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Their Stories

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.

Shuffle

Poor quality sleep, Impaired work ability and Decreased appetite

574-33323-74228

– Did not sleep well last night. I think that's the only reason I'm tired

– Cough & slightly scratchy throat. But I have known allergies that manifest the same way.

– Today I have a bad headache. This morning I had nausea and vomited. I had some Ondansetron for the nausea and went back to bed. I still have the headache though. Telehealth is scheduled for tomorrow

– Started feeling a slight tickle in my throat about 10-15 minutes after the shot. Caused me to cough some but other than that, I'm fine. It's been an hour and the tickle is gone.

– Loss of appetite

– I started having a cough. Coughing is not new for me, I have allergies and I cough instead of sneezing. But this cough was more persistent. Its better now.

– Extreme fatigue, constantly. I have missed about 2-3 days of work because of it.

Biliary colic, Cholelithiasis and Cholecystectomy

574-36342-70983

– Gallstones, biliary colic, had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy

– Pain in my left (vaccine side) armpit, slightly swollen

– Moderate pain and swelling in my left armpit (same side as injection), slightly improved from yesterday.

– Left armpit swelling and pain (injection side), moderate, slowly improving; can't tell if soft tissue vs lymph nodes

– Mild swelling and pain in left armpit (injection side), much improved

– Minimal soreness and swelling in left armpit, almost resolved

Rash papular, Injection site reaction and Rash pruritic

575-11856-67516

– On day 8 after injection I developed a raised itchy rash @ site of shot about 2 inches diameter. Grew to size of softball in following days. Itching began to subside on day 12 & center of hive lightened leaving ring. Today is #16 & almost gone.

– Muscle aches bad- like flu. Took 400 mg ibuprofen without reduction in aches after 1 hour. Took an additional 400 mg ibuprofen and symptoms abated. Aches came back after 7 1/2 hours. Will repeat at bedtime.

– I only categorized the redness as severe because it covers an area larger than a softball. It is definitely red and margins are easily seen but it is not bright cherry red.

– Redness, rash & itching extend from top of shoulder to 2 inches above elbow. Reddest, itchiest part of rash is on lower part of upper arm - not around immediate injection site. Definitely an allergic reaction. Had it with first shot - worse this time. Nothing I cant handle.

– The arm I was vaccinated in is sore. It's a combination of shoulder/muscle pain

Restless legs syndrome, Hypersensitivity and Insomnia

575-25565-96814

– Sleep difficulty-feels like restless leg-not sure if this is related to vaccination but has occurred most nights since vaccination unless I take melatonin to fall asleep

– Trouble staying asleep last 2 nights

– More difficult staying asleep

– Since my first vaccination, I have noticed much worse environmental allergy symptoms over my baseline. This may be coincidental but I thought I would report it in case there are other reports of this.

– Cold symptoms

Injection site warmth, Injection site erythema and Lymph node pain

575-32652-75947

– Diarrhea most likely due to a chronic condition

– These are likely due to other chronic conditions

– A couple hours after yesterday's check in, my lymph glands became swollen and tender. They are back to normal today

– All symptoms likely due to existing health issues

– On day 8, the injection site became red, hot, and sore. Over the next few days, it gradually got worse. By day 12, it finally started getting better.

– Temp reading taken at site of injection. Forehead temp is normal.

Ear congestion, Sinus headache and Ear discomfort

575-67516-38630

– Swollen lymph nodes in neck; ear pressure

– Ears still feel clogged up.

– Clogged ears

– Higher resting heart rate-normal is in mid 50's, it's been in 70's/80's.

– Covid positive, fever and head cold type symptoms started around 1-18-22. Experienced exhaustion, sinus headaches and heart palpitations 2 weeks after initial symptoms. Still tired when too active (still below baseline active). CVS drive thru test; Family Dr. after a few weeks.

Speech disorder, Respiratory symptom and Pharyngeal swelling

576-70461-67977

– Swelling/soreness in arm pit on injection side

– Still some soreness in his arm pit on the injection site.

