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.
Arthropathy, Muscular weakness and Myalgia
2.6.2021 – My experience with the second dose (January 29) has been much more mild than after the first dose. The soreness in my arm was less intense and of shorter duration; and I experienced just a couple of days of unusual tiredness, also of less intensity and duration. Also, hardly any muscle and joint aches. I feel very much normal.
5.2.2021 – Not sure how to describe. Right elbow/joint/muscle has moments of weakness. Has been occurring for a couple of months but did not think it was worth mentioning; I assumed it would go away. Have yet to discuss with my primary physician.
10.1.2021 – I literally just got the 3rd vaccination this very minute, therefore nothing has happened to report.
Joint swelling, Mobility decreased and Neck pain
4.17.2021 – On 4/08/21 after working in my garden, my knee became Immobile and swollen for about a week. This is regularly done work and my knees have never swollen in my life. I mention it now because I didnt associate it with the Vaccine. Thought maybe I should share just in case it was a Side effect.
4.12.2022 – Neck pain. Started in December. Limited range. Feels like a super crick in my neck that I can't quite get rid of Chiropractic care, doctors visit and Physical Therapy
Joint noise, Skin warm and Rash erythematous
3.21.2021 – I cant move the arm i got the injectiln in...and its popping when i try to move it. The nurse put the shot in really high on my shoulder and im worried something is wrong because the pain is so bad when i try to move my shoulder
3.22.2021 – My should err joint is still very painful and still cant move it. There is a popping and vlicking when i do move my arm where i got the shot
3.23.2021 – Still have horrible pain in my shoulder joint when i try to move my arm in any direction Went to my primary care dr
3.24.2021 – Still have sjoulder pain..cant move my arm
9.18.2021 – Inflamation in the joints and intermittent facial flushing headaches and swollen ankles feel andbintermittent heart palpations
11.15.2021 – Slight tightness in the chest
2.2.2022 – Red hot rash spots on my legs
Quarantine, Discharge and Myalgia
2.1.2021 – The evening of the 2nd dose my arm was sore and I had mild muscle aches. Overnight I had a fever, chills and muscle aches. I took Tylenol, and about two hours later my fever broke. In the morning I woke up with a moderate headache and mild muscle aches. That day I did not feel terrible but I did not fell good either. I did chores around the house but I was uncomfortable. I took a nap that after noon. By the next morning I felt fine, like a normal day.
1.31.2022 – Covid 19. Omnicron? Congestion and drainage only. NO fever, sore throat or other symptoms. Very mild. I would have chosen to stay home from work for 2 days but stayed home 5 days per cdc policy. Was well enough to work from home. Thkful for vaccine!
Paranasal sinus discomfort, Injection site swelling and Erythema
8.13.2021 – Small bump near injection sight, wouldnt call it swelling but you can barely feel it
8.14.2021 – It was a little red at day 2, didnt notice till after the check up. Day 3 its a little more visibly red, less pain though than yesterday.
9.3.2021 – Began feeling these later in the evening. It was extremely mild, more so it felt like it was gonna come but didnt.
9.4.2021 – Very mild sinus pressure - could be the cold weather also affecting it - but noticed after getting the shot
Musculoskeletal pain, Joint stiffness and Impaired work ability
1.10.2021 – Dizzy feeling since waking up
11.1.2021 – Extreme musculoskeletal pain, joint stiffness, chills, headache, fullness in head with in 12 hours after taking Flu shot on 10/31/21. I was perfectly fine fully functional until above.
9.28.2022 – Shortness of breath on contracting Covid infection in Early june 2022. I was not able to work for 3 weeks, I returned to work only for 4 hours and gradually increased to fill time over next 4 weeks. Same with day to day activities. Remain SOB on
10.3.2022 – None of this has affected my daily activities. At work full time
Medical device removal, Ankle operation and Irritability
1.18.2021 – Extremely irritable
1.22.2021 – Tired and cold ink if related to shot
2.8.2021 – I had surgery on my ankle to remove hardware on 2/2 so Unknown if related to vaccine, but on 2/5 I started feeling nausea, fatigue and all around yucky. I attribute it to my antibiotic and pain meds but unknown for sure.
