since the evening after vaccination. Like it felt when I had Covid. My doctor said to do a home test that was negative. Almost feels like an allergy - an itchy feeling in my respiratory tract.
10.6.2022 – Still a bit of respiratory irritation but pollen is in the air, so?Also, my smell and taste issues from long Covid seem to be a bit better since having the vaccine!
10.7.2022 – My throat was numb last night. Respiratory tract still irritated. Could be coinciding with allergies
10.30.2022 – Tinnitus has gotten worse Feeling worse in general. Not sure if it's from my long Covid tho. My symptoms fluctuate.
11.6.2022 – Felt like I had Covid lite but it didn't morph into anything. Haven't been anywhere and tested negative. Diarrhea, heart palps, headache. Parosmia/Phantosmia is bad again. Just feeling kind of crummy.
11.13.2022 – Tinnitus is flaring. Usual long Covid ups and downs that seem to worsen after each vaccine.
3.19.2021 – I bumped the knuckles of my right hand somehow and an egg sized bruise swelled up. This has never happened to me before so I thought Id mention it. It has not receded.
4.30.2021 – Weakness and fatigue.
5.7.2021 – My Menieres Disease is acting up and causing severe vertigo and unsteadiness.
5.14.2021 – Menieres Disease symptoms have worsened dramatically. I cant walk without a cane and I had been able to do so quite well. My ENT gave me a steroid shot and oral dose pack. ENT office visit.
5.21.2021 РM̩ni̬res disease vertigo and extreme weakness in my legs causing difficulty in walking.
5.28.2021 – Difficulty walking. Extreme weakness. Wildly fluctuating BP. Worsening Menieres Disease vertigo. Blood draw
7.16.2021 – I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre as a result of the vaccine. I have been extremely weak and I have great difficulty walking due to weakness and numbness in my legs. I received seven blood plasma exchange treatments with very little improvement. Blood plasma exchange treatments on outpatient basis for three weeks
2.28.2021 – 3 red lines 2 of which are faint un underside of arm where vaccination occurred more prominent one about 2 inches long not very wide
3.1.2021 – Same as yesterday lines under injection site arm seem to be fading
3.2.2021 – As previously mentioned had three red lines on underside of injection site arm near armpit one has disappeared one is barely visible one is still noticeable
3.3.2021 – As before has 3 red lines inderneath injection site arm 1 has gone 1 is barely visilble. 1 is still noticeable but faded and probably a little shorter
3.4.2021 – Two of the three red lines on underside of injection site arm have faded the one left is mostly faded
6.25.2021 – Had urinary issues tied to the use of lamisal in tje groin area
10.31.2021 – No
4.28.2022 – Stomach issues like constipated, difestive noises and upset stomach
3.3.2021 – Suddenly flushed, pain behind eyes and terribly tired. I washed my face with cold water to relieve discomfort, took a nap then took advil and gradually improved. Next day almost gone. May have been from food sensitivity or food poisoning.
3.10.2021 – Cold, bad sniffles, maybe feverish
1.27.2022 – Very high fever when covid started. Slightly lower oxygen level for couple of days. Sudden onset of tiredness End of December had hernia surgery
1.10.2021 – Runny nose and sneezing
7.9.2021 – Got viral gastroenteritis from my daughter (recently started daycare) and needed to go to the ED for IV fluids. Got a viral URI from my daughter and missed 1 day of work while waiting on covid test.
9.30.2022 – Axillary soreness/tenderness
11.2.2022 – Mild viral URI with laryngitis (covid negative x2). Husband and daughter had a URI that I caught. (This is in now way related to the covid booster, but is new symptoms since my last check in)
3.26.2021 – I believe its something i ate because i was fine after the shot just red around the shot area
6.19.2021 – I am constantly clearing my throat but i also have gerd i drink water to clear it up i plan on calling my docter
3.20.2022 – I couldnt talk my nose was running everything tasted funny and smelled funny all i could do is stay in bed i was sick on my birthday i called my docter took a home covid test it was positve that was january 26 i went back to work in feb
1.4.2021 – Roof mouth tender
1.13.2021 – Headache. Stuffy nose. Elevated BP (135-145/95-105). (I don't suspect BP is related to the vaccine but rather a change in medications.)
1.28.2021 – Sore throat, cough, sneeze
2.4.2021 – Stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, loose stool, chest congestion, wheezing
2.11.2021 – Head congestion
2.18.2021 – Swelling, redness and heat in knees. (bilateral) (never experienced before).Chest congestion.Reflux.
