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.
Swelling and tenderness to right of my right breast toward arm pit
Reported yesterday swollen tissues to right of right breast to arm out area. Today, bruising coloring in the tenderest area but less discomfort over night and no pain today but pronounced bruising. Appears to be lymph node areas.
Prior bruising rt of rt breast to rt arm pit likely from my mammogram the day before vax and I take a blood thinner. Did not occur to me until late yesterday.
Just my pre existing conditions. Nothing additional.
Just preexisting issues. Nothing new.
Just the usual preexisting conditions and prior injuries from military service.
No change to current status. Suffering from preexisting conditions but no change to the level of issues.
Cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, stiffness, body aches, sleeplessness, shortness of breath. It lasted about 4 days. None, stayed in bed
Swollen under arm lymph nodes
Swollen lymph node under arm
I received the shot four days ago but just got this today. The day after the shot I had chills, headache, joint & muscle pain, fatigue. I would not have been able to work.
Swollen armpit lymph node
Intermittent stabbing pains from my ear to my jaw. It's been going on since I got the shot. Didn't link it to the shot until just today because it won't go away and I've never had pain like this before.
Stabbing sharp pain in my left ear. It comes and goes. Some days it's totally gone and then it comes back.
Random stabbing pain to my left ear that comes and goes. It's gone for days and then it's back and wakes me up at night.
Stabbing pain in my left ear. It comes and goes. Just when I think it's gone it comes back and then goes away. Really weird.
Today, two weeks after my first dose, muscle soreness returned in my shoulder and neck (same side as where I had the shot and same distinct ache). Mild but odd timing, one week after covid arm rash
Since vaccination 3 weeks ago, Ive had episodes that come & go every few days and feel like my blood sugar is crashing (Im not diabetic) lightheaded, ears ringing, dizzy, bad anxiety/feelings of despair, nausea, ache near injection site, fa
Occasional dizziness/lightheadedness
Left lymph node (same side as injection site) tender and causing jaw pain, inflammation of gums, dizzy spell, briefly experienced metallic taste, briefly experienced ears ringing during dizzy spell (similar symptoms as two weeks after 1st shot)
Caught a summer cold
Lymph nodes in armpit on arm where I got injection are swollen.
Swollen lymph nodes in armpit
Lymph nodes are still swollen
Lymph nodes are still a little sore but much better
Neck is stiff
Kidney stones Ct scan, ultrasound
Periods are longer
Sore throat
Congestion, post nasal drip, ears are backed up.
I've had large red splotches show up one across my chest and now one on my cheek that have lasted for a couple days before going away. I have scheduled to go to the dr tomorrow to get checked out.
A couple migraines
Yes, three days after the vaccination my lymph nodes around my collar bone were swollen. I'm at six days now and they are still swollen on the side where I got my shot. Some tingling in my face on that side as well. I did have stomach pains for two days after the shot. I tried to log into this system earlier but was not able to.
Still have swollen lymph - left collar bone area
Blood clot in a Surface Varicose vein with possible infection Also Ultrasound to rule out DVT
Headaches
Odd sensation under my scalp. Periodic mild pain in that area.
Symptoms eased up in the morning but mildly returned in the afternoon. Mostly Headache.
Queasy now and then
Smelly poo
I have more joint pain in my knees and feet with prolonged movement. I never had knee pain before. Vaccine related? Who knows.
Eye redness and watering. Does well with antibiotic/steroid ointment until I stop applying it. One eye only. Go figure.
Within 10 minutes of booster I felt a couple of chills. Then it stopped.
I have vulvodynia-massive pain flare today. Maybe unrelated
Fatigue and headache
Dizziness
Large area just below of injection is red warm and swollen
Seeking care for my stomach issues. Stomach issues were also present before vaccine sm
Worsening headache sore throat allergy symptoms. Probably allergies
Near daily headaches
Frequent headaches
Tested positive for covid 19 on 7/19. Experienced headache, congestion/nasal symptoms, fatigue and chest tightness
I had vulvar ulcers after my last covid booster (non herpetic).
My eyes feel hot and dry
I keep feeling hot like I have a fever but dont actually have one.
Severe chills, headache, diarrhea, body aches
I have a severe bacterial GI infection from campylobacter
Some headache, mild sore throat
My menstrual cycle is different than it was before.
Diagnosed with melanoma. Can't imagine that's vaccine related at all.
Some brain fog
I haven't gotten my period and I am not pregnant. I'm wondering if that is due to the vaccine.
