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.
Injection site nodule, Abdominal discomfort and Injection site pain
After first vaccination, I experienced mild body aches within 6 hours. Body aches were severe after 12-14 hours and diminished after 20-22 hours. Also had slight headache and stomach upset. Symptoms lasted 3 days. I had COVID-19 in December 2020.
Probably unrelated, but I have had pain in my left shoulder since 2-3 days after the injection. Seemed to radiate from the injection site, where I had a knot and pain for a week. No history of pain in that shoulder and no injury Im aware of. In-office orthopedist.
Most of the above are almost back to normal following the vaccination except for shoulder pain in arm where injection was given. This started after first vaccination a month ago.
Mild bowel distress.
Gastric pH decreased, Odynophagia and Cellulitis
Very swollen lymph nodes under jaw that include neck area and swollen tissue around tmj joint Spoke to family dr medical assistant. Waiting for dr to call me tonight.
Swollen lymph nodes, sore throat
Stomach acidity
Acidic stomach
Stomach acidity continues to get worse. Never had this problem until 4 days after 1st vaccine. 2nd vaccine made it worse.
Increased stomach acidity and multiple mouth sores.
Acidic stomach is getting worse. Never had this until a week after first Moderna shot. Started 2 - 14 day dose of prilosec. Also taking stomach acid medication as needed.
The lymph nodes on the left side of my neck and under my chin swelled up so much I could only painfully swallow some liquid for 36 hours. This was on the same side of my body where i got the booster.
Cellulitis
GERD
Daily headache is now around the clock.
Headaches are now round the clock Going to see family practice dr on Monday at 11a
Headaches are more frequent and getting worsw Family dr
Salivary gland disorder, Pain in jaw and Sinus disorder
diarrhea
Loose stools but may be diet related and not from vaccine.
Low grade fever, chills, migraines congestion
Cold and sinus, sneezing, runny nose, loose cough
Unexplainable rash over whole body.
Swollen lymph nodes, jaw pain. Might be due to ear infection.
woke up with migraine; symptoms from yesterday reported (possible ear infection) turned out to be issue with salivary gland - likely not vaccine related.
Runny nose. Cold symptoms.
Loss of personal independence in daily activities, Sinus pain and Back pain
Just feel a little differently.
Nerve related sensing when sitting or lying. Feels like when we express my finger is going asleep.
Just feel different, hard to describe.
I have back issues. Back pain increased after the 1st shot. Same after 2nd shot. It might not have any connection, but all my nerves seemed to be more sensitive after shots.
Back has been keeping me from normal schedule. Seems like nerves are more sensitive since shots.
Sinus pain. MD scheduled to do scan Monday. Doctor in-person appointment.
Blood loss anemia, Angioplasty and Red blood cell count decreased
Calf pain
Had one day where I was feeling an overall heaviness of my body. Felt extremely weak and greatly fatigued. Better day followed with none of those symptoms.
Repeat of last 2 days. Just not feeling my best. Like something just isnt right
Bad stomach, chills, fatigue. No fevee
Abdominal discomfort and mild chest pain. Appointment with gastroenterologist tomorrow. Trying to set up appointment with cardiologist.
Low red blood cell counts, delay of angiogram, had light headedness and shortness of breath. Covid positive on 1/3/22.
Underwent angioplasty requiring stents. Endoscopy and colonoscopy looking for source of blood loss. Covid early January 2022. Lingering shortness of breath may be unrelated.
Light headed, weak
Dizziness General feeling of being out of sorts Went to see my hematologist to make sure my blood values were ok.
Extreme fatigue. Not sure if related to vaccination or other health issues.
Upset stomach, fatigue, urinary tract infection.
Trigger finger, Asthma and Chest pain
Shortness of breadth, chest pain
Chest pain / asthma-like symptom
Difficulty breathing, slight chest pain
Sight difficulty breathing
Pain in the chest on the right side for about an hour.
Pain in the left side of the chest when exercising intensively, same area as in the two weeks that followed the second vaccine shot. Never, ever, had that pain before the second vaccine shot.