11.1.2021 – Hives on neck and ear. Dry scratchy eyelids, mouth and nose. Itchy body.
11.15.2021 – Hot knees. Sore throat
11.22.2021 – Sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, chest cough, fatigue
8.4.2022 – Stuffy nose, sore throat
8.27.2022 – Sore throat, cough, chest and head congestion
9.8.2022 – Have covid and still testing positive. Cough, congested head and chest. Slight headache.
1.4.2021 – Approximately 60 minutes after receiving vaccine I experienced a slight feeling of lightheadedness. It lasted approximately 2 hours. Sensation disappeared and currently feel normal.
1.7.2021 – All symptoms are mild and not unusual for me.
1.9.2021 – At 1 AM I experienced a sudden onset pain in the area of my right scapula. It was uncomfortable enough that I felt I probably wasn't going to get much sleep. After an hour of trying to find a comfortable I took one naproxen. In 30 minutes the pain went away. My wife insisted In the morning that I go to urgent care or the emergency room because she discovered that it could be symptomatic of a heart issue. I went to urgent care who told me to go to the emergency room. The emergency room doctor diagnosed my experience as being a muscle spasm And prescribed a muscle relaxer. As of this time the pain has not returned and since it is the opposite shoulder of the arm in which I received the vaccinationI doubt that he had any connection to the vaccination.
2.3.2021 – 72 hours After shot #1 experienced significant pain near right scapula diagnosed at ER as muscle spasm. 48 hours after shot #2 had mild pain/discomfort in exactly same area. Both quickly resolved with Naproxen.
3.8.2021 – Adverse skin reaction to prescribed Nystatin powder, extreme reddening and itching of application site.
11.30.2021 – A day of much more coughing than usual. Following morning coughing caused a mildly painful feeling in my chest and greater runny nose. Treated by inhaling warm moist air from hot drinks . Symptoms much better today. No fever or other symptoms.
12.7.2021 – One day of severe shortness of breath that is much better within 24 hours.
4.10.2021 – eczema like rash on my left arm right where I received the vaccine. It was very itchy at first. I have been applying topical creams to it. Kind if a surprise because it did not appear until the 5 day after vaccine
4.17.2021 – hot flash this is usual because I am usually cold
4.26.2021 – hoarseness and stuffiness
7.17.2021 – some bouts of diarrhea, going to a Doctor next week to get it checked out
10.20.2021 – more acid reflux
10.30.2021 – upset stomach, diarrhea, lots of gas. I think sone cheese or turkey pepperoni slices did nit agree with me. I also ate lactose free ice cream
11.18.2021 – the bottom of my feet are red and tender to touch
4.14.2022 – I thought I broke my right hand, luckily I did not, just a bad sprain. Also I had a sinus infection I went to Urgent care to get the overnight COVID 19 test
5.6.2021 – The red and hot patch around my injection site was worse for a few days but once I took antihistamines it calmed down. It is still a bit warm but not as discolored.
5.21.2021 – Heartburn
5.24.2021 – Difficulty taking deep breaths
5.25.2021 – Difficulty taking deep breaths and subsequent dizziness
5.27.2021 – High heart rate and difficulty with deep breaths
6.10.2021 – I was admitted to the hospital for Pulmonary Embolism and am not on blood thinners. They have not said for certain yet that this is not due to the vaccine shot, but since my symptoms started right after the second shot....
3.18.2021 – Note: I have an autoimmune blood disorder known as anti-phospholipid syndrome or APS. I have also had the following symptoms: coughing up mucus, chest pains and periods of difficulty breathing, extreme unsatisfied thirst (like I just ran a marathon), cold symptoms, body aches which seem to highlight and focus on points of past injuries, and the pain at the injection site I would equate to somebody swinging a bat at my arm full force until it broke in half. Please note I have a very high pain tolerance, so this is extremely unusual for me.
3.23.2021 – At times I find it hard to breathe, like my chest is tight. It comes and goes and I do not have a history of asthma and am NOT a smoker.
10.14.2021 – We are now pregnant and expecting.
2.11.2021 – Skin reddening at injection site w/ slight swelling, but no pain or itch.
3.4.2021 – Extreme fatigue on a few days, and a couple days of feeling feverish. Also occasional GI distress (gas, nausea, uncharacteristic bowel movements- greater frequency, different color and texture than normal, but not diarrhea or constipation)
3.11.2021 – Digestive upset- may have nothing to do w/ this though- newly diagnosed hypothyroidism in the last year(prior to Covid) - so could be related. Began Synthroid about 6/2020. Helped some symptoms but digestive upset seems 2 be worsening since shot #2.
