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.
1.28.2021 – Rapid strong heartbeat yestersay, 4 hrs after receiving vaccine. 96 beats per min. It lessened after 2 min. It frighttened me, as I have a history of heart disease. For the next 2 hrs I was anxious. Had tunnel vision, some intermittent mild heart racing. Symptoms lessened over 3 hrs and I was able to sleep.
2.3.2021 – Some nasal congestion and throat congestion
3.17.2021 – Several headaches that lasted a couple of hours.
3.5.2021 – Difficulty empying bladder about 9 hours after vaccine, with duration of approx. 3 hours.
3.21.2021 – Light headed, dizzy, and sleepy.
3.25.2021 – Body aches, muscle pain and weakness, nausea, malaise, fatigue, cold/freezing. Seen by outpatient clinic/ PCP twice this week.
4.8.2021 – Re-activated EBV/Mono with Beta Strep infection. Healthcare provider stated it might be caused by the COVID vaccine.
4.18.2021 – Constant head and neck pain with headache. Tinitus, dizzy, feel spacey. Tired, sleepy, sluggish.
3.4.2022 – Cough, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, dizziness, achy, tremors. Also broken leg. Surgery for broken leg
3.15.2021 – Cold sore outbreaks since the vaccine date
3.22.2021 – Not worsening, but I have had three cold sores since my vaccine. Normally I have 1-2/year and they usually do not break the surface. I have since started daily suppressive Valacyclovir to control it.
3.29.2021 – Continuing to have breakthrough cold sores despite starting daily suppressive medicine
4.6.2021 – Earache
2.5.2022 – Cold sore symptoms like tingling
2.9.2022 – My period seems delayed
2.11.2022 – Severe abdominal and menstrual cramps
1.7.2021 – Very slight fatigue
1.8.2021 – Slight
1.26.2021 – Intractable nausea and vomiting Fri 01/22/2021. Came on suddenly. Not sure if related to vaccine or not; occurred 17 days post 1st injection
2.2.2021 – Pain at site of injection much worse with 2nd dose
2.23.2021 – Nausea 3 weeks after 2nd dose;this nausea occurred at the same time interval as after the 1st dose.However, so far the nausea is much less.
3.9.2021 – Migraines, GI upset
3.16.2021 – Lymph nodes swollen and inflamed right side back of my neck. Came on suddenly on Sunday 03/14 AM. I had a migraine headache last week that lasted 3/8 - 3/11; didnt totally resolve until Fri/Sat. 3/12-3/13. Im scheduling an appointment with Dr. (b)(6)
5.6.2021 – 5,weeks after my 2nd dose I experienced fatigue and lymphadenopathy bilaterally posterior cervical chain Visit to my primary care MD
2.14.2021 – SOB, cough, irritated upper respiratory airway
2.15.2021 – Cough and slight SOB, Numbness and tingling arms and hands
2.17.2021 – Flare up /exacerbated Lymphadema
2.21.2021 – Lymphadema exacerbation from first injection to left deltoid. Nurse manager at vaccination clinic in (b)(6) has not allowed me to get injection to leg stating preferred site is upper arm . Explained I suffer from Lymphadema s/p bilateral mastectomy
2.26.2021 – Possible ascities, sob and fatigue
3.12.2021 – Muscle Pain and tightness to left arm
3.15.2021 – Enlarged and painful lymph nodes to right groin
3.16.2021 – Swollen and tender to touch right groin
3.17.2021 – Right groin swelling of lymph nodes
3.21.2021 – Insomnia
3.22.2021 – Sore glands in throat
3.23.2021 – Sore throat glands
3.27.2021 – Developed a new anaphylactic allergy to hazelnuts, may not be related (previous anaphylactic allergy to macadamia nuts)
4.15.2021 – Swollen and sore armpit gland and glands by throat
4.17.2021 – Sweats
4.25.2021 – Menstrual bleeding (normally no cycles)
4.29.2021 – Developed an anaphylactic reaction to a new food just after the first shot. Then during the skin test, the control histamine that was done one month later (this week) did not react for no identifiable reason. New extreme midday fatigue and spotting.
5.6.2021 – Spotting for 2 weeks
5.27.2021 – Nausea, irregular spot bleeding, abdominal Spasms, extreme fatigue, bad persistent head cold
10.14.2021 – 2nd degree AV heart block, type 1 and a lot of ventricular fibrillation episodes
4.15.2022 – Grade 3 diastolic dysfunction with shortness of breath and very frequent chest pain, asthma, conduction disease
12.27.2020 – I've also done yard work, so these symptoms may be related to that- just more prevalent than usual
1.11.2021 – None-I just got the vaccine 6 hours ago...