– Still some pain in the arm pit of injection side

– Cough

– Upper respiratory illness (probably from a cold), tested and was negative for covid, flu, & strep. Symptoms: horrible cough, congestion, runny nose, fatigue.

– Pain in his armpit (the same side he got the vaccine).

– Racing heart

– Stomach pain, low grade fever, not able to sleep due to pain, vomiting, diarrhea.

– Sore throat, swollen throat, barley talk, cold symptoms, extreme fatigue, headache. Also saw PCP a few days later for it.

Sleep disorder, Mobility decreased and Decreased appetite

577-10339-65572

– My fever came on during the night, but was gone by morning. Joint & muscle pain made it difficult to sleep. Feeling better now, just a bit sore.

– By the time I returned home from errands yesterday (after I had already checked in), I literally collapsed with exhaustion. My appetite was somewhat depressed last night; I kept it light. After retiring to bed early & napping through the second half of the afternoon, I feel much better today. With the exception of soreness at injection site & mild diarrhea, Im feeling more like myself.

– Mild sore throat - beginning on 6/10 in the evening

– My arm is still sore and limited mobility Also, I have had sensation in my chest & specifically feels like my heart muscle

Steroid activity, Sacral pain and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

577-14341-40872

– Sore throat

– Sorethroat

– Exacerbation of copd, severe ear ache and facial swelling with marble size lump under tongue and cont sore throat. Steroid and zpack

– Aggravation of COPD

– Dyspnea related to exacerbation of COPD

– COPD flare up

– Cont. Copd exacerbation

– Exacerbation of COPD, and leg swelling extreme fatigue

– Lump on my tongue, to see oral surgeon in dec. Dentist

– I have had diarrhea since 9/28 and abdominal pain went to ER 10/07 dehydrated. F/U appt tomarrow with my pa.

Glomerular filtration rate decreased, Renal pain and Dysmenorrhea

577-27209-61809

– Just today, a new headache that felt like the one I had shortly after the shot. Not quite a sinus headache but definitely pressure.

– I had a few days of kidney pain. I see my nephrologist next week but blood test shows my eGFR number has dropped 9 ml since the last one (Oct) and the only change was the vaccine. Ive no idea if theres any connection, but thought Id mention

– A pervasive and recurring headache. Much stronger monthly period pain. Low eGFR (from 65 to 56)result that is slowly coming up again. Scheduled visit with both Nephrologist and GP

– Sinus headache, stuffy nose in the evening for maybe 2 days. It's fine now. Still some sinus pressure. Changed BC pills and expected PMS headache has not happened.

– Very bad menstrual cramps.

– My eGFR number won't come back up above 60. It went from 76 to 56 after the booster. Currently 54 (as of yesterday's blood draw.)

Intermenstrual bleeding, Dysmenorrhea and Muscle spasms

578-13067-56588

– When I had the first vaccine I had the worst mentrual pain I have ever experienced about a week after my vaccine. With the 2nd vaccine, yesterday i started spotting. I usually go 1-3months without periods and have not had intercourse to be pregnant.

– I have continued to have cramping and spotting. Today I have had a headache that is a little more present that it has been.

– Nausea, body aches, headache

Uterine spasm, Dry throat and Abdominal discomfort

578-25167-02615

– Last night congested a little in right nostril and throat felt dry on right side, it was minor, went away with halls cough drop and vics inhaler, took two extra strength Tylenol after I got the vaccine

– On the 24th & 25th i felt arm pain at injection site and slightly tired, minor headache, minor body aches, abdominal cramping in uterus

– Have this Weird feeling since about the 3rd day after my booster shot. Not painful. But strange feeling. In the ab & chest area. Questioning if its indigestion or not

Abdominal pain lower, Abdominal pain upper and Back pain

578-26826-52792

– Unsure if related, don't recall any aggravating activity to cause lower back pain.

– Same as reported yesterday. Pain is less severe.

– Lower stomach pain and cramping.

– In the past 3 weeks I've had diarrhea twice. Not sure of cause. I will change filter in Brita water cannister. Since the current episode, I'm only drinking water from a different filtered source, or bottled.

