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.
1.18.2021 – Soreness in my left arm bicep, where I took the vaccine, and soreness directly at the site of injection, soreness in my lower left arm tricep, soreness in my left breast on the left side. Pain is a 1/2 out of 1-10 pain scale.
4.26.2021 – I have not started my period for 7 weeks. I have bad anxiety. Im exhausted and cannot have enough energy to work out. My throat is sore all the time and my lymph nodes are swollen in my neck.
1.13.2021 – I had my vaccine on 1/8. This is my first day you are asking me. Symptoms prior to today.
2.7.2021 – Enlarged lymph nodes. Left axilla, left supraclaviculer and cervica. Swelling noticeable by others. I am an RN.
2.8.2021 – Lymphadenopathy, axilla, supraclavicular, cervical. Diagnosed with cellulitis 4 away from injection site
2.9.2021 – Keflex 500 tid cellulitis
8.6.2021 – Headaches, intermittent confusion, intermittent loss of vision, photophobia, irritability, no filter with conflictd
11.13.2021 – Fever cough sneezing loss of appetite fatigue,Body aches
11.20.2021 – Diagnosed with covid 11/12/21 Infusion at hospital of monoclonal antibody
11.27.2021 – SOB on exertion with tight band feeling around thorax. Extreme fatigue. Dry cough. Headaches. Muscle aches. O2 sats 90-92%
4.23.2022 – Sinus infection treated with augmentin
2.12.2021 – These started 24 hours after the shot. Just after filing yesterdays report. Also ran a fever of 100.6. Symptoms abated after 6 hours.
5.13.2021 – Eczema on my fingers. Havent had that since my early 20s, which is over 50 years ago. Vesicles that itch and burn.
8.12.2021 – Eczema on hands. Blisters that itch. Had eczema as a child. Last occurrence was in my mid twenties on my hands.
4.27.2022 – Productive cough shortness of breath. Had a rapid pcr test for COVID, flu and RSV. All are negative.
10.20.2022 – After 2nd vaccination I developed eczema on my hands which I haven't had since my early 20's. Now I've developed alopecia in my beard which is also an autoimmune disorder. Don't know if it's related to the booster. Will ask dermatologist next month
10.27.2022 – Have a chest cold. Negative COVID test
12.29.2022 – Had flu and Covid. Also have alopecia barbae - vaccine??
5.9.2021 – insomnia with some anxiety or paranoia, appetite loss, mood swings, skin sensitivity
5.29.2021 – Slightly constricted airways causing me to cough, tingly skin
5.30.2021 – chest pain, lessening cough from constricted airway, ribs hurt all around this morning
5.31.2021 – cough almost gone from constricted airways, menstruating, waiting for possible delayed reaction like with first shot
6.1.2021 – pain in armpit, chest discomfort, still slight cough, menstruating
6.4.2021 – some appetite loss
11.26.2021 – Extra heartbeats, elevated blood pressure, slight sinus issues doctor and cardiologist
2.18.2021 – I have neuropathy and arthritis in feet and lower legs.woke up with this today.
3.7.2021 – I took a bad fall last night but I am not bruised. I think it is covid shot. I know my body. I am in bed. Took 3 Advil as Tylenol does not cut it.
3.8.2021 – I have a cough and a wheeze. I use my inhaler.
3.21.2021 – Going to vein dr to b sure I do not have a deep vein thrombosis in left thigh as the pain has moved up. Also tired. Gong to vein clinic on Thursday.
3.26.2021 – Deep vein blood clot behind left knee. Tired. Dr visit to vein clinic dr.
4.2.2021 – Deep vein clot behind left knee. Vein dr appt
6.4.2021 – Hives that are huge on my back, arms.For past 11 days I have had congested chest, wheezing., sinus.I am to call internist if not better Monday. I called internist today. Phone consultation with nurse.
9.8.2021 – I have had hives all summer. Went to allergist and dermatologist. Dermatologist advised me not to get a booster shot. Went to dermatologist and allergist due to hives on back, elbows, neck , upper thigh
4.23.2022 – Got it in April. First booster will take no more.
4.26.2022 – I had booster in March or April. I am not getting another one. I feel bad and in bed for a week. I will not get the 4th one.