1.16.2021 – This may be strange and unrelated but for the sake of accurate reporting- after night 2, I had awful night sweats and my sheets smelled like nothing Ive ever smelled before- awful and sour. I was sore to the touch everywhere I had these shooting sharp pains, especially my right hip- theres no injury just sore. And I have been ridiculously emotional. Tears started because it hurt so bad and I was so tired and couldnt sleep, but it (the tears) has slowed down but not stopped. Just in case anyone else reports the same....Im sure the emotions can be tied together with just the state of the world, the pandemic, and seeing relief in the future...
1.13.2022 – Exposure to COVID, w/ SOB, headache, extreme fatigue and muscle/joint pain. Negative test.
4.26.2021 – Legs arms tingling / zinging. Right thigh muscles
4.27.2021 – Still a zinging sensation in my arms and legs
4.28.2021 – Still feel zinging sensation in arms& legs.
4.29.2021 – Full body zinging sensation ever since.
4.30.2021 – Still a zinging sensation throughout body/limbs
5.30.2021 – Sore throat, laryngitis
6.18.2021 – Big, spasm/Cough. Wakes me from sleeping. Wakes my kids.
8.22.2021 – Sinus cold and fluid in ears ( not COVID)
5.21.2022 – I had Covid (a mild case) but was hospitalized on the last day due to severe dehydration and dangerously low blood pressure (fainted) that turned out to be how most of theER covid positive patients my age were presenting in my area.
2.10.2021 – a dry throat, not certain if related to shot
2.11.2021 – spurt of a cough when beginning to soeak
2.26.2021 – A cough continues especially when beginning a conversation or upon waking in the might once or twice. Does not keep me from active lifestyle. Run, play softball, hike, bike.
3.6.2021 – Excited 2nd shot in 3 days!!!!
3.13.2021 – A bit of congested, dry cough like I experienced a few days after 1st shot.
3.22.2021 – fatique for 2 hrs for each of two days
4.10.2021 – Some dizziness when standing
4.14.2021 – My blood pressure reading has been very high. For the past few days it has been 200/98
4.22.2021 – High blood pressure
7.8.2021 – Since June fourth until this present day I have had constant mucus drainage , Cough, fever ranging from 99100And a headache. I was concerned enough to get tested for Covid and the results were negative. I was on a Z pack and amoxicillin
10.7.2021 – I continue to have sinus pressure and headaches with postnasal drip.
4.8.2022 – I tested positive for Covid twice
2.24.2021 – Day 6 or 7 I had redness and itching at the site of the injection. It went away after 2 days.
5.7.2022 – I have a fever blister on my lip that appeared 2 days prior to my vaccination. It was on the mend by the day of my vaccine.
6.10.2022 – Not sure if it has anything to do with it but I've had a fluttering feeling in my left tricep and tight shoulder joint/ scapula muscle on the injection side
11.4.2022 – Runny nose fatigue and coughing
4.2.2021 – Congestion
4.14.2021 – Fatigue and headache
6.2.2021 – Post nasal dripFatigueFeeling unwellSore throat
6.9.2021 – Extreme fatigue Congestion Sore throatNauseous Negative covid testAntibiotics
7.29.2021 – Phantom smell of smokeAltered other smells and tastesDizzy
10.27.2021 – Stomach flu
12.4.2021 – Injection arm, left, has throbbed and tingled from shoulder to below elbow. Also had a cold sensation.
12.24.2021 – Phantom smell of constant cigarette smoke.
12.31.2021 – Still constant phantom cigarette smoke smell.
1.7.2022 – Headaches
1.14.2022 – Diarrhea Cigarette smoke smell- phantom smell
6.10.2022 – Fever, post nasal drip, headache, fatigue, cough
6.17.2022 – Post nasal drip Fatigue Headache Fever Cough Woozy
3.25.2021 – Increased heart rate woke me up continuously between midnight and 4 AM. That's the reason I'm tired today. All seems to be back to normal now.
6.25.2021 – Ankle swelling, high blood pressure. Don't think it's vaccine related.
10.20.2021 – Enlarged lymph node under arm
1.16.2022 – I had covid at Christmas - lung pain, chest tightness, fatigue, slight dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell
4.15.2022 – Enlarged lymph node in groin
9.1.2022 – Not related to the covid vaccine. Developed Lyme's disease.
2.16.2021 – Headaches, more fatigue
2.26.2021 – It seems that after my first and second vaccines my arthritis and neuropathy are more apparent for a few days.