10.7.2021 – No
1.3.2022 – Wicked sore throat, mild fever, congestion, cough, muscle pain, anxiety
2.5.2021 – Yellow spot in my central vision of my left eye. Thickening of my retina.
2.25.2021 – Inflamed lymph node on my neck
2.26.2021 – Inflamed lymph node on my neck, painful
2.28.2021 – Swollen lymph node in neck
3.1.2021 – Swollen lymph node in the neck
3.17.2021 – Body aches and the lymph node on my neck is still swollen.
3.25.2021 – Muscle spasms and weakness. I have an inflammed lymph node on the right side of my neck, which is the side i got the vaccine on.
4.7.2021 – Inflamed lymph node in neck, muscle spams. PCP
8.25.2021 – Vertigo, headaches, neck and shoulder pain Doctors Offcie-In person visit
3.10.2021 – was sick with flu like symptoms day after 2nd vaccination
3.31.2021 – have to monitor blood pressure- erratic since vaccines and virus- dr will meet me in a month to review track blood pressure 3x day
4.7.2021 – Still trucking blood pressure it goes up and down erratically
4.14.2021 – blood pressure is still up and down and abnormal
6.2.2021 – have experienced high blood pressure and have to consult cardiologist after holter monitor to determine origin of svt
3.20.2021 – Soreness at the injection site (left deltoid)
4.15.2021 – The day after I got the shot (not today) I felt unusually tired. I wasn't sure if it was because of the vaccine because I was supposed to start my cycle soon and figured it was PMS. Looking back it now, I believe it was a side effect of the booster vaccine. I read that the booster is a lot harder on people in terms of side effects. I felt no side effects after the first dose except soreness at the injection site, as to be expected. Additionally, I felt intense pain on the right side of my abdomen that I assumed was ovulation pain; however, it was more painful than usual and lasted all day, so I am not sure. I did not take pain any pain medication for it, although it was painful enough for it. I just figured rest was what I need as I was unusually tired.
3.6.2021 – Also, ear ache....haven't had those in years!
3.7.2021 – Very sore in low back muscles
3.9.2021 – Much more tired today
3.18.2021 – As an example, I normally walk 18 holes of golf. I have been unable to that. Don't feel bad just extremely tired. I usually have alot of energy. Have felt this way since my 2nd vaccine. Hasn't kept me from normal activities, just can't do as mu
9.2.2021 – Had what I diagnosed as a sinus infection. Lasted two weeks with a residual cough. Husband did not get sick. Waiting to get booster and wondering how to go about it.
3.25.2021 – 3-4 days of watery diarrhea, very fatigue, Increased stiffness in neck and shoulders.Body aches not too severe, brain fog fairly bad at times, comes and goes, especially there when highly fatigued.
4.13.2021 – Day after Thursday, April 1st, 2021 Pfizer Vaccine, I felt like I had a very bad flu, with heavy body aches, extremely fatigue and exhaustion. Experienced Strong brain fog and lack of focus for two days. The next week, has diarrhea for 3 days.
4.1.2022 – Jan 11-18, 2022 had COVID, bad headache, extreme fatigue, fever, chills, not hungry, no taste or smell. Tested positive for Covid. Tested neg. for flu, strep. Recovery slow, with exhaustion, fatigue, lingering congestion,slow return of smell/taste
4.3.2021 – Lower back and hip pain since second shot.
11.17.2021 – Two days feeling fatigued with slight chills and aches; no fever.
1.26.2022 – Cold symptoms. Attended an indoor event in which others are now testing positive. Antigen test this morning was negative but symptoms are worsening. We are presumptively quarantining.
4.27.2022 – Tested positive for Covid Jan 27 2022 after a family wedding. Isolated under (b)(6)Govt instructions for 10 days. Now fine.
2.22.2021 – Right aching top of forehand - no discoloration or swelling. No idea if it is related to vaccination.
4.26.2021 – A daylong headache then nausea and vomiting the following day down to bile which finally resolved after taking an antiemetic. It took the next 3 days to recover. No family members came down with it. Source unknown. COVID-19 test negative.
1.25.2022 – Prolonged headache, GI upset,fever, diarrhea, NO sinus congestion Covid drive through test
7.15.2022 – Earache probably related to elevation change and subsequent infection
12.9.2022 – Dry cough for 10 days as part of respiratory illness