4.29.2021 – Congestion
6.2.2021 – Symptoms of ovulation and PMS, although I am in menopause and have not had a menstrual cycle in 24 months. No Covid-related symptoms or side effects.
5.26.2022 – Low grade fever throughout the night that prevented sleep
5.27.2022 – General swelling of my armpit on the same side as injection. No hard lumps, just soft swelling.
5.28.2022 – Slight swelling in armpit on injection side
5.29.2022 – Swelling in the armpit on side of injection, improving
1.13.2021 – Lymph node swelling near injection site
2.15.2021 – Sore throat with swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - negative resulted covid test
2.22.2021 – Continued Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
7.12.2021 – Flu like symptoms for about 1 week - no longer having symptoms
9.26.2021 – Lymph node swelling
9.27.2021 – Lymph node swelling remains - moderate +
9.28.2021 – Moderate swelling of lymph nodes persists
9.29.2021 – Moderate lymph node swelling persists
10.7.2021 – Weakness in injection arm
4.14.2021 – Had Covid arm, rash, itching ~24 hrs after vaccine. Lasted approx 10 days.
11.4.2021 – Red area getting larger, moving down arm arm
8.2.2022 – Tested Pos via rapid test on July 6. Sick for many days, tested Neg July 21. Grafually improving still some symptoms Discussed symptoms got scrips for cough meds, inhaler
11.1.2022 – Asthma like symptoms, sob at times, especially during exercise. Not all the time but often. Coincidence that annual wellness appointment was scheduled
4.14.2021 – Gas/loose stool x approx 12 hrs -now resolved
4.15.2021 – Excessive gas started again today but no loose stools as before
4.19.2021 – Ive had problems w/my vertigo the past few days. It had been much better so not sure if its related but feels like the vaccine may have triggered it again so just wanted to mention.
1.28.2022 – I have almost constant tinnitus & has become more severe. I was treated for this many years ago but it resolved. This has returned since I had vaccine & increased since my booster. Didn't think about possible relationship to vaccine until recently.
4.28.2022 – Chest pain, SOB and pre-syncope w/exertion. Complete work up for heart, lungs, incl scans w/contrast for any possible clots, etc, & MRI of brain-results all negative
3.30.2021 – This morning, around 5:00 a.m. I awakened with my bedding sheets and my pillow heavily saturated in perspiration.
3.31.2021 – 03/30/2021 Blood pressure 89/60, pulse range 150 - 159. Today blood pressure 103/80, pulse 101, appears to be normalizing. Today
6.28.2021 – I have very recently, 06/25/2021, developed Bell's palsy on the left side of my face, of course with partial paralysis and a speech impediment and a dry left eye. Currently taking Prednisone and using a nighttime ophthalmic appointment for my left ey
1.29.2021 – It might be muscle skeletal related, but when I take a deep breath I feel pain in my rear right ribs and right lung.
2.14.2021 – I had severe muscle and joint pain this morning from head to toe. I had trouble walking. I am feeling much better now.
2.15.2021 – In the middle of the night last night I had inflamed joints and muscles. I had difficulty getting up to go to the bathroom. I had a hard time standing up. I am feeling much better now.
3.15.2021 – Habe had these symptoms since Friday evening of the 12th and wasso sick on Saturday i coukd mot get out of bed tge chills were so bad it controlled my whole body for two as md half days am getting better have moderate symptoms still habe fever which makes the body ache. Today is the first day i was able to eat something. Othereisr i drank water and gatorade.
3.16.2021 – First day almost 24 hours and no fever
4.11.2021 – Ache all over
2.11.2021 – My husband has the same arm pain and he has body aches
2.13.2021 – My tongue has been raw feeling since the day after the shot. I still have my sense of taste snd smell
2.14.2021 – My mouth is better but my tongue still fells like it was burned by hot liquid
2.15.2021 – Mouth still has odd taste and is irritated
2.16.2021 – My mouth feels less tender and raw
2.17.2021 – Mouth is improving
10.26.2021 – No
11.1.2021 – Pain at injection site -
11.15.2021 – UTI Saw my urologist
1.17.2022 – Slightly sore throat
4.20.2022 – I had covid Feb 28 Spoke to my internist on the phone
5.2.2021 – Four days after my first shot I had eye symptoms that turned out to be hemorrhaging (I saw my eye doc and a retina specialist last week). Assuming its not related, but I thought Id mention it. Eye doctor
5.3.2021 – More flashes and floaters in my eye againcomes and goes.