2.27.2021 – Back Muscle ache and neuropathic pain in feet diminishing
3.30.2021 – Unexplained positive TSpot test result with a normal chest x ray and hx of negative PPDs yearly for 30 years and no patient exposures in over a year and no community exposures - I gave quarantined from social situations for this past year. Requiring Public Health clearance to work
2.23.2022 – Had Covid 19
10.3.2021 – When I received the injection, fluid ran down my arm after the nurse pulled out the needle. Im concerned that I didnt receive the entire dose. Ive never had this happen with any other injection I received in my 71 years. Should I be concerned?
4.15.2022 – After the shot, the injection site was irritated from the second through the fourth day. This was longer than previous doses. Also, felt out of sorts for two days. None of this happened after the first three doses.
10.27.2022 – Too soon yet after dose for symptoms. Injection site just now starting to feel tender.
10.31.2022 – Still very minor bump at injection site, occasional mild itching. Only mentioning it because you're tracking side effects.
11.2.2022 – Interestingly, 1wk out, when the injection site is rubbed w/a little pressure, as with putting on lotion, I can feel a very small lump & it's mildly painful. I feel nothing when I'm not touching it. No mild, periodic mild itching today.
7.30.2021 – Breathing problem. I was having difficult to breathe.
7.31.2021 – Left side was hurting, left brain. Feel like the air way is bloocking. Upper lungs and the airways . The mucus started developing..
8.1.2021 – Difficult breathing, i feel like something wrong with my lungs.
8.2.2021 – Mucus and shortest of breath..
8.4.2021 – I got a bump under my left armpit. Very sore. Breathing still shallow
8.5.2021 – Shortest of breath and still have a lump in my left arm
9.8.2021 – Difficult breathing,
9.15.2021 – Difficult breathing
9.29.2021 – Feeling sick almost all day..
10.6.2021 – Still feel sick, sometimes i feel better sometime i feel very sick, bloated and difficult breathing
1.27.2021 – Stuffiness, congestion, cough
1.28.2021 – Slight lung congestion (tightness) with cough
1.31.2021 – Difficulty breathing; cough
2.5.2021 – Temp 99.9, headache, chest congestion, bad cough, achy, fatigued for several days. COVID rest was negative.
2.26.2021 – Sweating
8.20.2021 – Migraines, dyspnea with exertion (now resolved), fatigue, insomnia Doctors office
7.31.2022 – Headache, Breathing difficulties (tightness, shortness of breath), probably allergies. Use of asthma medication helped somewhat.
10.15.2022 – Tachycardia
11.13.2022 – Diagnosed with Flu type B, Covid negative. Stuffy head, fever, body aches, sore throat
2.27.2021 – Lack of appetite 12-72 hours after injection
3.9.2021 – Rash on face. Didnt think to report it after first shot cuz it wasnt bad but since second shot has gotten more itchy.
4.8.2021 – Got nauseous all of a sudden and began throwing up. Bile. Sipped a coke 2 settle tummy and have been throwing that up each time I drink
8.24.2021 – Diagnosed w C-Diff on 8/18. Severe diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy
1.9.2022 – Dull headache, sore
7.20.2022 – Torn meniscus &. Baker cyst in rightknee
3.30.2021 – I've had a productive cough the last few days. This could be due to allergies. due
4.7.2021 – My cough got worse.
4.14.2021 – I feel fuzzy-headed, like I took cough medicine.
4.18.2021 – I've had a productive cough for a few days, and I also got one after my first shot.
4.19.2021 – I still have a productive cough and wheezy breath.
4.20.2021 – Cough and cold sore.b
4.21.2021 – Productive cough and a cold sore.
4.28.2021 – I was diagnosed with bronchitis. They did not test me for COVID.
8.18.2021 – I felt achy in my neck glands. A bit tired.
8.20.2021 – Pain near/under ribs & some intestinal issues. Almost daily headaches. Very tired.
8.27.2021 – Mostly just exhaustion and difficulty falling asleep.
9.5.2021 – Tachycardia & weakness. Also a change in my digestive system.
9.17.2021 – Elevated temperature, headaches, digestive issues (cramps & diarrhea), fast heartbeat, tiredness/general fatigue.
2.4.2022 – Digestive difficulties & some heart palpitations & breathlessness & some periodic weakness.
1.17.2021 – On the 9th and 10th there was mild discomfort at the injection site which I expected. Also had mild headache on the 10th. Otherwise no issue. On the 16th my arm ba an to itch at the injection site and was about the size of a quarter and a little pink. I put some benedryl cream on it which didnt do much. This morning the swelling and redness is worse- about 3 area, and is hot to the touch. And still itchy.
4.8.2021 – The arm where the vaccine was given is sore to raise the arm.