2.17.2021 – Bone chilling cold I cant shake for the last couple of days and my whole body hurts
2.11.2022 – Lingering cough for several weeks
9.24.2022 – Itchy eyes
9.25.2022 – Sneezing/sinus pressure
9.28.2022 – Sneezing/sinus pressure/ sore throat
9.29.2022 – Cough/sneezing/sinus infection
10.6.2022 – Headache for 4 days
10.27.2022 – Sneezing, sinus, itchy throat
Orthostatic hypertension, Eructation and Conjunctivitis
1.17.2021 – I have a urinary tract infection
1.24.2021 – Conjunctivitis
2.4.2021 – Chest and back discomfort (moderate)
2.22.2021 – Mild swelling in my feet
2.28.2021 – Mild edema in my ankles and feet. Also, woke up two nights with pain in center of chest, back and throat. May have been some kind of esophageal spasm or reflux?
3.7.2021 – Gastro symptoms such as frequent burping, pain/pressure at times in center of chest, reflux
3.14.2021 – Edema in my feet and ankles
5.2.2021 – UTI
8.1.2021 – Mild UTITwo colds with symptoms including sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, congested cough, general malaise I went to the ER when I had the UTI and one of the colds at the same time. Only reason I went to the ER rather than PCP is because I was out of state visiting relatives and insurance only covered ER in that circumstance.
1.29.2022 – Orthostatic hypotension
Amenorrhea, Axillary mass and Menstrual disorder
2.4.2021 – ache in armpit of the arm the injection was given. I get this after the flu shot as well.
2.5.2021 – slight ache in left armpit. I usually get this after the flu shot but much sooner
2.12.2021 – itching at the injection site
3.7.2021 – pain and it feels like I have a lump in my armpit.
3.8.2021 – mild pain in armpit
3.9.2021 – slight pain in armpit
3.10.2021 – slight discomfort in armpit
4.11.2021 – nasal drainage and congestion, scratchy throat, and sneezing.
6.4.2021 – irregular menstrual cycles
9.3.2021 – headaches, nasal congestion, nasal drainage, sneezing
3.5.2022 – irregular menstrual cycles.
12.4.2022 – abnormal menstrual cycles-amennorhea
Telemedicine and Tinnitus
3.16.2021 – Ringing in ear, tinnitus
3.17.2021 – Tinnitus ringing in ear continues
3.18.2021 – Ringing in ear tinnitus continues Scheduled to see pcp
3.19.2021 – Ringing in ear tinnitus continues Appointment scheduled
3.20.2021 – Tinnitus continues Appointment scheduled
3.27.2021 – Tinnitus worsening. It started in other ear as well.
4.3.2021 – Tinnitus, which after 1st shot of Pfizer vaccination, has increased. Unable to find relief.
4.10.2021 – Worsening of tinnitus
4.24.2021 – Tinnitus not going away. Significantly affected lifestyle
Neck injury, Bedridden and Back injury
4.9.2021 – My left arm just feels heavy like 'am carrying iron.
4.13.2021 – Severe pain in my thigh and right leg
4.22.2021 – I have some sore throat, inflammation in my throat, ears and chest. I am not sure if it's because of change in weather, or pollen or the shot.
5.20.2021 – My side and back feel swollen, and am physically exhausted and short winded.
5.6.2022 – I was in a car accident, my back, neck and legs were injured, and that kept me bed for a while, also had to take medications.
Injection site reaction and Lymphadenopathy
9.14.2021 – Swelling in lymph nodes (?) above injection site near collarbone.
9.15.2021 – Swelling of lymph nodes (I think) above injection site by collarbone.
9.16.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes above the injection site by collarbone
9.17.2021 – Swelling of lymph nodes above injection site near collarbone. Slightly less today.