5.4.2021 – Still having the floaters in my right eye consistentl with the retinal hemorrhaging that was diagnosed after my first shot.
5.5.2021 – Eye floaters again, mostly in the morning. Left a message with my retinal specialist, he hasnt returned my call.
5.11.2021 – Continued effects of retinal hemorrhage.
6.15.2021 – Second, more serious CRVO (central retinal vein occlusion). Also a dizzy spell that landed me in the ER with recurring dizzy episodes.
2.5.2021 – Shoveling all day and evening lower back soreness
2.6.2021 – Uncontrolled epilepsy dr (b)(6) ( (b)(6) ) Dr (b)(6)
2.8.2021 – Uncontrollable epilepsy/ no bowel movement today
2.9.2021 – No aetite
2.17.2021 – Small headache all dayTemp98.8FWhy do you send to IPad and not accept? Is this safe?
2.26.2021 – No bleach clean up smell No smell of cooking. . Feels nice to lay -tiredHomecare nurse came 2 times to home - check- up(Cathy). Appt for Dr Zallar AprilNot hungryHighest temp- 99.1 FReady for shot on Wed
3.3.2021 – Uncontrollable epilepsy.
3.4.2021 – Cotton in head- tired- thirsty- tenp.100.3
3.5.2021 – Only a pinch of pain- temp - 98.3f- happy. to walk outside -no appetite( but dinner is ready)
3.6.2021 – Yesterday I unknowingly slept 5-7 pm -ate 7:30 - no appetite- why do you send out on phone and IPad and then not accept IPad- Dr appt April2- temp- 98.9
3.7.2021 – Temp-99.1f- I slept until11:00 Ana normal- feel fine now- no appetite- eat at 6:30- you send to IPad and refuse to accept it sits there
3.8.2021 – Tired- no appetite- lazy to clean / scrub floors etc.( I will) temp-98.9f - home care nurse visit tomorrow
3.9.2021 – Temp-99.3- home care nurse visit- no appetite- only slightly tired- I receive on IPad but it will NOT send out- submit??- Home care nurse - CDC-
3.10.2021 – Temp- 99.6f
3.24.2021 – Swelling in arm - 3 fingers down from shoulder- began yesterday??????I have uncontrollable epilepsyTemp- 99.5
3.31.2021 – Hard marble on skin- turned to hard pea - with a cloudy pimple on top- covered with gauze and medical tape so it will not pop- Highest temp-99.1f Saw home are nurse last Tuesday Sron Friday - CDC
4.9.2021 – Blue spot on armTemp-97.6Bottom jaw swollen ( left and right)hy do you refuse to let me submit on IPad? I receive and copies are given to both- you are not equipped Home care nurse- Dr-CDC
4.14.2021 – Swollen jaw( left now)Arm only flat finally muscle inside sore occasionally97.5 temp
6.2.2021 – Tired for no reason
11.4.2021 – Feeling better than I assumed
11.5.2021 – No appetite/ sleepy/dull headache/ sore arm/ wore winter coat outside and two layers of sweat shirt/ then hot/ then cold
11.6.2021 – I got a water blister and sharp pain up and down my arm after Moderna 2 nd dose my arm - I'm hoping Pfizer booster shot does not occur with such/ I also have no appetite( yet I will eat)
11.7.2021 – No appetite/ also went to hot and sweaty
11.9.2021 – No appetite
11.10.2021 – Diarrhea on Sunday( not reported) thru Tuesday-( forgot to report. ) it was liquid on Monday and yesterday-- today no feces. No appetite, and just tired and get tired even walking. Better than before. No appetite-
11.16.2021 – Bad epileptic seizure yesterday
11.18.2021 – I've seen a hone care nurse- You are not accepting my account or sending codes and it is sitting on my I Oad without you taking it-, Home health care nurse and on the phone to reopen myvaccount1 you are not private
3.22.2021 – Cough late last nite
3.23.2021 – Resolved cough
4.4.2021 – Fatigue is the only issue...cannot get enough sleep. Very little energy:(
4.25.2021 – Unending fatigue not relieved by extra sleep:(
5.2.2021 – Just ongoing fatigue:(
5.9.2021 – Headaches that are now daily after the 2nd vaccine
5.16.2021 – Increased and sustained Fatigue that is not normal or relieved by rest/sleep
5.23.2021 – Fatigue that will not cease
7.11.2021 – Sinusitis-like symptoms x 5-6 wks unrelieved by OTC meds. Telemed with my MD 2 days ago. On antibiotics and prednisone
4.12.2022 – Fever of 101.8, chills, body aches began on 4/7 which resolved within 24 hrs. Took 2 home tests one overnight on 4/8: negative and one on 4/10 negative. One person at my job tested positive on 4/5 ( no close contact) a second this morning on pcr.