Continued breathing difficulties now and then and chest pain sometimes
Elbow pain
Fingers pain. Trigger finger. Thumbs.
Hypersomnia, Impaired work ability and Contusion
Arm still bruised at injection site
Still bruised at injection site. Getting lighter though.
Still Bruised at injection site
8wks ago came into contact with covid positive person, u got terrible cold, tested negative. This past week another nasty cold/sinusitis & it's lingering. I've missed several days of work. Taking otc meds & dr prescribed antibiotics. NOT FUN!
Covid - stuffy head, headache, tight chest, body aches, fever 101+, sleeping a lot to recover.
Pelvic pain, Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Dyspepsia
Burning sensation in stomach, like acidic condition
Very sour stomach, GERD. Plus, pain in the area where I recently had a kidney stone lithotripsy.
“Mild ache all over feelingâ€
Aches in lower back from side to side, strong enough to keep me awake all night.
In the event that I did not mention this the last time, in the days following the vaccination I had mild symptoms that I though were from the vaccine. Instead, it was symptoms of Shingles. I have had a HORRIBLE first time experience with Shingles.
Pain in lower back and left side pelvis
Lymph node palpable, Laryngitis and Muscle twitching
Muscle twitching on injection site.
Lymph node under injection site arm is tender and a bit sore. I dont know if this is related to the vaccine or not but wanted to share
Lymph nodes under left arm where vaccine received
Upper respiratory infection
Tender nodes under arm of injection site. Left side of breast and under arm
Lymph nodes under arm and side of breast tender and sore only arm that had vaccine
Lymph node under left arm sore
Laryngitis
Covid - sore throat, headache, stuffy in head and congestion and cough
Ear discomfort, Feeling hot and Tinnitus
Tested negative for covid, but had a temp of 99.8, slight cough, and headache/soreness. Could be/is hopefully seasonal allergies.
Very hot and sweaty while sleeping last night (night of getting second dose). Never had a fever.
Some tinnitus around an hour after shot, lasting ~20 mins. Right ear still feels a little strange. Hearing is normal.
Sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache
Tested positive for Covid. Was very mild.
Diverticular perforation, Diverticulitis and Injection site warmth
'
There are four hives on the arm of injection below the vaccine site and one large one on the bicep. Took loratadine for it.
Right side abdominal pain
I was hospitalized for diverticulitis with a small rupture. IV antibiotics for 3 days. Admitted on Feb 14th and discharged Feb 19th on a low residue diet.
The injection site is hot.
Sinus infection symptoms which was diagnosed as covid infectIion.
Epigastric pain, generalized chest pain,
Body temperature increased, Asthenia and Myalgia
I had chills yesterday evening with temp of 99.4 but yesterday am received flu vaccine and preventative 13 pneumonia vaccination which may have caused the chills and slight fever and not caused by Pfizer vaccine
Had COVID in Jan and recovered.now I think I might have severe bout of flu consisting of runny nose,severe sore throat,frequent cough,chills with temp slightly above 100 degrees,loss of energy and muscle aches
Cataract operation, Tooth abscess and Pollakiuria
About 27 hours after my 2nd injection I had rapid onset of runny nose and coughing (cold symptoms) that lasted about an hour before dissipating
I am having to pee more frequently, but have not been drinking more fluids.
My rheumatologist advised me to suspend my hydroxy chloroquine for two weeks so it is less likely to interfere with the vaccine, so the fatigue may be related to my pre-existing condition
I had an small (approximately 1.5") itchy rash on my chest for about 2 hours. yesterday evening. It cleared up without medication.
I had cataract surgery yesterday.
I contracted a mild case of pink eye last week.
Keratectomy, Corneal erosion and Macular hole
Seasonal allergies
Cornea erosion-Minor issues began in Apr '21-long term sub for School Yr 2020-21, masking daily for school and any other outing. Issues elevated in Oct and had keratectomy 11/1/21. Required PKT laser 12/17/21. My masks allowed too much air in eyes.
Macular hole Tinnitus Retina Specialist AND ENT
Once again having trouble with cornea erosion in one eye. The other eye is still revive from a macular hole late March.
