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.
Throat irritation, Arthralgia and Nasopharyngitis
2.12.2021 – Slight dizziness
2.14.2021 – Dizziness
3.5.2021 – Fatigue, runny nose, cough, headache
3.12.2021 – 4-5 headachs this week. I do not usually have headaches.Coughing, with tickle in throat.Sniffles, runny nose. I have never been diagnosed with allergies.
3.26.2021 – Pain behind knee when walking progressing to all the time. Mild when resting moderate when walking.
8.15.2021 – 5-6 days a week I have a runny nose, and minor headache. This has been since taking vaccine.
2.12.2022 – Seasonal cold, not the flu, not COVID
Hematospermia, Dysstasia and Gait disturbance
7.12.2021 – Strong pain in left heel, foot, ankle; making it difficult to walk.
7.13.2021 – Strong pain in left (same side as shot) foot/ankle making it difficult to walk or stand for period of time. Also experiencing some numbness in bottom of feet.
7.14.2021 – Strong pain in my left foot/ankle (injection side of body) making it difficult to walk stand at times.
7.15.2021 – Intermittent left side (injection side) ankle and foot pain (strong) which impacts ability to walk or stand for long periods.
7.18.2021 – Left foot (injection side) is still sore and at times painful.
8.1.2021 – Fatigue (no energy), ringing in ears, blood in seaman, shortness of breath
Cystitis noninfective, Conjunctival hemorrhage and Urinary retention
4.6.2021 – No rash but skin has been very itchy.
4.14.2021 – I have UTI symptoms - I think theyre unrelated to the vaccine.
4.28.2021 – I had a problem with my bladder. I could feel swelling and I had to urinate 20-40 times per day for a few days. I did not have a UTI. Im feeling better now.
10.3.2021 – Inflamed Bladder
10.9.2021 – Subconjunctival hemorrhage
10.23.2021 – Very symptomatic period. Muscle aches, back pain, headache, fatigue, heavy bleeding.
10.30.2021 – Muscle spasms and joint/nerve pain
Mouth ulceration, Photophobia and Toothache
3.19.2021 – Joint swelling, teeth pain
4.1.2021 – Severe fatigue and lumpy rash that started started in chest area after vaccine. It is now spread to neck and chin. It is bright red and hot to the touch.
4.16.2021 – Teeth pain
4.17.2021 – Cough, runny nose, sneezing, constipation
4.18.2021 – Dry cough, sneezing, runny nose
4.19.2021 – Cough, mouth ulcers
4.20.2021 – Tonsil pain, cough, stuffy nose, neck pain
4.22.2021 – Teeth ache
5.6.2021 – Dry cough, chest pain, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue
5.13.2021 – Stuffy nose, headache, dry cough, chills, body aches, stiff neck, light sensitivity, nausea
Abdominal pain upper, Migraine and Chest discomfort
6.29.2021 – Headache and nauseous
7.20.2021 – Stomach pain really bad!
7.27.2021 – I got a cough and reallu bad stomach pains with nauseous
8.3.2021 – Sore throat and cough with pressure in my chest
8.10.2021 – Cough, sore throat, horrible migraine and chest pressure
8.17.2021 – Im exhausted all the time and my throat is scratchy today
10.5.2021 – I feel like i have covid... i have felt like shit since i got this stupid shot! And i have a sinus infection and my dr said thats a sign of the delta one.. i regret this shot 100%! I feel like im dying!
1.4.2022 – Headaches and stomachache is non stop .. feel like shit!
Injection site induration, Skin warm and Injection site warmth
2.2.2021 – After shot, arm hurt for 3 days. Abouts 4-5 days ago small completely round red spot about the size of a dime appeared. Over the next few days it got larger and had an irratic shape perhaps 1-2 inches in some places. Then the shape started to fade.
2.13.2021 – Price 2 inches southwest of injection site I have a red circle the size of silver dollar a bit hot and hard. Not itchy nor painful.
2.15.2021 – The red circle has gotten larger but no pain or itchiness. A bit hot.
Respiratory tract infection viral, Joint range of motion decreased and Pain in extremity
3.16.2021 – My arm that did not receive the shot was extremely sore. I was able to lift it to shoulder level then extreme pain. Once I was to lift it above shoulder level, the pain went away. The pain is now gone approximately 6 hours after I awoke for the day.