5.15.2021 – Very dehydrated, not normal for me
5.16.2021 – Still feeling dehydrated, not as much as yesterday. No normal reason for dehydration.
5.18.2021 – Yesterday was better, noticed lips still very dry and have had a burning sensation and developed cold soars I never knew I had. Checked temperature last 2 days between 98.3-98.4. Never felt chills or fever. Feel okay today.
5.19.2021 – My lips are still recovering (sounds strange), no other symptoms.
11.10.2021 – Burning in the chest, sore throat, fever, swollen feeling in the throat
5.12.2022 – It is not "new." I honestly don't think it has anything to do with COVID For the last 2 years I have had a, at first occasional, now constant sore throat with a swollen feeling in my throat. I'm seeing specialist, but they are still unsure cause Primary care Physician and specialist
5.27.2022 – I HAVE NOT experienced any symptoms, but both my husband and son are sick. They both tested negative to a 15 minute self test. If they do not feel better by tomorrow I am asking them to go to our local COVID testing site so it can be sent in.
2.24.2021 – I am having pain again at the injection site of the first dose of the vaccine. I start having pain at the same place approximately 2 1/2 weeks after my first vaccine. The pain started again at the same site two days ago. There is also soreness to the touch of my forearm below the injection site.
3.26.2021 – Periodically, I feel a slight pain at the injection site of the first vaccine. I have been feeling this pain for several weeks. My second dose of the vaccine was put into the other arm. I do not feel any pain in that arm.
8.14.2021 – Probably a sinus issue. For last several days, my ears feel clogged up.
8.30.2022 – The area above my elbow on my left arm has periodically start to hurt. This is the arm where I received my second booster vaccine.
1.10.2021 – Sleeping longer than usual
1.30.2021 – Runny nose
9.30.2021 – Sore throat
10.25.2021 – Hot flashes. I hadn't previously had any perimenopausal symptoms until the booster shot.
12.27.2021 – Sore throat, headache, tired since 12/25. Negative rapid Covid tests on 12/25, 12/26 and got PCR this morning and awaiting result. I think it's Covid and wear mask in my house. Week prior to sx I went to grocery in mask as only indoors activity.
10.15.2022 – Runny nose.
11.11.2022 – Cold symptoms: fatigue, sore throat, cough, low appetite, not sleeping well, runny nose. No fever. Negative for flu, Covid (pcr and rapid) and strep.
3.13.2021 – Dizziness
3.15.2021 – Insomnia, dizziness
3.18.2021 – Runny nose
3.26.2021 – Severe headaches
4.5.2021 – Vertigo
4.14.2021 – Muscle pain and headaches so bad they made me nauseated. My fever persists at 103, which I believe is slightly higher than my last check in.
4.21.2021 – Fever is still 103.0. Headaches are constant. I can barely focus because of the combination and Im frequently very dizzy and nauseated. Has also seemed to trigger a skipped menstrual cycle. There is zero possibility of pregnancy.
4.30.2021 – Missed menstrual cycle. Fever up to 103.7. I have had a severe headache nearly every day
5.7.2021 – Fibromyalgia flair ups
6.30.2021 – My fibromyalgia has been flaring and even when it would have typically stopped, it hasnt.