9.18.2021 – Still some swelling of lymph nodes above injection site by collarbone
9.19.2021 – Minor swelling of lymph nodes above the injection site by my collarbone
Onychomycosis, Flatulence and Ear pain
4.6.2021 – Gas
4.22.2021 – 16 days after shot 1, experienced muscle pain in back from waist to arm pit on right side only that extended around to side. Came on unexpectedly. Can't attribute to physical activity/injury. Lasted ~24 hrs. Made it extremely uncomfortable to sleep.
6.8.2021 – Ear ache on right side only for a period of three days.
4.29.2022 – Toe nail fungus. I have no prior history and have not been exposed in ways one would typically develop the condition.
10.14.2022 – COVID
12.31.2022 – Pain in both hips
Viral sinusitis, Aspartate aminotransferase increased and Alanine aminotransferase increased
12.29.2020 – Upper left arm shoulder to w dull th
12.30.2020 – No
3.1.2021 – DM no longer under control. I am going for abdominal ultrasound, ast alt very high. Severe oral candidis. May be totally unrelated Ultrasound ordered
3.9.2021 – Skin infection in corners of mouth. New onset of vertigo. Elevared LFTs
4.29.2021 – Vertigo
10.31.2021 – Mild cold symptoms
11.13.2021 – Overlying moderate level fatigue, mild bone and muscle ache, no fever or cough.
11.27.2021 – Scratchy throat headache stiff neck.
4.29.2022 – Bacterial versus viral sinus infection and pneumonia
Libido decreased, Peripheral vascular disorder and Cardiovascular disorder
1.30.2021 – Leg swelling, both equally - happened after first dose as well.
1.31.2021 – Lower leg/calf swelling lymph node
2.1.2021 – Swelling in legs / circulation reduced both legs still present.
2.2.2021 – Reduced circulation to lower legs feet. Feeling of swelling better than yesterday.
2.3.2021 – Slight swelling in both legs with reduced circulation.
2.17.2021 – Per personal doctor, possibly experiencing Raynauds Syndrome as side affect of vaccine.
4.30.2021 – Fatigue, reduced sex drive.
Skin irritation, Hypersensitivity and Urticaria
3.9.2021 – Non anaphylactic rashes and hives along lower back. Lower left arm also itchy but no signs of hives
3.19.2021 – Constant skin irritation and rashes appearing at night. Goes away with antihistamines
3.26.2021 – Clear allergic reactions still appearing on skin since second day after second injection. Its gotten worse, 2 12hr doses of Allegra is the only thing to subdue affects. Seeking provider Monday March 30th
3.5.2022 – Tested positive for Covid. Had extremely similar symptoms with a negative test 3 weeks later.
Red blood cell sedimentation rate increased, Gastrointestinal bacterial overgrowth and Feeding disorder
2.2.2021 – I have Lupus and since receiving the 2nd vaccine dose I have been having a lupus flare. I was in bed for 7 days feeling like I wanted to die from all the pain. They watched me in the ER for 1.5 hours after my second shot They also watched me in the ER for 1.5 hours after getting my second dose since the first dose made me feel like I was going to pass out and caused all over pain about 10 minutes after dose administration. After 1st dose the pain improved after about 3 days. With the second dose the pain started again about 10 minutes after shot and the pain continues. I am now in a lupus flare and am being treated with steroids.
2.3.2021 – I am just so sick I feel like Im dying. Lupus flare and now my stomach is so sick. I cant eat anything or I feel so sick. I want to go to the hospital
2.12.2021 – Lupus flare still there. Pain everywhere. This past week I have been unable to eat anything. Anything I eat causes nausea, stomach pain, and acid reflux. It is like the symptoms I have had before with SIBO. I am in bed. Cant move. I should probably just be hospitalized at this point.
2.17.2021 – SIBO persists and lupus pain. Throat pain since 1st vaccine shot worsened with 2nd shot. I feel terrible. Im in bed most of the day and very limited food I am able to eat. I want to be admitted to the hospital
2.26.2021 – Same flare and SIBO. Still battling. My rheumatologist and primary care doctor said the lupus flare was from the 2nd Pfizer vaccine. My Sed rate was elevated and lupus flared. Had to be put on steroids. Then I had a SIBO flare. Taking xifaxan
Gingival swelling, Erythema and Insomnia
3.29.2021 – I'm having trouble sleeping, but it's a little bit worse than my normal not sleeping. Other than that doing great.