10.5.2021 – Viral respiratory infection that lasted over a month. I took prednisone first no help and then antibiotic which cleared it up. I took a covid test and it was negative.
Hematochezia, Psoriasis and Poor quality sleep
12.23.2020 – I had a small amount of bright red blood in my poop
12.24.2020 – Small amount of bright red blood in my poop today
12.27.2020 – Bruise where I had the injection, wasn't there for the first several days. I just noticed it today, but it wasn't there the first 3 days
12.28.2020 – My psoriasis looks worse than it did a few days ago
1.17.2021 – Not having restful sleep since the second vaccine. Even with melatonin, I wake up multiple times and then wake up earlier than I would like.
1.18.2021 – Poor sleep since second dose of the vaccine
Nasal mucosal discoloration, Energy increased and Oral herpes
4.25.2021 – Fatigue on days 9-14, slight dizziness days 8-9, cold sore breakout days 9-14, slight chills days 8-11, slight nausea day 10.
5.2.2021 – Waves of energy and lethargy, slight dizziness, chills, headaches, green-tinged nasal mucus,
5.12.2021 – Sniffing/sinus and ear ringing
5.14.2021 – Oral Cold sore flare up
6.5.2021 – Lethargy
10.6.2022 – Lethargic. Increased immediately after 2nd booster. Still feel like I have no energy
10.11.2022 – Lethargy is constant. Headaches more than usual
Menopause, Alopecia and Sleep disorder
4.3.2021 – Still bruise at injection site
4.17.2021 – This past week I have had a few times of having hot flashes, which I have not had in years.
5.1.2021 – Joint aches in elbows and knees. Intermittent.
6.26.2021 – Hot flashes like experiencing menopause again (20 years ago)
9.25.2021 – My left arm deltoid area is painful with certain movement of that arm. A few days ago ny doctor recommended getting some physical therapy for it. Dr visit for annual physical exam, and plan to see physical therapist.
10.26.2021 – Soreness of whole arm pit
10.27.2021 – New red bruised area near bottom of sore armpit
10.28.2021 – More bruising in lower armpit/body area under arm of vaccination
10.29.2021 – Red bruising below armpit still present
11.7.2021 – Muscle aches in legs and left arm. Mild.
12.5.2021 – Elevated blood pressure. Sleep issues more often.
5.8.2022 – Menopausal-like hot flashes
5.19.2022 – Had a migraine episode since last check. Unusual for me. Have only had this 6 other times in my entire lifetime. Also have had several days many joint aches. These 2nd booster side effects have been more troublesome than other times.
6.9.2022 – Losing large amounts of hair.
10.27.2022 – Slightly lightheaded
11.30.2022 – Fever, body aches ,headache and fatigue because received second Shingles vaccine yesterday.
Trigeminal neuralgia, Painful respiration and Musculoskeletal chest pain
1.29.2021 – Upper arm pain
1.30.2021 – Arm pain is better.
2.2.2021 – Trigeminal neuralgia flare
2.28.2021 – Trigeminal Neuralgia ongoing last 2 days.
5.27.2021 – Pain around ribs and lower back upon inhalation. This is not 24/7, just concerning, and usually at night while laying down.
10.27.2021 – Deep stabbing body pains
10.28.2021 – Trigeminal neuralgia yesterday.
10.29.2021 – Right side pain between neck and shoulder. Received shot in right arm.
10.30.2021 – Significant bruising at site injection.
4.14.2022 – Runny nose
5.9.2022 – Runny nose, congestion, headache, fatigue.
7.4.2022 – Covid positive - fever, muscle ache, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue.
Seasonal allergy, Chest discomfort and COVID-19
2.10.2021 – I cant necessarily attribute my tiredness and fatigue to the vaccine. But i cant rule it out completely either.
3.6.2021 – I have been experiencing these symptoms prior to my second dose.
6.5.2021 – Cough, headache, and fatigue. Of course, it started when I was visiting Idaho. (Aka The Idiot State). I am back in my home state now and am improving. The grass seed pollen count is insane here so now I feel miserable from seasonal allergies.
3.6.2022 – Contracted Covid in mid January while in Idaho Some fatigue , tiredness, tightness in chest, minor cough, overall just feeling blah.
