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.
4.1.2022 – I caught Covid but it was fairly mild due to my boosted vaccine. I was taking care of my granddaughter who caught Covid but was too young for the vaccine and I got infected. We are fine now.
10.1.2022 – I was positive with Covid based on an at home test. Symptoms were mild fatigue, headache, body aches, no fever. This was back in February Or March I believe. Symptoms lasted 5 days. I worked from home during that time.
1.4.2021 – Sneezing and running nose
1.5.2021 – Insomnia last night , throbbing headache up until 3 am
1.6.2021 – Swollen right ankle , very hard to walk on it , I had a hot flash to my right leg and foot 5 mins after the vaccine .
1.10.2021 – Feeling like I had been drinking , last night groggy also like I had too much to drink , I almost fell yesterday around 6:30 pm , I almost fell . I don't drink or smoke anything .
1.25.2021 – No
1.26.2021 – Stiff hands could not close them without pain
2.10.2021 – Fatigue
2.22.2021 – I got the shingles
3.10.2021 – Just this week Monday , Left lower leg numbness & pain when walking , lasted for about 2 days . I also got the shingles & recovered about 1 week now .
2.17.2021 – On day 8 the injection site became very itchy, red, swollen, feverish, and sore. My underarm was also very tender. This only lasted a couple of days
3.5.2021 – Large swollen area under arm thats very sore
3.6.2021 – Swollen under my armpit and super sore all the way up the inside of my arm to my elbow
3.7.2021 – Swollen under arm and sore from below armpit up to elbow on the inside of my arm
3.8.2021 – Still swollen and sore under my arm pit up to my elbow on the inside of my arm
3.3.2022 – Sore throat, sinus congestion, pain, and drainage, fatigue for about a week and diarrhea for a couple of days - tested positive for Covid on a home test
1.6.2021 – Upper respiratory
3.3.2021 – Yeast infection that will not go away. Air bubbles in urine that have never been there before and waves of nausea. Appointment is tomorrow went for lab work today
10.13.2021 – Bad upper respiratory, not sure if any relation to getting shot.
10.14.2021 – Still have upper respiratory
10.28.2021 – I'm having a horrible flare up with my RA.
4.9.2022 – I got Covid and have had many complications and secondary infections. In person PCP, ENT, CT scan and physical therapy
10.7.2022 – Joint issues. Had to have two sets of injections. Regular Dr appt
5.22.2021 – Breathing Issues and Lung Issues along with Major Fluid Overload to the point I had to be Hospitalized for 3 Days to Drain the Fluid Off of my Body!! Then for the past 2 Days Ive had Chills, Stomach Pain and have been Tired a lot!!
6.3.2021 – No I usually have Joint Pain as well as Body Aches! They just arent usually this painful or bothersome!!
6.11.2021 – Im in a lot of pain, but its not from the Vaccination its due to an Underlying Medical Issue that Ive had for many years!
6.18.2021 – Endocarditis (a Heart condition)!
7.11.2021 – Its my neuropathy Im hurting today
8.27.2021 – I have RSV
11.28.2021 – Congestive Heart Failure Swelling in my leg's, arm's, hand's and stomach due to Fluid Overload
1.9.2021 – Metallic taste in mouth
1.15.2021 – Hives and itching
1.22.2021 – Hives, itching all over for about a day on day 6Large circle of redness, swelling, and warmth at the injection site (started new on day 7 after vaccine, resolved after 3 days or so)Took Claritin and Benadryl for a few days
2.8.2021 – Brief mild dulling of taste sensation
2.26.2021 – New tingling in both feet, but could have been due to something else (maybe reaction to new foot lotion started around same time)
2.18.2021 – Yesterday I came down with severe UTI.
2.19.2021 – Still have the UTI (started day 2). Doc gave rx of cipro. Wants follow-up blood test due to creatine level increased.
2.20.2021 – Aches in lower back.
2.21.2021 – Probably related to UTI.
3.9.2021 – Worsening bladder problem. UTI gone. Yeast infection gone. Bladder very uncomfortable. Saw urologist. CT scan coming sunday. Covid vaccine #2 tomorrow.
3.17.2021 – I am not sure I told you that day after 1st vaccine shot, i had blood in toilet. Urinalysis showed UTI. Now ct scan due to abdominal pain shows swollen meseteric lymp nodes.