4.9.2021 – Stomach was bothering me today , alittle chills overnight, all is ok though!
4.13.2021 – A little coughing out flim.
4.14.2021 – Coughing flim up, could be a sinus issue.
5.12.2021 – Running nose, slight cough today.
5.12.2022 – Arm is sore around vaccine area
5.13.2022 – Arm is still soar in the muscle where I got the 2nd.Booster .
5.19.2022 – Runny nose and coughing flim up in the mornings
10.29.2022 – Arm just a little sore
10.30.2022 – Muscle cramps this morning
11.10.2022 – Coughing alot of flim up lately
3.31.2021 – Very mild dizziness
4.2.2021 – I went into a-fib Irregular and rapid heartbeat Has gone back to normal now.
4.3.2021 – High blood pressure. I usually have low BP.
4.7.2021 – Fogginess ever since a few hours after vaccine administered
6.30.2021 – Fever chills nausea heart palpitations extreme fatigueand elevated heart snd bp. Low sodium levels caused Er visit and 2 day hospital stay. This occurred in late May and early to mid June so Im not sure if I already reported this.
4.20.2021 – 1st covid shot I experienced chills and felt latargic, and tiredness and migraines for three days2nd covid shot that evening for four days I felt chills ,feve,r bones aching, arm hurting, itching on top of foot, vomiting and nausea and migraines.
4.30.2021 – I have sore throat and cough and experience heart issues. Will make appointment for sore throat and cough but I have consulted a cardiologist for battery of test.
5.4.2021 – Right ear infection and sore throat
3.25.2021 – On day 8 woke up to injection site itching, red and rashy. It continued to grow in size for a few days and then started look better. Currently there is a faint red area. Did report to VAERS. Have had a sore throat for 2 days, no fever.
4.10.2021 – Discomfort in armpit of vaccination arm
4.11.2021 – After having chills at 2:00 am, woke up 3 more times drenched in sweat
12.4.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes under arm of injection. Very painful. Do not want to get dressed, can't imagine trying to wear a bra
12.5.2021 – Enlarged,mpainful lymph nodes under arm that was vaccinated
12.6.2021 – Swollen sore lymph nodes under arm of injection site
12.7.2021 – Swollen, sore lymph nodes under arm of vaccination site
12.8.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes under arm
12.9.2021 – Swollen lymph nodes under arm, no longer painful
12.23.2022 – Positive for Covid. Mild case, fatigue, stuffy nose, dry cough
10.19.2021 – "Brain fog"
11.1.2021 – I get a sense my heart "flutters" periodically, which isn't normal. More tired than usual and have been going to bed earlier.
11.9.2021 – Chest feels a little tight - like a knot in chest muscle
11.15.2021 – Sinus pressure. Mental fog
11.22.2021 – Periodically wake up during the night and heart rate feels elevated. Been 2 nights since last occurred.
11.29.2021 – Cough, irritated throat, and mild congestion. First time with any cold/flu/congestion since pandemic began.
5.11.2022 – Heart palpitations
5.3.2021 – Dermotologist
5.7.2021 – Fatigue, I have rheumatoid arthritis and after the first dose got a minor case of hives. after second shot hives (or whatever they are) got way worse. Very itchy prickly burning patches of rash all over. Had a biopsy will have results soon.
10.24.2021 – I have stated since I got my second dose of the Moderna vaccine I have had a severe case of neuropathy and dermatitis all over my body. I already had neuropathy but the vaccine dialed that and the skin itch, burning and shingle like places 500%.
4.23.2022 – Fatigue and severe dermatitis and nerve pain/itch
5.1.2021 – Ringing in ears
5.3.2021 – Continuing pain in the shoulder where I received the injection. Things like pulling on a jacket are painful and my range of motion is a bit limited.
5.10.2021 – Shoulder pain near the injection site. While I have full range of motion, some movements - like pulling on a jacket- are painful.
5.17.2021 – Worsening shoulder stiffness and difficulty with rotor cuff in arm where I received vaccination. Waking up in pain when I roll onto my arm, and having trouble pulling clothes over my head. Workplace nurse
5.24.2021 – Stiff painful shoulder in the arm where I received the enjection.
5.31.2021 – Continued moderate pain in my left rotator cuff near the injection site.
8.5.2021 – During a routine mammogram, enlarged lymph nodes were found in my left armpit. I just had them and ultrasound today and it was determined that they are in normal range and likely just a result of the vaccination or some minor illness.
5.30.2022 – Stuffy nose and muscle aches
11.27.2022 – 11 September 2022 tested positive for COVID. All 4 household members were infected. Mild symptoms. No lingering effects. Followed all distancing guidelines.