Cold symptoms (mild cough and nasal congestion with fatigue) whichbresolved in 3days. COVID test done x2 both negative.
I didnt correlate the symptom/side effect before but i had some swollen lymph nodes after the vaccine and are still a little swollen although the swelling has decreased.
swollen lymph nodes in neck (had this with 2nd dose as well)
Swollen lymph nodes in neck
I tested positive for COVID (PCR test done 12/30/21 and resulted posit8ve on 1/1/22). I am still having some fatigue but cough and stuffy nose is better.
I am now in menopause w/the following sx's; night sweats,hot flashes,memory issues,inability to concentrate,extreme mood swings,extreme fatigue, severe joint pain,electric shock sensations,increased hair loss,RLS,profound heartburn. Just to name some In person visit w/primary MD & OBGYN
Headache, muscle aches, mild pain at injection site. Lasted about 12 hours then went away. Feel back to normal now.
Sore throat
Brain fog Sensory overload Increased difficulty in concentration Spinal stenosis (unrelated to COVID) Outpatient steroid Injection for spinal stenosis unrelated to COVID.
Fatigue, difficulty recalling words, brain fog, slurring words
Physical Therapy
I've been forgetting to report brain fog
Brain fog
Runny nose, sneezing, 99 temperature
Weirdly, a yellow and purple mottled bruise appeared today at the injection site.
Couldnt check in yesterday, but everything from today was twice as bad yesterday, and twice as bad as that the night before!
Last night, a sudden bout of vertigo and nausea that kept me from finishing my work!
Pounding heart, high blood pressure? Lymph node pain (SEVERE), stiff cracking joints
Lymph nodes under the arm I got the injection in still swollen. Can't sleep on that side as a result, and as a result of that increasing back pain and decreasing sleep time and sleep quality. Exhausted.
Swelling and pain of the lymph nodes under the arm the injection was in, moderate
Loss of appetite. I dont feel nauseous but I dont feel hungry until Im really hungry. And a weird combo of tired, but full of energy like adrenaline.
Still very high energy. I feel like I had some extra coffee...
The rash this time is still on my upper arm, but a couple inches below the injection spot.
Its probably because I am stressed and tired
Diarrhea and nausea Monday evening through early Tuesday morning. Included chills, sweats, weak (had to lay on floor to recover before going back to bed), shakes, and fever of 99 Tuesday afternoon.Maybe it was food poisoning or stress?
Fall Allergy Season
Loss of appetite.
Post nasal drip and sore throat
Runny nose. Might just be from all the cold and snow here.
Increased seasonal allergies
Very tired. Swollen Lymph nodes, allergies.
My arm that got the shot, my dominant arm, has had more aching, and it is painful to fully extend and lift it. This could be from something else, ie., sleeping wrong on it. I dont know.
My right arm, where I got first shot, continues to be tight, however, this may be random or unrelated to the shot..
My left arm and shoulder, where I got my first shot, has increased with mobility challenges and pain.
I had a cold, and cough, and have recovered.
The day after the shot my arm was very sore for two days. There was no rash, swelling or redness. By the third day I was back to normal.
I did not sleep well last night so not sure if its the vaccine or general tiredness.
Yesterday after I had already filled out the survey I had chills later in the day and was very tired. Went to bed at 4:30 pm. I feel much better today.
I have soreness in my left armpit. The same arm where I received the shot. There is no lump, just sore.
Pain in armpit dissipating but not entirely gone.
A cold with runny nose, coughing and fever one day only.
Slight Temperature and very intermittent very mild headache (dull) headache did not impair my daily activities other than I knew it was present.
Warm day , high anxiety at work then a short wAlk up hill had high heart rate and a couple of atrial Fibs on Apple Watch. Went to see doc. Found Nothing. Cardiologist said was insignificant. Taking things slower. Has not reoccurred.
Cold hands and feet.
Still have neck and shoulder lymph node type of discomfort. Not debilitated but I know it's there 24/7
Brain fog at times"lymph nodes are better but still sensitive.
Brain fog. Can't add well
Brain fog. Memory or delayed thinking.
Occasional Brain fog
Slight intermittent headaches several times a day and night. And once in a while lightheaded, not dizzy.
Been having a very slight headache pesuree mostly forehead. Unsure if stress or weather related but it comes and goes every day. Does not require any meds for control. Did not have any headaches before the booster, not even slight ones.
Occasional itching. No welting. Just lasts ups to 45 minutes. On hands, arms and feet
Felt light headed and some numbing on my upper lip. As well as pain on my teeth, like when you get a new wire put in when wearing braces. Also, chest pressure and swollen tonsils.
nausea, back and headache. Diarrhea and vomiting.