Summer Cold & Cough
Cardiac flutter, Asthenia and Dyspnea
Felt a little like my heart was fluttering. Probably from sweating and playing pickelball and got dehydrated. Regular doctor did an ekg and said it was perfect. Could be electrolytes or perhaps thyroid.
I just got the shot 30 minutes ago but nothing so far.
I Got Covid December 31st, 2021. There are still times when I lack energy and feel winded however i am at 8000 feet of attitude in our condo. I have been at attitude since December 13th 2021 and did not feel tired prior to getting covid
Skin discoloration, Hypoesthesia and Dizziness
Dizzy
The only thing I noticed... Shot1: the day I got the shot I was walking on the treadmill. Noticed my toes felt numb. Took off my socks and the were white. Went away after my workout and never came back. Shot 2: got in a hot bath and my toes looked purplish/black. Returned to normal color after the bath.
Usual 26 day menstrual cycle. This month I am on day 32 and still nothing. I am always regular. ... and no chance of being pregnant.
Craniocervical dislocation, Myelopathy and Torticollis
Lightheaded/Dizzy
Worse fatigue. Already present before vaccine muscle spasms worse.
Diagnosed with Craniocervical Instability. Will need surgery to fuse occiput (back of head) to 3rd vertebra. Painful spasms began 2/16/2020 at which time I ran a low grade temp 99-100.4 every day x 3 months. Diff dx post viral vs Ehlers-Danlos? PT x40+, Chrop x 40+, Therapist for chronic medical condition, , Pain Medicine for intractable pain, Neurologist for new Cervical Dystonia, worsening painful neck spasms, Worsenining mylopathy, Occipital , Neurosurgeon specializing EDS etc.
Gingivitis, Memory impairment and Somnolence
Brain Fog/ Difficulty with Memory Recall
Intermittent tinnitus
Tinnitus
Gum infection near wisdom tooth
I had tinnitus before receiving the vaccination, but after the second shot my tinnitus has seemed louder and more persistent than before.
Tinnitus continues to persist at a worse level than before receiving the vaccine.
Feeling very sleepy/fatigued and needing to nap after exercise, especially after running. Also, still experiencing tinnitus.
Blood magnesium increased, Blood potassium increased and Hypoglycemia
Eye pain
Hypoglycemia
Still getting hypoglycemia since my shot
pinkeye
Stiff neck - same side as the injection
Bottom of left foot pain, neck/shoulder pain, eye irritation
light sensitivity, no appetite
Asthma attack, coughing - this has happened after all 4 Pfizer shots
Increased asthma ever since the shot. Happened after every shot. Mirrors the fact that my asthma got worse after actual Covid in 2020.
Still dealing with increased asthma since getting the shot.
pimply cluster on left wrist
High pulse 136 / BP spike 155/89
A burning rash-like feeling developed on my upper back an hour after injection but there was no physical rash present.
Coughing/asthma
increased asthma, slight cough
Arm & leg weakness
My hot flashes returned.
Injection site discoloration, Sensitive skin and Mobility decreased
After I checked in yesterday the pain got worse and spread a bit to my upper arm but when I woke up this morning is was just at the injection site again.
On day 8 and nine my arm near the injection site became very itchy. By Monday the itch stopped but my arm had a rash around the infection site about 4 inches in diameter. It lasted a day or two. After that my arm was sensitive to cloth touching it.
My upper arm that ai got my injection in, suddenly started bothering me this week. It ached most of the week.
My arm started to itch again, my injection sight had a brown spot in a circle shape and it began to flake. My dermatologist told me it was a coincidence that it occurred at my injection site but I read that some people were having the same issue Dermatologist
Difficulty raising my arm above my shoulder
Cough, sore throat, congested
My family developed COVID through exposure from their daycare center. Since I babysit the children I also tested positive but my symptoms were mild.
Post-traumatic pain, Lymphocyte count increased and Granuloma annulare
Surgical sites - oddly - spine (fusion at neck & lumbar) spinal hematomas & other trauma, R knee/ankle, left wrist - areas of nerve damage numbness got intense in a very painful odd way. Lower bowl (divertic, IBS, post spinal surgery difficulty with bowel movements - spasmodic in a way Ive not had in years. Thirsty excessively thirsty.