– I took the 2nd and final (in the series) pneumonia vaccination on 10/28/2021 and the area surrounding the injection site was extremely sore overnight, but is now beginning to feel better.

Tenoplasty, Malignant melanoma and Photopsia

578-62488-05206

– I was diagnosed with shingles back in 2015. Late yesterday afternoon I experienced that familiar shingle burning pain in the area where I had shingles. The pain is gone today.

– some kind of event with left eye, blurred vision, dark spots and lateral light flashes when blinking. Went to ER yesterday. EKG, chest X-ray, CT OF Skull, bloodwork... nothing definitive diagnosed. Follow up w/ primary physician & ophthalmologist

– Not related to COVID Achilles tendon repairAnd melanoma surgically removed from scalp Surgery

Herpes simplex encephalitis, Peritonitis and Abdominal pain lower

579-10561-85256

– Generalized itching

– General itching, some scattered hives

– Increased right lower abdominal pain since injection, increased headaches

– Abdominal pain

– Dizziness and swelling in axilla nodes

– Lymphadenopathy-moderate

– Lymphadenopathy- axilla, cervical, supraclavicular, thoracic

– Lymphadenopathy

– Axilla pain, fevers, abdominal pain, neuropathy in hands

– Sever abdominal pain

– Infection in peritoneal area Ongoing lymphadenopathy since second vaccine

– Swollen lymph nodes

– Headaches daily since I had Covid. Hospitalized for HSV encephalitis concern

Pruritus, Rash and Dyspnea

579-14930-30537

– Slight shortness of breath.....dont feel entirely myself.

– Very itchy last night, very unusual. Mild shortness of breath at times.

– Occasional shortness of breath.

– Every evening I become very itchy and have a slight rash over various parts of my body. Also feel as if I could use an inhaler due to shortness of breath very occasionally. Very out of the norm for me!

– More frequent shortness of breath today.

– Shortness of breath.

– Shortness of breath getting worse. Have gone through numerous tests. Going to Cardiologist soon. X-rays

Cold urticaria, Anaphylactic shock and Aspiration

579-22399-60118

– Yes anaphylactic shock in hospital

– On prednisone which has made my sugars go up on insulin. Still in hospital

– Blood sugars up because of prednisone, sadness because I'm sick

– Still in the hospital

– Still in hospital Still in hospital.

– Still in the hospital Still in the hospital from anaphylactic shock, cold urticaria, and almost aspirating

– Tinnitus severe Visited ENT today

– Ears ringing that wont go away and a dull headache. Still have a hard time swallowing cant do rough foods still.

– Ears ringing, headache, some loss of words, elevated bp, swallowing problems

– Still having ear ringing, headaches and trouble swallowing.

– Still having severe ear ringing, bad headaches, dizziness, hard time swallowing Having to do physical therapy for swallowing

– Ears r still ringing, headaches, trouble swallowing still

– I have developed Mast Cell Disease, on new medicine and take allergy shots and had surgery on my wrist that won't heal because of it. All due to the COVID vaccine a year ago to the date. Out patient surgery

Fear, Telemedicine and Amnesia

579-22897-52148

– Its swollen

– Lightheaded dizzy.

– Brain fog, same day I got up to get something I forgot what I was getting same day as going out to my car forgot what I was going. I want this to go away. My next shot is March 17/21. Im scared. I feel like I Have Dementia very bad memory.

– Lower back pain

– Why dont you ask about short term memory loss its been two months already and it has not gone away. Why doesnt anybody tell me whats going on? I have short term memory since Ive had this shot its horrible. Thats my whole complaint. I have short term memory loss when is it going to go away? You have no questions for that to pick on any of your questions that youre asking. This is not new a lot of people have this. Theres just nowhere to put it on this survey that youre sending me

– Forgetful, memory loss, brain fog.

– I haven't mentioned it before because I thought it would go away but the injection that I got on my left arm the last one Booster shot my arm still hurt even when I go side to side in the bed. Or try to put a top on.