3.10.2022 – I had strong cold. On week 3 with lingering congestion in throat. Mostly in throat from beginning. Soreness & laryngitis. (4 covid tests-all negative) Had another MRI (couple months ago) abdomen. No change in swollen glands. New NAFLD in MRI
2.3.2021 – I didnt tell on the first day I got headache and sore shoulder where I got the shot. That night very sore shoulder during night that woke me and then sore shoulder but better than during the night.
2.5.2021 – Just have very mild headache. I seldom get headaches so it a little annoying.
2.6.2021 – It has been 6 days and I dont feel normal. Is this anything I should be concerned with?
2.9.2021 – One thing I have had a runny nose for 8 days and some shortness of breath also.
2.28.2021 – I never told you after the first shot I had severe brain fog, Im hoping I dont get it again after shot # 2. It lasted about 3 weeks!
3.2.2021 – Brain fog
3.5.2021 – Still have lingering brain fog
3.20.2021 – Some brain fog still and some headaches. I never get headaches so thats why Im mentioning it.
3.28.2021 – Still have brain fog but also my joints seem to hurt more
4.10.2021 – When working out I feel more winded than normal, this has been going on since the shot I just kept forgetting to put it down.
5.29.2021 – Still having some shortness of breath
8.28.2021 – I Feel like I still have brain fog and it is concerning!!!
2.27.2022 – Seems like I'm wheezing more. I'm going to see my doctor about it otherwise I'm feeling pretty well.
3.4.2021 – My hearing was temporarily vibrato last night
3.13.2021 – A small, itchy, rash formed at the injection site on Monday, March 1st. I treated it with Benadryl cream and it was gone by the next day.
4.17.2021 – Developed an allergy to apricots in a very short timespan. Coughing and wheezing when I eat dried apricots.
5.10.2021 – Itching at the injection site continues
3.3.2022 – I just forgot to ever mention it but since my first vaccine a year ago, my period has gotten much worse. Heavier flow, darker color, chunkier, much more pain.
6.2.2022 – Severe allergies that cause vertigo and headaches
10.13.2022 – I was nauseous yesterday morning, as well, but it passed quickly and I didn't think much of it
10.28.2022 – On Saturday, upper abdominal pain bloating and nausea returned with additional vomiting. Was fine Sun-Wednesday. Thursday/Friday slight abdominal pain and bloating returned. Thursday took an at home covid test results were negative
3.14.2021 – Low oxygen levels
3.15.2021 – Sharp pain in top abdominal area. Low oxygen levels in the morning
4.1.2021 – Headaches
4.8.2021 – My oxygen levels have been dipping. I had a Cat-scan of my lungs on 4/5/21 and have an appointment with ENT on 4/14/21 Radiology
4.15.2021 – Lingering harder headache on back oh head. Went to ENT appointment for lingering cough
4.22.2021 – Today is my first day that My headaches arent so bad..
11.26.2021 – More like vertigo
5.11.2022 – Check pain
10.20.2022 – Fever, chills, ear ache, runny nose
2.4.2021 – I had pain on left side of back on left collarbone. Took Tylenol and it helped
2.5.2021 – Again the pinching in left shoulder blade
2.10.2021 – Still a little pain in left backbone
2.25.2021 – Pain in left shoulder blade
2.26.2021 – Coughing
2.28.2021 – 2 days ago for 2 days Pain in left breast same arm received-injection.
3.1.2021 – Mild scratchy throat
3.3.2021 – Welts on right thigh
4.7.2021 – Very tired
5.26.2021 – Huge welts on arms and thighs
10.18.2021 – Feet and hands crping
10.20.2021 – Twitching right eye
10.21.2021 – Under left arm tightness.
4.17.2022 – Hip pain
7.23.2022 – A lot coughing
8.27.2022 – Joint pain entire left leg
12.2.2021 – The nodules in my neck on the left side where I took the vaccine was swollen and hurting
5.31.2022 – I have developed a rash all over my body that comes in patches like allergies. I have never had before it's over 2 months now . I have been taking Zyrtec every night otherwise I'm going crazy with the itching. I have never ever had this before.
11.24.2022 – I still break out in hives all over my body. I have to take Zyrtec every night to be able to function next day.
3.20.2021 – I can't remember if I shared this at the start. I tested positive for covid in December, we still have antibodies as of last saturday-not sure if tht corrolates with our first shot symptoms since both mr snd my husband have had the same.