9.29.2021 – fibromyalgia still acting up
1.14.2022 – Went to NYE party w/25 people. We all had covid symptoms and got tested. I am the only one who tested negative despite being sick - the rest tested positive. I'm the only one w/booster. Harvard study said maybe only booster protects from omicron?
10.15.2022 – Fairly recent change in taste - sugar tastes different and kind of gross. I took excedrin today and it tasted salty instead of bitter. No known positive covid tests. This started several weeks ago (before I got the bivalent booster)
10.15.2022 – I had a migraine - think it's unrelated to vaccine
10.21.2022 – Possible loss of smell/taste - sugar tastes weird. Lately I can smell EVERYTHING and I think it's because my sense of smell is coming back after being gone? I'm not sure. Migraine last weekend. Fatigue. Dehydration.
11.18.2022 – sore throat, headache, fatigue, runny nose, general cold/flu sx
2.6.2021 – Redness, itching & slight swelling near vaccination site upper left arm on 1/31-2/2
2.27.2021 – light & noise sensitivity
2.28.2021 – Night Sweating, Muscle Weakness, Sore Throat
4.4.2021 – low-grade fever; worse than usual: fatigue, headache & cough; some additional muscle aches COVID test
8.27.2021 – Worsening of fatigue, brain fog and airway irritation.
6.24.2022 – Migraine, insomnia, bladder leakage
6.25.2022 – Cough, migraine, bladder leakage, twitches
6.27.2022 – General malaise, insomnia
6.28.2022 – Cough, sore throat, bladder issues
7.19.2022 – Nerve issues (sort of like a tremor or contraction) that disturb my sleep. This has fluctuated in intensity and is worse again this week
12.20.2022 – Chronic cough has become phlegmy. More back pain. Ongoing nerve issues.
4.1.2021 – No
4.6.2021 – Ive had a lot of neck and shoulder pain on he opposite arm from The injection arm. The shoulder and arm pain is in the site previously operated on and radiated for breast cancer 7 years ago. The pain started within 24 hours of the injection. It grew in intensity for 4 days and is now starting to subside. It felt like a whiplash like pain. Very inflamed. I did not injure it or do anything unusual. The only thing different was the vaccination.
4.24.2022 – Shortness of breath. Weight gain. Fluid retention.
2.26.2021 – Head was shaking this morning involuntarily
2.28.2021 – Mild chest pain, shortness of breath, swollen feet and ankles, feel really awful all over
3.1.2021 – Chest tightness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, hurt all over, left urgent message for doctor but no response
3.2.2021 – Shortness of breath. Doctor sent me to ER Doctor told me to go to ER for shortness of breath.
3.3.2021 – Shortness of breath
3.4.2021 – Still experiencing shortness of breath
5.6.2021 – Extreme swelling of legs, ankles, feet, frequent shortness of breath and fatigue, stomach bloating, weight gain
6.25.2021 – Extreme swelling of legs and feet, shortness of breath and fatigue. Echocardiogram. Lab tests
9.25.2021 – Veinous insufficiency and u deractive thyroid, fatigue, sudden weight gain causing different daily problems. I just feel awful everyday since the first vaccine shot. My new phone number for talk and text is (b)(6)
3.22.2021 – My nausea and stomach pain from yesterday is gone. I would like to add for your records that I had covid19 in June and July 2020. In addition i have the autoimmune condition Sjogren's. I appreciate this vaccine.
3.23.2021 – strange. pain in same right side starting at same 2:48 pm time with some nausea
3.25.2021 – it is just the injection site area where muscle is still sore. The fever i had most of yesterday afternoon and evening is gone.