Poor peripheral circulation, Skin discoloration and Neuropathy peripheral
3.11.2021 – Increased blood pressure and lightheadedness
3.12.2021 – Weakness and increase in blood pressure
3.14.2021 – Lack of appetite
4.22.2021 – Fetal 3rd degree AV block with arrhythmia and decreased fetal movement. My heart is inflamed with an autoimmune flare and arrhythmia. We are now an extremely high risk pregnancy with risk of demise. OB Triage
2.22.2022 – Itching
3.4.2022 – Poor circulation in the left foot (purple toes) and left to central chest pains. Fatigue has increased as well as my inflammation. Emailed physician on symptoms, but did not have any tests done due to financial burden.
3.25.2022 – Increased headaches that I haven't had until all my covid vaccinations. I also get on and off chest pain that my physician is aware of. An adverse event was reported. Fatigue and muscle weakness are other lingering symptoms.
8.19.2022 – Neuropathies, brain fog, headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue
Epigastric discomfort, Balance disorder and Tremor
2.11.2021 – My symptoms began last evening nine hours after my injection. I experienced them at the moderate level: headache, chills, hand tremors, balance issue, nausea, heartburn, epigastric discomfort. Today I am better and have only the above checked off symptoms.
2.13.2021 – Slight tenderness at the injection site
10.26.2021 – I had a sore arm and redness at the injection site the day after my injection, also muscle aches, fatigue and a mild headache. Symptoms lasted a day, except for the soreness and redness at the injection site which lasted a few more days.
10.27.2021 – I have a bruise and tenderness withe palpation at my injection site
Dysphagia, Loss of personal independence in daily activities and Pharyngeal swelling
3.14.2021 – Trouble swallowing. Swollen throat with pain
3.15.2021 – Throat still swollen causing difficulty swallowing
3.16.2021 – Throat still swollen with ongoing swallowing difficulties. Slightly improved over the past 24 hours. Still taking double to triple doses of antihistamines daily since vaccination.
3.20.2021 – Throat swelling improving but still an issue.
4.1.2021 – Fatigue impacting ability to get all daily work tasks and home activity done. I have had to add another work day during my week to get work done due to shorter days and lack of energy.
4.15.2021 – Increased tingling and numbness on left side especially shoulder, neck and face.
Injection site discoloration, Skin warm and Peripheral swelling
3.27.2021 – Upper left arm where I got the first moderna shot on March 6, 2021 continues to ache and feel sore periodically for no apparent reason.
4.6.2021 – Red bullseye in upper left arm which seems to be bigger today. Area feels hot to the touch. Area sti swollen since I received 2nd shot 4/3/21.
4.10.2021 – Upper arm still feels sore where the injection occurred on April 3rd, 2021. But the soreness and pain comes off and on.
4.24.2021 – Since my second vaccination of the moderna vaccine on April 3rd, 2021, I still have some slight discoloration in the area where I received the shot. That's the area where I had itching and soreness for a few weeks. It is larger than quarter size.
5.8.2021 – On occasion I feel a mild soreness, a fleeting soreness in my left upper arm where the vaccination took place. It feels like a muscle ache and it comes and goes.
5.15.2021 – Left arm where I received the shot still experiences muscle aches from time to time
7.3.2021 – Mild intermittent arm soreness continues from time to time at the site of the injection in the upper left arm
Injection site joint pain, Dysphonia and Hypersensitivity
1.6.2021 – I feel like I have a fever, but my temperature has not gone above 98 degrees. I was a little nauseous and have some fatigue and malaise.
1.21.2021 – Allergies. I was sick in January 2020, most likely had COVID. After, I developed allergies (hay fever like) ever since I recovered. Last week the allergies flaired really bad for the week despite using claritin daily and nasal spray and mucinex.
1.27.2021 – The allergies have calmed down some. I stopped using mucinex but still need a daily claritin.
2.4.2021 – I had chills last night from around 1:30 to 3:00 AM in the morning. I also had a mild headache in the morning which is still mildly present now.
2.7.2021 – I had diarrhea Friday morning into Saturday morning. But I am fine today, Sunday. My arm still hurt yesterday mildly,but that is fine today. There was no duly check in Saturday so I am combining Sat and Sun.
3.17.2021 – The shoulder that received the injection still has a little soreness with certain motions when I strain to reach, like reaching for the seatbelt.
9.10.2022 – I caught COVID at the end of July. I was sick for about 5 days (sore throat, hoarse throat, headache, fever, sinus congestion, fatigue) and it took two full weeks for the congestion to clear up.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, Upper respiratory tract infection and Peripheral swelling
2.2.2021 – Swelling under arm that received the vaccine.