4.14.2021 – Can't concentrate
4.15.2021 – Thirst, insomnea, crying for no reason
4.16.2021 – Lack of focus/ditsiness
4.17.2021 – Insomnea, thrist
4.18.2021 – Thirsty
7.14.2021 – I had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago eith some covid-like symptoms so I glut tested snd wss negative. It was interesting to see that I don't normally lose my sense of smell with a non-covid illness.
4.14.2022 – Fever, sore thoat
10.24.2022 – Brain fog
10.26.2022 – Nose bleed. Night sweats for at least 4 nights now, followed by itching/sensitive skin-can't sleep!!!!
12.1.2022 – I have learned that i have adenomyosis and migranes, and have a headache right now.
4.10.2021 – Irritated and slightly swollen armpit on the arm where I got my injection
4.11.2021 – Slight irritation and swelling in armpit of injection side arm
4.12.2021 – Slightly irritated and swollen armpit on injection side
4.13.2021 – Slight irritation and swelling of armpit
4.14.2021 – Slight irritation and swelling in the armpit
4.15.2021 – Slight irritation and swelling in armpit
4.23.2022 – Weakness & dizziness
4.26.2022 – Armpit is extremely swollen and black and blue
4.27.2022 – Armpit swollen & black and blue. Heart rate higher than normal walking uphill
4.28.2022 – Swelling under my arm has gone down some. Black and blue area is also turning green today
4.29.2022 – Armpit swelling and black, blue and green discoloration is decreasing
10.21.2022 – Covid positive test 10/15/2022
12.30.2020 – Runny nose Ear ache, calf pain bilateral
1.1.2021 – Severe exhaustion I can't move off my couch and nausea didn't come to the second day.
1.2.2021 – Really really Fatigue and Weepy, I have Rhumatoid in Humira and plaquenel
1.3.2021 – I am exhausted not a normal tired. Didn't take my humira otherwise improving
1.5.2021 – Improving today
1.19.2021 – Fever of 100.4 body aches runny nose headsAche, nausea really bad nausea Covid test
2.3.2021 – Immediately after injection very very itchy throat I stopped in the bay home and got benedryl!
2.4.2021 – Sore throat
2.5.2021 – No improving
2.10.2021 – Jaw ache
1.12.2021 – Injection site started itching and got red, swollen and warm, plus it was tender again. Almost gone now.
10.25.2021 – Just felt a bit "out of it" for the first 2 days after. Better now
10.26.2021 – Brain fog but not sure it's the booster
4.22.2022 – I've fallen a couple of times - once during an ice storm and once slipping off the floorboards of our SUV to a seated position on the ground. Maybe just stupid on my part and not paying enough attention, but disturbing still.
3.26.2021 – Severe right thigh pain felt as though my muscle was being torn apart. To doctors then to hospital for ultrasound to rule out DVT
4.4.2021 – Bad tooth, possibly abcessef
4.9.2021 – Increased pain/achiness all over, nauseous
4.24.2021 – ? Neuropathy in legs hip area hands feels like hot nails being stabbed into meat (legs) Dr visit then ultrasound to rule out clot
6.14.2021 – Lightheaded,dizzy
6.25.2021 – Increased fatigue, muscle fatigue
12.10.2021 – All over acheness increased fatigue
6.2.2022 – Tingling and numbness in my hands tingling in my arms increased pain in all my joints
2.10.2021 – I just had a bit of a sore arm and slight headache after first dose on 1/23/21. Side effects went away quickly. After my second dose on 2/9/21, I am experiencing chills, fever, headache, and body ache.
2.11.2021 – Early morning of 2/10/21, I had chills as well
8.13.2021 – 1. Cold and fever2. Hip pain3. Tooth infection Internist, dentist, and periodontist
4.21.2022 – For the 10/14/2021 and 04/12/2022 doses I had high fever, muscle and body ache, headache. For the 10/14/2022 shot I had severe chills lasting over an hour
7.12.2022 – Tested positive for COVID. Sore throat, cough, fever, no voice.
10.11.2022 – Sore throat, headache, low grade fever.
4.5.2021 – Chills were muscle-achingly bad overnight, but subsided by the time I got up at 7am so I'm saying chills/muscle aches were moderate because I was walking all hunched up in the middle of the night. Took a four hour nap (11am-3pm) and woke up sweaty, like I had broken a fever while I slept.