5.1.2021 – Some kind of rash I think underneath the back part of my arms and armpit. Very kind of a bright red
5.15.2021 – Swollen gums near the left side of my nose on the cheekbone I think it's my sinuses. Had my dentist call in an antibiotic in case it's not symptom from the covid shop.
5.24.2021 – Rash on one ankle rash behind both knees rash on my left hand and the rash of my face is worse and won't go away. What do I do? What kind of treatment can you give me for that? Went to my doctor to try to get some help, also I got was a cream to help with rosacea. That doesn't seem to be helping, in fact, I think my rash is getting worse and it's spreading over my body I need help.
5.30.2021 – Rash on face, back of knees, and ankles
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Limb discomfort and Abdominal discomfort
1.28.2021 – Light, sparse rash on back appeated about four days ago - primarily extends from spine to the left and from waist to below bra-line. A few spots on the right side. Discomfort and slight itching.
2.25.2021 – Leg discomfort at night has continued to return intermittently.
8.5.2021 – Increased use of asthma inhaler due to heat/humidity levels. Increased gut distress over past three weeks.
2.14.2022 – Increase in chronic cough I historically ascribed to pulmonary fibrous/asthma
8.16.2022 – Worsening GERD challenges
Sinus headache, Upper-airway cough syndrome and Sinus disorder
2.6.2021 – Heart palpitations
2.16.2021 – Sneezing, runny nose
5.15.2021 – Elevated liver enzymes, gallstones and possible autoimmune hepatitis. These probably aren't related to the vaccine, but are new in the past month. Will be having gallbladder surgery soon.
11.2.2021 – Sinus issues
10.22.2022 – I have been having sinus issues since my shot and this past week I had a horrible sinus headache, inflamed sinuses and post natal drip causing nausea and vomiting. Saw my doctor
Burning sensation, Sleep disorder and Dysgeusia
3.24.2021 – Funny taste 2nd shot, first shot it was metallic tasting.
3.26.2021 – Felt burning sensations in leg various spots not sure what that was about. Vein in knee started bulging A little pain that woke me in middle of night. Woke next morning seem to be fine.
4.7.2021 – I have felt burning sensation not to the touch on my legs thigh areas. This has been since the start of the vaccine. It feels like a burning sensation on thigh or lower leg area. It is not constant but when starts lasts for an hour or so
4.21.2021 – I felt at times like a light fuzziness or fog
Costochondritis, Ear congestion and Menstruation delayed
2.3.2021 – Redness, bump, itching, warm to the touch and ring around rash on arm at the injection site is slowly subsiding. No OTCs taken. Cold compress applied. Rash appeared on 1/28/21. COVID-19 vaccine administered on 1/20/21. PCP also notified.
2.20.2021 – Dizzy spells, ringing in the ears
2.21.2021 – Loss of appetite, ringing in ears
2.22.2021 – Migraine
2.23.2021 – Ringing in ears
8.20.2021 – Frequent ringing in the ears and the sensation of fullness in the ears
2.19.2022 – Arm in which vaccine was administered experiences occasional weakness and pain. Also Experiencing irregular periods.
9.15.2022 – Fullness and ringing in the ears, primarily on the side where the vaccine was administered. Occasional heart palpitations. Dizziness.
9.16.2022 – Ear fullness and pain. Dizziness.
9.17.2022 – Ear aches
9.18.2022 – Left ear pain and stuffiness
10.3.2022 – ER visit for costochondritis
10.17.2022 – Delayed menses. First day of my last period was August 26, 2022. Received Covid booster on 9/12/22. Not pregnant.
10.26.2022 – Missed period. I'm not pregnant.
Injection site pain
3.25.2021 – I Am trying to work with the linited system of choices. I am not tired today. regret saying i was tired yesterday. It was not from the vaccine. I tried ti change it bit it woukd not let me back in to change it.