– Both arms still have pain. I spoke with my Dr. today. I'm making appt to c him. I had a zoom meeting & I told him it hurt's I will c him

Dark circles under eyes, Alopecia and Lymph node pain

579-23746-52042

– Swollen gland in left armpit

– Gland under left armpit still enlarged

– Swollen gland left armpit

– Gland under left arm still a little swollen

– Swollen gland in my lower neck for a few day and has went back to normal since

– Gland in my left armpit is still enlarged and hurts

– Gland in armpit still swollen. Have also noticed dark circles under eyes for a few day. I forgot to mention before.

– Have been noticing hair loss for the last few months

Pulmonary fibrosis, Pneumothorax and Vasodilatation

579-24318-69129

– No

– My arm is no longer sore, but I can feel it if I touch the injection area.

– Dizzy to the point of feeling nauseous. Chills

– Very dizzy to the point of being nauseous

– I had a slight fever that went up and down a lot for two days. I was nauseous and My kidneys hurt. I am a person who is RARELY ever sick. Since I had my 2nd shot I get something each Wednesday. Now our 23 yr old daughter shows weird ailments, too

– My left leg started aching 10 days after my first shot and its progressively getting worse. My veins are raised on my leg. Aching keeps me awake at night; I have weakness when I do my daily 5k going uphill or up curbs.

– I went to the pulmonologist, had an X-ray and CAT scan. I have a partial collapsed lung and 10% scarring in both lungs. Both my GP and pulmonologist attribute this to COVID.

Blood glucose increased, Blood pressure increased and Asthma

579-26161-66222

– Extreme dizziness and blood sugar spike

– My dizziness returned a little bit and my blood pressure was a little higher than normal. But the dizziness was very light and not the vertigo. My A1c is back to normal again now.

– Severe asthma due to being around a smoker

– Dizziness and asthma

– asthma

– Asthma but is better than yesterday

– Am still having some asthma but I do have an inhaler which I use when that happens

– Asthma but the inhaler helps

– Additional asthma mainly due to fact our pipes broke and our house flooded. I dont think it is related to covid but I am not a doctor.

Injection site hypersensitivity, Dizziness postural and Nasal discomfort

579-28506-29286

– Severe headache, pain in the sinus area, sore throat, yet I can still smell. However yesterday while sitting quietly at the computer, a wave of lightheadedness swept over me for a few minutes. I don't believe I have a fever.

– An overall feeling of vulnerability

– A slight tenderness at injection site. Tiniest feelings of swollen glands.

– Slight sensitivity and tenderness of injection site

– I just wanted to state that at the time of the injection I did not actually feel a pinprick of the needle at all which was incomplete contrast to the first dose, which actually hurt at the time of injection. Not only that my arm has not been sore at all just an inner consciousness of the area, though it's the same consciousness that was there from the first one. I was surprised that just two days later I could lay on my arm sleeping on my side with no pain at whatsoever to my arm and I could even do a needed massage in the so cold injection site and not feel a thing. I find this slightly concerning because it was so different than the first injection and people say the second one is worse. Also I've had none of the common things people complain of after the second injection. I noticed that the nurse had two vials before the injection and I just hope that my dose was truly injected and not a placebo and then if it were how come I didn't feel the needle go in which I mentioned to him right away? And also no ache or problem in the arm. There's no visible difference between either arm so the injection side shows no indication of anything either in color or in swelling. In other words no swelling. I hope that I got a viable dose. Is there any kind of way to test to be sure that I'm been properly vaccinated with my second dose? Also I did have what felt like covid symptoms exactly 2 weeks after my first dose, which weren't completely gone when I had the second dose. Thank you for checking up on me.

– I think the above symptoms are due to having had only 3 hours sleep last night and not had enough moisture in the air or enough water today

– Sore throat

– Slight lightheadedness, but very slight, like a very low grade fever. Feeling more warm

– Severe headache & sometimes tingling sensation in legs when standing, though the latter may be due to thyroid.

– A couple of nasal irritations and scratchy throat. But I was able to treat this with an ayurvedic medicine that comes from India and it always alleviates my symptoms. It is made by Himalayan Herbals, named Septilin.