4.7.2021 – Scratchy throat
11.4.2022 – Pretty sure I've torn the rotator cuff in the shoulder where I received my vaccines ... I VERY SERIOUSLY DOUBT it is related to the vaccines, but wanted to me notion it in case other people were having a similar experience
3.18.2021 – Yesterday I had a 99 degree temp today is normal.
3.20.2021 – All of us have a runny nose and a cough
4.17.2021 – All of my family received the vaccine together. My wife and I had the same symptoms. My son's both have A rash on their arms.
4.19.2021 – I'm having problems with my knee since the third day after the shot?
4.28.2021 – I have had an investing problem with my knee? I hadn't done anything to cause it to hurt. Also I have had neck problems and they have also worsened? My temperature has gone back to normal though.
7.14.2021 – My joints have been a problem since getting the shots. My pain has been worse than prior to the shots?I have always had pain now the pain has gotten almost unbearable, I am back at a pain clinic because of the discomfort.
10.13.2021 – Allot more pain than I've had prior to the shots.
4.14.2022 – Over the last year I've had more discomfort in my joints. The same thing happened to my mother who is now on a home. I did what you said and mentioned it to my PCP she shrugged and didn't do anything?
1.18.2021 – Abdominal cramps yesterday & today. Just noticed that
1.22.2021 – I only had the swelling, pain, redness for approximately 3 days. So I have been answering no (because I havent had any more since the first vaccine). I just wanted to clarify. And they were obviously worse the first two days & then it was better by the 4th day. Stomach cramps was mild & it lasted about 3 days. So far no issues since.
4.16.2021 – I had my 2nd Maderna shot 6wks after the 1st shot bc I had to go out of state & then facility couldnt give me the 2nd one on time. I had flu like symptoms started 12 hrs after the shot:chills,fever, body aches lasted 10 hrs& an awful headache.
1.15.2022 – Tested positive for covid 1/12/22.
4.8.2021 – I feel sleepy and drained.
4.9.2021 – Higher blood pressure
4.12.2021 – Runny nose
4.21.2021 – Hand fell asleep on its own for no reason on Saturday.
4.28.2021 – I experienced a stuffed nose and sneezing but not a cold or flu.
5.8.2021 – Sniffles and runny nose.
5.9.2021 – Still a stuffy nose.
5.10.2021 – Stuffy nose that runs.
5.11.2021 – Stuffed nose.
5.12.2021 – Stuffy nose
5.19.2021 – Im having daily headaches. My sores are healing slower. I almost passed out when taking a fasting blood test. I normally have no problem with any part of a blood test. I feel weaker overall after the second shot.
6.16.2021 – Im getting cold symptoms daily now since the last check-in. Theyre not getting any better with time. I feel more tired and sleep more soundly at night.
5.5.2022 – I choke on food and liquids a lot and no reason was found for it in a recent endoscopy.
3.31.2021 – After second dose, muscles ache
3.31.2021 – Aches, muscle pain
4.1.2021 – Jawline ached
4.2.2021 – Right arm pit swollen since shot in right arm
4.3.2021 – Swelling in the right armpit. Less swelling than yesterday.
4.4.2021 – Armpit swelling is going down.
4.5.2021 – Swelling in my armpit has gone down significantly
4.6.2021 – The swelling in my armpit has gone down significantly
4.9.2021 – Swelling in my armpit has gone down completely
4.21.2021 – My eyes have swollen and darkened.
4.28.2021 – Darkening around both eyes
5.6.2021 – Pain in both knees and bwck
5.12.2021 – Darkening aroind my eyes and knee/joint pain
6.30.2021 – Spots on my lungs
10.3.2021 – Constant back and knee pain. Sinus infection Othopedist
3.31.2022 – Left armpit was swollen for several says after the booster.
4.13.2022 – Swelling/lump has retu3in left armpit
4.21.2022 – Trouble breathing.
6.8.2022 – My doctor says i now have asthma and sleep apnea Overnight doctor's office
9.10.2022 – Asthma, sleep apnea
3.24.2021 – I had a fever of 100.2 the day after receiving my vaccination.
3.29.2021 – I've had a headache since Saturday.
4.19.2021 – Runny nose and sneezing starting today. I expect it's seasonal allergies.
10.31.2021 – Some swelling under arm that I got the shot in. Assume it's lymph nodes. Not worrisome.