6.19.2021 – About q month qgo for qboit q week, my qrm where the shot was give. Was quite sore and I could lift it pr move it certain ways. I could bot carry securely with that arm. IT happened again this week. I did my own ohysical therapy and it is BETTER.
Thirst, Dry mouth and Peripheral swelling
2.8.2021 – Symptoms started 10 hrs after shot, arm was very sore, swollen, severe chills and fever. Slight headache. Better today, still have low grade fever, chills and tired but symptoms are better. Swelling in arm has gone down, arm not as sore.
3.14.2021 – My mouth was very dry and I was very thirsty for a few days right after the second vaccine. Now for the last week my mouth is again very dry and I am extremely thirsty.
3.21.2021 – My mouth is still very dry. I reported it last week and its about the same.
10.29.2021 – Very slight headache and nose is starting to run
10.31.2021 – That was earlier, am ok now.
Blood glucose fluctuation, Impaired driving ability and Balance disorder
3.19.2021 – I felt last Saturday some dizziness and have laid down I check my sugar level and was okay. It last about 30 minutes and after it was back to normally
3.25.2021 – Dississness and un balances But my sugar level is between 124 to 97 I do monitored every day snd I avoid sugar intake
4.6.2021 – Nausea and upset stomach no appetite
6.2.2021 – Headache on the back of the skull 2 weeks Sugar level going up and dowm from 174 to 98 . Sometimes dizziness and feel with not appetite. Last week I was driving to work and almost passout driving at 60 miles I was lucky to pull to the side of the ro
Accident at work, Pelvic fracture and Spinal fracture
4.25.2021 – The itching is more of an inconvenience that mild
5.22.2021 – The injection site itches and feels like someone is drilling into it. Its not no much painful as annoying
11.18.2021 – My arm initially felt sore and heavy when I woke up, and with some Bayer back and body it wasn't all that bad.
11.20.2021 – The injection site/area more or less has a dull, constant ache
12.29.2021 – Pleurisy. A pain in my back and just now I'm starting to feel better. I smoke, and have had it before several times in my life-most likely not related.
5.19.2022 – I was involved in an accident at work, in which I suffered spinal fractures, hip fractures, rib fractures, a shattered pelvis and dislocated knee.
Vasodilatation, Speech disorder and Abnormal menstrual clots
9.5.2021 – Concerned about enlarged veins in my lower legs
9.6.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes in my trunk, armpits, breasts, jawline and swollen veins in my legs after exercise that I had to massage to clear swelling
9.15.2021 – I had a terribly swollen arm about 6-8 around the site of injection on day 10-12. It was red, swollen, itchy and got worse at night. I took antihistamines and the swelling & redness would reduce but each evening it returning significantly.
9.22.2021 – Mmy menstrual cycle, which is normally very regular, has not startedI am 6 days late and I have no reason to suspect pregnancy; I also still have swollen lymph nodes around my armpits/breasts & swollen areas & varicose veins in my lower legs
9.29.2021 – amenorrhea Since I received my first Moderna Covid19 vaccine. It has been 40 days since my last period; 28 days since my first Covid19 vaccine.
9.30.2021 – Ongoing amennhorea, 41 days since my last period, 29 days since my 1st Moderna Covid19 vaccine
10.2.2021 – Amenhorrea: 43 days since last period, 32 days since first Moderna Covid19 vaccine
10.3.2021 – Amenhorrea44 days since my last period, prior to this my cycle was regularly every 27 days.
10.4.2021 – Brain fog
10.5.2021 – Amenhorrea for 46 days; brain fogalmost missed two appointments yesterday which never happens; forgot what I'm thinking about and saying about five words into a sentencefrequently
10.6.2021 – Amenhorrea ongoing 47 days since receiving first Covid19 shot; brain fog doesn't seem to liftkeep forgetting what I'm talking about in mid-sentences which is not normal for me
10.13.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes in random places on bodyright breast in numerous places; swelling and pain in lower right legcalf concerned that clots are forming; brain fog continues; 46-days amenhorrea ended but am passing large bloodclots in menstrual c
10.20.2021 – Random swelling and pain in calves, concerned about circulation problems and blood collecting in calf muscles
10.27.2021 – Extreme fatigue, random swelling around my calves (both sides), fatigue that limits my ability to exercise, insomnia at night and hot flashes after eating
11.3.2021 – Exhaustion, fatigue, nausea, pain in right lung upon inhaling
12.29.2021 – Tugging in my neck and in my heart at odd and random timesas if they're being stretched or pressured too much.