Spinal and joint/muscle pain, exhaustion, brain fog ...keeps ebbing and flowing. Low grade headache often.
Elevated Lymph count 5130. Loss of weight, inability to eat, flare of Granuloma Annular. Headaches, ongoing goopyeyes etc. enlarged liver and spleen, lymph nodes neck. Abd pain & spasms. Bloodwork, GI appt, Immuno doc appt being set up
Blood with bowel movement like what happened after J&J vaccine. Odd fatigue has roared back to life as has joint and spinal pain (every surgical site). Unclear if my White count has blown up again as per 1st vaccine.
Still having bleeding with bowel movements (not all) now with spasms like with J&J.
A general feeling of being off. Heart palpable/heightened anxiety/panic like feeling. Digestion difficulties (start to finish). Light headed often - woozy weird.
Blood luteinising hormone increased, Blood luteinising hormone decreased and Ovulation delayed
The day after my shot I had a fever of 100.8, hips and hand hurt, body aches, feet felt like ice and then hurt, lightheaded, headache
My menstrual cycle lasted 2 exta days (had light spotting those 2 days). My cycle is typically very regular and am wondering if vaccine caused this.
I have a very regular menstrual/ovulation cycle, but this time my LH is rising and falling (CD11-CD15), and I dont believe I've ovulated yet.
Hypoacusis, Injection site discoloration and Ear discomfort
The firs 2 days after the vaccination, I had headache, joint pain, fatigue, itchiness all over and sore arm. About 5 days after vaccination, my arm was red and rashy for about 2 weeks ( I have photos). I've had joint pain ever since the vaccination
lightheaded
very loud tinnitus in one ear, thick feeling in left ear reduced hearing
tinnitus, brain fog
tinnitus, swelling and pain in my armpit, bruise at injection site
tinnitus
the injection site bruise is getting bigger and darker, tinnitus
bruise at injection site, tinnitus, tire easily
Worsening joint pain and fatigue
increased muscle and joint pain
Breast enlargement, Oligomenorrhea and Intermenstrual bleeding
I started my period Saturday night after getting the vaccine and my period has been heavier than usual this time around
My period is finally acting normal so I guess that's not a symptom but I figured y'all would want to know
I've been spotting (in menstrual terms) which is hardly ever something that happens to me normally during my menstrual cycle. It only lasted about three days but it was odd.
My periods have just been weird. More painful, last longer, and the color of my blood at the end of my period was almost black which isnt normal for me
I have noticed that my lymph nodes in my armpit of the arm I got vaccinated in have been way more sensitive. especially close to my period. I havent seen anyone about it yet though, should I?
my breasts have enlarged
Swollen Lymph Nodes under the arm that I received my vaccination in
my lymph nodes are still hurting the same if not worse. I want to tear my arm off from how much they hurt
update on the lymph nodes, still sensitive but not nearly as painful as the first two days
lymph nodes better!!
my period is two weeks late (I got vaccinated right as I was due to start) and there's no chance I can be pregnant because i'm a gay woman in a relationship with another woman.
Cheilitis, Oral herpes and Sinus congestion
Cold sores and fever blisters on my lower lips for past 2 days. Worse today than yesterday but no fever. I had a fever 1 day after I got booster shot but it lasted only 24 hours. Fever blisters and cold sores appeared 1 day after fever subsided
Mild cold sores or fever blisters still visible below lower lip however less irritating than yesterday. Ive been putting Blistex all day yesterday and seems to calm irritation down. However they have not disappeared. Good news is no new cold sores to
Fever blisters and cold sores on lower lip still persist but no new ones today
I still have cold sores and fever blisters on my lower lip but no new ones. They seem to be drying up and getting smaller. I put Blistex on them several times a day for past few days. I might have mild fever. Didnt take my temp.
Sweat gland infection, Limb discomfort and Peripheral swelling
I had a doctors appt today and it wore me out
Nothing to do with COVID. Problems with a foot swelling Just applying Voltaran and arthritic cream.