– Sinus congestion and headaches intermittently or for a few days and occasional scratchy throat but nothing that didn't dissipate after a day or two.

– mild cramping in stomach. started yesterday about 15 min after injection.

– dizzy when bending down

– Terrible pain in my knees last night when I tried to sleep. Sleep has not been great the last two nights. Today I feel a little spaced out and a very mild throat soreness but that could be due to the new cold weather that has come in. I just feel a l

– sometimes dizzy

– loose stool

– Extremely tired and legs hurt last night & today, also knee pain. But I'm under a heavy workload and maybe slightly dehydrated.

– Bad Headache and chills, for 1-2 days, but better now.

– Headache, congestion, spaced out, no fever, weak Called the office to speak with them about symptoms and testing and protocol s

– Cold symptoms, a few weeks ago.

Hyperkalemia, Urine analysis and Parathyroidectomy

57A-27937-81591

– Dizzy and feel real unsteady on my feet.

– I've had a productive asthma cough on off since day one.

– Dizzy

– Joint pain from stenosis and sinus pressure from allergies.

– Hot and cold flashes. Confusion, dizziness, and unable to focus overnight.

– Yes, I felt odd sensations in my thought process. As long as I stayed focus I was fine. It was unreal.

– Overnight I had the dizziness a little felt like I was moving fast.

– The dizziness is back like I had when they gave me the vaccine. I never feel like this.

– I had severe joint pain. I had symptoms of a UTI with a positive screen and a negative culture. I was experiencing vertigo and felt like I had the flu without fever.

– The headache that I've had on and of was much worse, and my sinuses felt inflamed. I had to start Benedryl to avoid steroids. I've had headaches on and off over the month. I rarel get headaches. I also felt like I had a uti, Was tx but no growthory.

– I don't think this is related to the vaccine.im going for a recheck today. I'm hyperkalemic and have hyperglycemia. It's probably not related to the vaccine and this is probably why I've been struggling with pain and other symptoms.

– My electrolytes were off. I had a headache for over a month and I had bronchitis. Don't know if i mentioned those before.

– Mild asthma and mild pain at surgical site on neck

– Increased tenderness and sorr throat at the surgical neck site

– I'm having worse pain in my surgical site on my neck. I had a parathyroidectomy two weeks ago.

– I felt real dizzy today and less focussed. Asthma symptoms, short of breath used rescue inhaler then shakey. The incision improved but had pain in my right chest.

– Pain at the surgical sites

– I had a cold. With a headache, stuffy nose, nausea. I drank elderbery tea with hybiscus and licorice, and possible some other blowers mixed in. This helped tremendously with a Steroid Nasal speay

– The redness on my arm wasn't bad but was still there last week. I also have mild eczema in one area on my chest. I also had cold symptoms.

– I had the Prevnar 20 and the shingix vaccines yesterday so I'm achey. The provider gave me the shingrix on the other arm than last time because there was a subtle redness on the arm remaining from two weeks ago.

Labyrinthitis, Musculoskeletal discomfort and Tenderness

57A-98152-47044

– lymph node tenderness in neck, some neck muscle discomfort

– fatigue and tiredness were the worst. overall, 2nd shot side effects have been harder to endure than first shot's

– pain under the arm where i got the shot - lymph nodes

– tender under right arm, in armpit, where shot given. lymph nodes sensitive, tender to the touch

– tenderness in armpit (lymph nodes) where shot received almost gone

– chills one evening

– inner ear infection

– Pain at injection site - like it's bruised.

– Congestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, loose stool, lack of appetite. So far for the last two days. Feeling better going into the third day.

– A couple of colds, pretty normal symptoms.

Neurological symptom, Ear pain and Hypoesthesia

57D-12285-04359

– Worse headache, congestion, ear ache. Could be allergies or sinuses though.

– My headaches have gotten much worse. Still could be an allergy/sinus thing though. It's that time of year for me.

– Ear ache? Perhaps a general worsening of my allergy issues?

– I think it's just allergy stuff that is hitting me extra hard this year. Probably not related, but just in case?