2.3.2021 – Swelling in my arm pit in the same arm I received the injection
5.3.2021 – Sometimes I experience some of the side effects I had from the shot such as hot at night and itching on the palms of my hands.
8.2.2021 – Pain in head at times and numb hands Began wearing wrist guards at night to help with the hands probably due to carpal tunnel and it helps. Head pain has subsided.
2.1.2022 – Bad throat and upper respiratory infection
Abscess drainage, Subcutaneous abscess and Ear swelling
10.25.2021 – Yes, right ear "crux of helix" area is swollen, this issue began on saturday 10/23/21. It aches really bad.
10.26.2021 – My right ear swelling is getting bigger and more painful, I can feel a lot of pressure radiating from the swelling. I will be going to a urgent cate tonight if the pain does not decrease.
10.27.2021 – Right ear swollen. Pressure in right ear.
10.28.2021 – Swelling on right ear, formed into an abscess.
11.15.2021 – The abcess on my right ear came after it acted like it was healing up.
11.18.2021 – The same abscess on right ear, currently healing up now from incision from the ER
Barrett's esophagus, Impaired gastric emptying and Ulcer
4.8.2021 – Sore throat, slight headache, a little nausea.
6.24.2021 – I have experienced swollen (and sore) lymph nodes in my arm pits on and off for several weeks. I have also had some neuropathy type pain (and swelling) in my legs. I saw my primary care Dr. in her office. She ordered an MRI which I am awaiting results.
9.25.2021 – Headaches, abdominal pain.
3.27.2022 – Ulcer, gastroparesis, Barrett's Esophagus.
9.25.2022 – My left arm where I received the booster on 8/21 became very red and swollen for approximately a week. It was also very hot to the touch. It has since resolved.
Impaired work ability, Hypersensitivity and Erythema
4.21.2021 – Congestion and runny nose. And visible capillaries and redness on forearm of injection side (left side)
4.22.2021 – Runny nose for part of the day, could be allergies - i don't know.
5.4.2021 – Achy joints, particularly hips, knees, ankles - but hips most of all.
5.13.2021 – I have been experiencing off the hook major allergy symptoms, to sage brush i think. My only other possible allergic experience was a couple of years ago on the oregon coast where i was raised i experienced mild allergies on a very high pollen day.
7.20.2021 – My joints ached pretty bad after i had the second shot and my right hip just never stopped aching. It progressed and is really causing me problems. Ive decided to go see a doctor as its causing me to miss work. Maybe the timing is just coincidence?
Irritability, Dysphonia and Productive cough
4.18.2021 – I have chronic back pain. Its a little worse
4.19.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes on the side of the injection under my chin. I jave saliva gland problems
4.20.2021 – Lymph node swelling
4.21.2021 – Lymph nodes swollen left chin/ear
5.29.2021 – Joint pain, irritability, fatigue
11.13.2021 – every hour I cough up a small blob of phlegm. occasionally when talking I get hoarse. I have not had these b4 without a cold or flu. I have had this since a month after 2nd shot
5.15.2022 – 3 weeks ago, I was sneezing, tired, headaches, and a super runny nose for 4 days. No other symptoms.
11.14.2022 – fatigue
Gait disturbance, Sleep disorder and Pain in extremity
2.17.2021 – Strong pain in large area of my left thigh. I had it on all days following 2nd immunization, but assumed it was not related. Now I wonder if it is. Sleep.is affected. Walking and laying in bed are the most painful. Feels like muscle.
10.27.2022 – I seem to have a cold. I should and will take a covid home test. My overa health is sbout the same as it was since my last booster. I am due for the most recent one +flu, now.
Eye infection, Productive cough and Injection site pain
4.6.2021 – Dizziness
4.8.2021 – Pain under left arm at injection site.
10.5.2021 – Diagnosed with possible cellulitis infection in left leg below the knee on 10/3.. Prescribed antibiotics. Negative PCR test on 10/1, taken 9/30.
11.3.2021 – Severe sore throat, mild congestion
11.4.2021 – Mild sore throat. Moderate congestion.
11.5.2021 – Moderate to severe congestion.
11.6.2021 – Moderate congestion.
11.7.2021 – Mild congestion, moderate cough
11.8.2021 – Occasional severe cough, little phlegm.
10.31.2022 – Eye infection. Prescribed Polymixin B eye drops.