4.3.2022 – Zero energy, if I start to feel better then I'll exercise and return to feeling like crap again. I have exercise intolerance now when I USED to be an accomplished marathoner ((b)(6) Marathon 12x qualifier) and now I can barely exercise.
Red blood cell macrocytes, Bladder disorder and Retching
2.4.2021 – About an hour after the shot, I experienced a brief sharp burning sensation in the right arm joint between the fore and upper arm of injection arm. It went away after a couple seconds. Not sure if related, now just normal soreness at injection site and slight burning sensation. sute
2.27.2021 – I'm okay now but early this morning broke out with chills and cold sweat
2.28.2021 – Pain that feels like it's right under the skin, especiallly inside both upper arms but also eslewhere, and a pounding headache when bending forward. This all syarted a day before my second vaccination, the day before was the worst. I also get light headed. Scheduled physical exam for Tuesday.
3.2.2021 – Pain under skin persistant underside upper right arm, radiates outward across torso side, chest neck and face and sometimes legs but always the arm area descibed. Annual physical, doing fasting labs, MRI for head to determine whatever is immediately occurring.
3.3.2021 – Sensitive under skin sensation inside of upper right arm Labs scheduled for 4 March. Thursday. Headache has diminished to nothing tonight, this morning it was so bad after all last night, when I woke up today I had a couple gag reflexes fro nausea and coffee tasted off, no interest in coffee or eating until 11:30 a.m. , my usual routine for that is 4 hours earlier. earlier
3.4.2021 – Sensative under right upper arm. Blood labs
3.5.2021 – Plus the sensative area under upper under arm
2.26.2022 – Higher cholesterol, slightly enlarged red blood cells and slightly higher than the normal kidney disease for my age group, arthritis, aging bladder indication, etc. but I am not aware of any certain associated Covid long haul trouble.
9.26.2022 – I bumped my arm against the car door where the onjection was and it hurt so bad for about a half minute only.
Tympanic membrane perforation, Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
2.12.2021 – I am fighting diverticulitis for the last month or more, so I have diarrhea that has nothing to do with vaccine.
3.2.2022 – Hyperthyroidism & also this last month I have a lot of leg & hand cramping.
4.24.2022 – I think all the discomfort I'm feeling is from my Polymyalgia, not the vaccine right now.
4.25.2022 – Again, I think these symptoms are from my polymyalgia.
4.26.2022 – Again probably related to my polymyalgia.
4.28.2022 – Polymyalgia caused, I think.
4.30.2022 – Doctor office visit.
5.10.2022 – Episodes of Nauseousness & diarrhea.
5.29.2022 – Lots of cramping in hands & legs.
7.24.2022 – Hypothyroid
9.21.2022 – I suppose that my polymyalgia is causing the pain I am feeling in my joints & muscles.
Neurological symptom, Nerve compression and Burning sensation
3.14.2021 – Tingling feeling, from head to toe. Running nose
3.15.2021 – Feeling tingling left side.
3.21.2021 – Sneezing, running nose
4.15.2021 – Backache/ left side leg cramps
4.16.2021 – Backache, both shoulder very sore
4.17.2021 – Both shoulder feel sore and pin sensation
4.25.2021 – Fatigue feeling, have no energy. Both shoulder have the pinch and burning feeling.
5.2.2021 – Both shoulder feel sore and nerve pinch Fatigue continue Burning sensation both arm especially the left
5.9.2021 – Headache Nerve pinch
7.12.2021 – My both shoulder nerve is getting worse
10.12.2021 – Bad flu
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