I had a shortness of breath returning to my car. I stopped for about 5 minutes and then continued my day.
I have trouble with a foot. Mot connected to the corona 19. Paramedics came last night and told me to wait till today and talk sith the doctor. This is not connected to the Corona19
I have a foot giving me a lot of trouble but it has nothing to do with my COVID-19 shot
My left foot is very sore but it has nothing to do with the corina 19. Just had to put V oltran on it
Influenza, Myalgia and Nausea
The evening & next day after receiving shot, the injection site pain was 7of 10, first night experienced nausea
My office mates husband tested positive today
Moderate to Severe fatigue/ muscle aches. Was cv19 tested 1/15/2021-negative. Today fss as youve is mild .
Severe pain, chills, muscle & joint ache fatigue all of Feb 3 and 4
Ongoing /relentless fatigue / just dont feel like myself since the second injection 2/3/2021
I was dx with the flu at Christmas although vaccinated in Aug 2021. Two negative Covid tests at urgent care in Dec 2022. I have not had COVID that I am aware of. I have been boosted with moderna at Sam's club in wake forest in November 2021
Skin erosion, Skin burning sensation and Fibromyalgia
A door it my arm and I said ouch! I couldnt figure out why it started turning red and itching forgetting I had the vaccine. Input some ice and cortisone on it it and the itch went away but the redness was there for about 4 days. Im better!
Ive been having trouble with my stomach before I took the vaccine. So, I think this may be me having caught a virus.
I have utacaria (hives). So, I have been breaking out on different parts of my body. I should have taken the vaccine shot in my right arm again because the left side of my body I have fibromyalgia.
I have utacria hives. So, Im dealing with that!
Im still dealing with my hives.
Im breaking out in hives daily due to having utacaria. Nothing to do with the vaccine. Allergy doctors office visit
Inside of my body, my skin is nummy, burning and raw. My doctor says that my white blood count (cells) are at a level of 13 which is not good. She prescribed antibiotics.My face and entire body feels nummy which is scary too. Stomach issues continues I went primary health care doctor and rheumatologist.
Injection site pain, Chills and Arthralgia
I have felt achy pain in my hand/wrist/thumb on the same side as the injection site.
Pain in my wrist/thumb on the same side as the injection site.
Slight pain in wrist/thumb on the same side as the injection site
Pain in my thumb and wrist on the side of the injection
Pain in thumb and wrist on the side of injection
I felt chills, headache, body aches, fatigue for about about 45 hours after the injection.
Dandruff, Dry skin and Swelling face
I just wanted to let you know that yesterday one day after the shot I did have a rash that was on my thighs in my legs they were red they were just bothersome and I was running a fever that day.
I just feel extremely tired like worn out.
I don't know if this has anything to do with the vaccine however on my left hand my middle finger swelled up to twice the three times the size last week on Wednesday and Thursday however I went to my doctor today and he thinks there might be some inf I saw on my regular doctor and his office today
I'm not sure if I checked in with this but my middle finger on my left hand has swollen up I seen my Healthcare doctor and he put me on antibiotics and had an X-ray done on my finger. I get the results tomorrow at my doctor
My scalp is very itchy and it seems to me since I've gotten of Johnson & Johnson shut that I developed dandruff is that possible I don't really know it could be it could just be that I'm wearing a hat at work I don't know but that's the only new prob
These odds that I seem to develop dandruff my scalp is very flaky for dry skin I don't know if it had anything to do with the shot or not I am going to see a dermatologist cuz it's really embarrassing.
I have a headache but only in my left side that is the side that I got the shot in Xbox One sharp pain in my head in my temple.
I am having a lot of muscle aches and headaches
I had extreme headaches headaches headaches headaches to the point where they made me throw up.
I was not feeling well and massive headaches running a fever so much that I missed one day of work.
I have had a lot of headaches and throwing up and my muscles are really achy. I even missed one day's work about 2 weeks ago because I couldn't get out of bed I was sick for actually 3 days but I only lost one day at work
I have not feeling well. Throwing up.. it just comes on.. feverish., headaches.. flushing in the face...face slightly swollen.
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