– Probably allergy symptoms. Nasal congestion and drainage that is probably the cause of sore throat and headaches.

– I'm having a neurological health issue that includes extreme headache, nausea, sided numbness among other things.

Ear swelling, Ear disorder and Injection site nodule

57D-26087-42803

– Earache subsiding today started day after also moderate and swelling right ear opposite of injection in left arm

– Still have a lump in my arm at the injection site. Had a splitting headache the day after my injection 3.25.21 only. Earache almost gone today but not quite, still some pain and swelling.

– Milder pain and swelling in right ear today. Knot in arm at injection site smaller and less painful today. Ps I'm sorry i didn't start this on the day of vaccination and I wish there was a way to fill in the data from that time forward on this

– Pain in right ear finally gone but still a tiny bit of swelling

– Less swelling around the bottom of my ears to below my jaw

– The swelling around my ears to jaw is mostly gone :)

– Ears are clear

– Maybe it's not related but I've had 5 colds this year and they've been exceptionally bad, the last one trying to turn into pneumonia, though fortunately I had the pneumonia vaccine a few years ago so I was able to fight it off without hospitalization

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, Joint range of motion decreased and Arthralgia

57D-26732-88462

– Shoulder pain where vaccine was injected. Decreased ROM. Im scheduled to see orthopedic doctor.

– I have seen an Ortho dr (Dr Kristopher Downing) for SIRVA from my 2nd Covid vaccine on 4/22/21. I received an MRI, a cortisone shot and I am going to PT for my shoulder. I follow-up w/ Dr Downing again in 2wks. Must report officially to VARS and CDC. Multiple drs visits, MRIand physical therapy

– Saw an orthopedic surgeon and had physical therapy for a shoulder injury from the COVID-19 vaccine. The needle went into my shoulder capsule

Sinus disorder, Hypersensitivity and Injection site swelling

57D-32305-01698

– Just feel a little under the weather.

– Arm hurts where shot was given with a bump about the size of a silver dollar. I just feel bad and tired. I am taking Advil. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

– Every day gets a little better

– Allergies-- sinuses, sore throat ...

– 12/18/22 Day after --- I was very sick... Fever, chills, weak. Yesterday, I began to feel better but my arm still hurt and was swollen.

– Sore Throat

– Sore throat

– Sore throat is getting better. Shot location on my arm itches a little sometimes.

Body temperature fluctuation, Initial insomnia and Injection site warmth

57E-10355-74216

– Injection site warm or hot to the touch, woke up wide awake 12 hours after injection, couldn't sleep even though i was extremely tired,

– Stuffy and runny nose, headaches, scratchy throat

– Swollen lymph nodes in my armpits, inability to regulate body temperature even with otc fever reducers

– Weird pain in the shoulder of the arm where i got my shot. If continues then will go see a doctor. Could be something else and not shot related but just odd

Trigger finger, Photopsia and Mobility decreased

57E-11079-34452

– On day one, after receiving the second shot around 10:30a. M. , I had an intense headache starting around 3 pm and lasting through the night. Day 2, no symptoms at all. Today, day three I awoke with the feeling that my fingers were swollen but it quickly went away and I had no other symptoms during the day. Following the first shot there were no symptoms whatsoever. No site tenderness or swelling with either shot.

– Fingers still start every day feeling swollen

– Swollen, stiff knuckles GP office visit scheduled

– My knuckles are swollen and behaving like trigger fingers, especially the right hand thumb.

– All ten fingers- both knuckles on each- are suffering worsening symptoms of trigger finger . They are hard to use and painful. My right thumb is exceptionally bad. My right hand is worse than the left. I immobilized the right thumb and pointer finger

– Severe headaches are frequent and hand problems remain. Thumb pain has increased.

– My headaches have become more severe, occurring everyday lasting for many hours, sometimes all day. I frequently see flashing lights not associated with headaches. Hands remain swollen, painful and difficult to use. The neurological tests areongoing In person visits to a neurologist. Scheduled in person visit with rheumatologist.

– Headaches are severe. Neurologist has ruled out migraines. Testing continues. Repeated in person office visits and testing.

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