4.16.2021 – muscle aches, continued soreness of vaccinated arm, intermittent slightly elevated temp, headaches, neck and abdomen discomfort, tired, low energy
4.23.2021 – more pain in upper left arm that was vaccinated. Headaches on same side. yesterday dr ordered blood tests and CT/ultrasound for both head and arm. Completed today. tests do not show evidence of blood clot. Primary care dr. 2 hospitals and lab for tests
4.30.2021 – Last week week on Thursday, April 22, my primary care dr sent me for blood work and 2 ultrasounds on Friday because of continued pain and some swelling in the arm i received the vaccination in. No blood clots were found. primary care plus
6.18.2021 – April 22 - arm pain and swelling after vaccination. sent for tests. better first werk in june.May 20- extreme heat collapse??? dizzy, dehydrated, about to faint. temp shot up to 101. used cold compresses, gatorade, rest. lasted 2 days
3.21.2022 – Headaches. Weaker upper body. Positive covid June 23 2020. Physical therapy. JandJ vaccine March 19 2021. Moderna booster Nov 18 2021. Covid positive again Dec 22 2021. Followed with antibody infusion. antibody infusion
10.21.2022 – dizzy, weak
3.27.2021 – My big toe is swollen and sore but I think I got bit by something last night.
4.7.2021 – Im having a new pain in my right hand. Maybe joint pain. Hurts to bend my index finger.
4.14.2021 – My right finger is more sore. Seems like joint pain. Ive had a burning sensation in my right shoulder 4-5 times in the last week. Ive never had that before.
5.12.2021 – My left shoulder and elbow and right index finger are extremely sore. Hurts to move or bend.
5.26.2021 – The joint pain is now in both shoulders, elbows, and right index finger.
6.2.2021 – Joint pain is worse. Shoulders hard to move.
7.21.2021 – Severe pain in shoulder. Getting an MRI next week. Ortho doc thinks its rotator cuff.
4.12.2021 – These symptoms are from 4/09/ thru 4/12
4.13.2021 – Dizzy
4.23.2021 – Just really tired some days not able to do daily activities
4.30.2021 – Feeling foggy in my head
5.1.2021 – Feeling foggy can't concentrate feeling confused
5.3.2021 – Still felling confused
5.4.2021 – Still feeling cloudy headed
5.7.2021 – Really intense muscle cramps during the night
5.14.2021 – I'm still having muscle pain .
5.30.2021 – Muscle aches in back and legs feels like tearing and pulling pain .
6.11.2021 – Same headaches and muscles in back feeling like there being shredded not new and farther and few in between !
10.18.2022 – Brain fog
11.6.2022 – I was sick for a week running low fever and sick to my stomach but today im good no covid i tested at home
3.21.2021 – Rash on chest, knee & top of foot pain Maybe completely unrelated, reporting anyway. Also, when I looked at a calendar I discovered that I started my menstrual period a full week early, & it started on the same day that I got my 1st shot.
4.19.2021 – Sore throat
11.3.2022 – About a week after my booster I had what I thought was a bad cold. Tested for COVID and it was positive. I isolated for 5 days until my symptoms were gone and I was testing negative.
3.17.2021 – Initial dizziness then it abated
3.18.2021 – Most symptoms were overnight and woke me up every 2 hours
3.22.2021 – Canker sores which sometimes show up when I'mFighting a virus
3.24.2021 – Canker sores. Lots of them.
4.14.2021 – Canker sores are worse. Can't tell if it's an immune response or something I ate. Either have been culprits in the past.
11.8.2021 – Dry cough
11.9.2021 – Cough
2.4.2022 – Had covid and recovered. Bad sore throat, congestion, cough, headache. Covid also triggered type 1 herpes and substantially worsened canker sores that kept me from eating (apthous mouth sores, not herpetic).
3.19.2021 – About 5hrs after the shot I feel a little spaced out, like my body's senses are in hyper mode.
3.20.2021 – Last night had chills and shivers. Spacey and jittery last night and today. Afraid of getting my 2nd shot
3.23.2021 – I had bad issues from my first shot from Friday to Saturday evening as per my report on here. I'm afraid to get my 2nd dose. I heard it has worse effects.
4.17.2021 – Barely a little sore arm. Second shot is 99% better than the first dose..
2.28.2022 – Just had a 24hr flu like symptom Feb 23 but was NOT covid per home test. (I had the flu vaccine back in October)
5.14.2022 – Very sore arm one day after the shot still hurts
5.15.2022 – Sore arm
12.9.2022 – Dec 6, 2022 = congestion, fever, coughing, sore throat, achy