11.10.2021 – White spots on my tonsils, starting yesterday. No sore throat, fever or other symptoms. Tested negative for strep today. COVID-19 test pending.
1.26.2022 – I've had very mild sinus symptoms, some fatigue and two very short instances of nausea. Also had a positive COVID-19 test Jan 19.
5.7.2021 – A lot of Chest pain as if it was the heart.
5.8.2021 – No chests pain today
6.9.2021 – Frequent chest pains near the heart. Each episode will last about 5mins. Then a min sensations lingers. Goes away by the next day
8.3.2021 – Was sick with flu for the last week. As of today feeling better, all i have left is a small dry cough. Been able to still taste and smell. Small chest pains near the heart still occurs randomly. Overall good.
6.10.2021 – Minor chest pains
7.28.2021 – Sudden Stage 4 Hemorrhoids and swollen lymph nodes Proctologist office
8.14.2021 – Right side only, mid and lower stomach progressing pains. Went to Urgent Care and ER to make sure was not appendix. Perfectly healthy on all tests, but still experiencing passing pains. Now less severe.
10.1.2021 – Random sudden passing abdomen pains on my right side. After appx a month moved to lower inner abdomen. No previous gut or medical issues, ever. No explanation from doctors, bloodwork, or CT w/ contrast. Also still dealing with abscess.
7.6.2022 – Painful surgery for anal fistula, which started out as an abscess formed within weeks of my 2nd covid shot. Months of recovery and no activity. Was in top perfect health prior to vaccination.
3.7.2021 – Dizziness, congestion, breathlessness, not diarrhea but loose stools and urgency
3.9.2021 – Mildly sore throat
3.11.2021 – Swollen glands in neck, canker sore in back right corner of mouth, ear pain and tooth pain on the right side
3.25.2021 – Migraines, swelling, leg cramps
4.1.2021 – Cold hands, mouth/throat feels a little weird
4.2.2021 – My mouth, tongue and throat are sore. Also, I was awake most of the night. I am having trouble sleeping
4.3.2021 – A bruise on my leg. As the day goes on I feel better and better
4.5.2021 – Sleeplessness.
4.6.2021 – Sleeplessness, tingly skin and itchy hives
4.7.2021 – Itching and hives in random places
4.8.2021 – Itching
4.22.2021 – Diarrhea
4.29.2021 – Recurring food senditivity and diarrhea. I am managing with Creon and probiotics
9.30.2021 – I cough a lot more than I used to sometimes when I am eating. My adhd is worse.
4.1.2022 – Acid reflux. Endoscopy
4.10.2021 – Since the the day after my shot (3/27/21), I have had reoccurring near syncope episodes. They have been so debilitating that I went to the Emergency Room and had to move in with my parents because I cant stand long enough to make food for myself.
4.16.2021 – I still have weakness in my limbs. But have now have low blood pressure, which started after the shot, and vertigo. I still cant stand long enough to make food for myself or shower alone.
6.25.2021 – Rash on my left arm.
3.6.2021 – Nose bleeds, chest tightness, cough, weakness
3.8.2021 – Loose stools, nose bleed
3.9.2021 – Loose stools. I believe my signs and symptoms over the last 3 days may have been gastroenteritis and no vaccine reaction.
3.10.2021 – Loose stools - most likely gastroenteritis and not from vaccine.
3.17.2021 – I feel like I have too much adrenaline in my body. I have no concerning thoughts but my stomach is anxious and I continue with loose stools. I have a virtual appt with my PCP tomorrow 3/18.
4.14.2021 – Cold sweats, nausea
4.3.2022 – Not COVID related. I had a reaction to a med my physician placed me on.
3.8.2021 – No
3.11.2021 – A little tiredness
3.22.2021 – Headache has not abated since onset and does not respond to over the counter pain relievers
3.30.2021 – Leg cramps last night along with the chills
4.3.2021 – Burning pain in non-vaccination site arm
4.19.2021 – Headache, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, brain fog, nausea
5.3.2021 – Persistent pain in center of back and around sides and front diaphragm lasting throughout the day and night. Specialist- orthopedic
10.13.2021 – Pain in middle of back and heart skippy things
12.1.2021 – Headache, body ache, burning in nostrils
7.14.2022 – Heart skippy sensation
12.22.2022 – Congestion, sore throat, headache, sneezing, cough and body aches