Rash erythematous, Injection site reaction and Night sweats
3.30.2021 – Red rash around injection site on day 8 post-vaccine. It was not itchy or painful and went away.
4.20.2021 – Yesterday, 4/19, the day following my second vaccine, I had a fever of 102.2, body aches, chills and fatigue. My fever was highest 24 hours post-vaccine.
4.21.2021 – I did not get a link for a symptom check on Monday, the day after my second Moderna vaccine, but I was very sick with a fever, chills and body aches that day.
5.2.2021 – Night sweats
5.10.2021 – Unusually severe cramps with first day of period
Staphylococcal infection, Alopecia and Paranasal sinus discomfort
4.24.2021 – A red welt on left bicep, right forearm, forehead, right cheek, and left temple
6.19.2021 – Rheumatoid arthritis In office visit to rheumatologist
9.20.2021 – Hair loss from methotrexate
11.28.2021 – Cough congestion sore throat sinus pressure for three weeks Primary care doctor visit
2.27.2022 – Mid December through mid January I had a cough, runny nose, fatigue. Saw pcp was prescribed inhaler, steroid, antibiotic. Body aches and pains, stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, dizziness, fatigue for four days last week. Primary care doctor
7.16.2022 – MRSA skin infection PCP follow up
Blood alkaline phosphatase increased, Premature menopause and Osteopenia
4.17.2021 – HSV-2 flare on lower back, despite prophylactic
4.21.2021 – Bad chest and left arm pain on Saturday, which went away after an hour. Intermittent nausea, leg pain and headache, but doesn't last long. HSV-2 has flared-up, despite prophylactics. Mildly swollen pelvic lymph nodes (probably due to HSV-2 flare).
10.6.2021 – #NAME?
4.8.2022 – Joint pain, hand numbness, throbbing in spine and head. I have an appt with a neurologist. Also, severe osteopenia per a DEXA scan and elevated bone Alk Phos.
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome, Hyperventilation and Bone pain
2.5.2021 – Sore arm
2.6.2021 – Trouble breathing
2.7.2021 – Breathing is better but still heavy
2.8.2021 – Still feel labored breathing
2.9.2021 – Breathing is better
2.10.2021 – Slight breathing issues
3.7.2021 – Burning in ears
6.5.2021 – Reactive airway problems Pulmonologist
9.3.2021 – Respiratory issues asthma . I am amino compromised ( celiac disease and uc ) when can I get booster ?
11.9.2021 – Asthma trouble breathing more than usual Visit pulmonologist
10.15.2022 – I was sick for 4 days trouble breathing - have asthma . Nausea aching bones and fever
Depression, Vision blurred and Swelling
3.19.2021 – My lower arm near wrist is swollen, a lump 2-3 in. No pain.
3.20.2021 – Blurred vision for 30-45 min i even closed my eyes i could see bright checkered lights .
4.21.2022 – Flu like symptoms, dry cough ,headache fever ,nausea and diarrhea.
6.18.2022 – My right lower leg felt like a cramp was coming. So I elevated leg and walk around .I repeated this until cramp went away.
7.1.2022 – Little anxious feeling for last 2wks with s.o.b.
9.16.2022 – Anxiety has been increasing or is getting worse. I didn't have this 2yrs ago ! Dr,said due to a lot of loss of family in short about of time .
Injection site nodule, Respiratory symptom and Injection site induration
2.22.2021 – I think the headache is due to the weather
2.25.2021 – Have had a stiff neck for several days, but do not think its related to the vaccine
10.8.2021 – I am currently on antibiotics & getting over a sinus infection - I've had a headache all week, but just got my booster shot 2 hours ago, so the current headache is unrelated to the vaccine.
10.11.2021 – On my surveys I've answered "no" re: pain/swelling at injection site - I should've said yes. It was hard to distinguish that question from "muscle aches & pain" as my entire arm hurt but now it's only the injection site & I can feel it is swollen.
10.17.2022 – I forgot to record my shot the day I got it, but for the 1st 24 hours I had a pretty bad headache & my whole body hurt (joint/muscle aches). The arm w/the shot also hurt badly for 48 hrs & there was a hard, painful knot at the injection site.
11.11.2022 – Upper respiratory symptoms (not Covid; think I caught mild case of rsv & it's turning into bronchitis but COVID tests are consistently negative). Also had unusually heavy period following vaccination.
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