Allergies, dry cough, headaches congestion.
Allergy related symptoms. Itchy eyes, dry throat, sneezing, phlegm, chest pressure. All these come and go. I take allergy medicine . Also, using a cough syrup and use lozenges.
Cold, flue like symptoms. Sinus congestion, headache, ear ache, vertigo. Light headed, weak, disoriented, dizziness, nausea. Cough and asthma. Symptoms varied. Mostly strong symptoms after I took the booster shot(Moderna) and Flue shot together.
My left hand slowly started hurting. After a while I couldnt bend my fingers and make it a fist. It was sore and progressively got stiff as the day went by. Not normal. Same with soreness in my neck. Unsure these two things are just a coincidence as Im not experiencing it all over my body or if a result of the shot.
The evening of my vaccination I experienced fatigue, body aches, and soreness in my left arm.
Light-headed and sweaty and dizzy within 15 mins of my injection
I am NOT pleased with my experience of getting the 2nd shot! I dont believe I got the full medicine pushed in my arm. The lady at (b)(6) vaccination site in (b)(6), TN today did not perform the dosing properly. I felt the needle in my right arm, and when she attempted to remove the syringe, it fell into my car. I believe she did not give the dose to me from the syringe, only stuck my arm. It all happened to fast because that site is drive-thru application. I truly dont believe I was fully given the 2nd dose properly because I didnt experience the same side effects I experienced within the first 15 minimum of the 1st dose back on 3-15-2021. I would like to speak to someone from CDC about this please. Thank you.
I was so thirsty last night and this mornings. Had middle back pain where kidneys are all early morning. Plus, started monthly period this morning. Had my usual PMS cramps and lower back ache. Took one Midol and slept with heating pad for several hours this afternoon. Feeling better by 4:00pm CST but not fully 100%.
Bruising noticed at and around injection site
I had an unrelated stomach virus that lasted the 24 hours on 5/17/2021.
Severe gallbladder pain and gallbladder stones. Gallbladder removal surgery scheduled for next week.
Had gallbladder removed in July due to stones and severe pain. Just this week on 10/4, started having signs of some covid symptoms, fever, sore throat, head congestion, stuffy and runny nose, some taste changes. 10/7 rapid covid test was negative.
New food allergies discovered. Dark spot near right armpit (side I got my Covid shots)
Hot flashes and hives on tops of hands
Sore throat
Sore throat, phlegm, tiredness, some congestion and cough.
Pain in arm 1st-3rd day in injection arm. Pain radiated to neck, chest, face on that side on day two, subsided day 3. Bilateral lower extremity weakness/wobbly gait on day two which was transient and short lived.
Armpit pain lasting for days in the vaccinated arm.
Armpit pain, neck pain, clavicle pain, back pain, jaw pain
Armpit, back, clavicle, neck pain
Itchy arms and legs comes and goes, sneezing, post nasal drip, watery eyes, rhinitis only after sneezing a bunch. Pain in armpit
Armpit pain
Armpit pain injection side. Red at injection site
Brain fog, joint pain, neck and back pain
Brain fog began 4 weeks after second dose and lingering although improving
tenderness/mild sensitivity on underside of opposite arm (right) which comes and goes. Hx of this due to having had a mmr booster vaccination 2-3 years ago at my doctor's clinic. I have noticed today that on the top of my right thumb towards the centerthat I have a bump that's approximately 1 inch. It is slightly sore on moving it. It feels like a firm mass. I've never had this before.
I work as a nursing assistant and we have to constitently wear n95 masks and so it's been hard to breathe which I think has something to due with my constant fatigue and my lungs feeling tired a lot. I still have the funny lump on top of right thumb. It is sore and and feels firm. It is slightly bruised and still approximately an inch long. I'm not sure how this occured or if it has anything to do with getting the vaccine but I never noticed it until a couple days ago.
I've been feeling run down, fatigued but I think it's more work related. N95 use. (I'm a nursing assistant.) I feel like I have to cough all the time. My neighboors smoke all the time and it comes into my apartment which is making this worse.
There were some moments where I had some wierd muscle clinching that was nearly painful at the sides of my abdomen and towards the middle. The same was happening yesterday and there were moments also my lower back was really painful and achy that would come and go too.
My shot site hurts a great deal even with Tylenol, arm exercise, and cold packs.
Still pain on Arl from shot
I thought the abdominal pain and the diarrhea was something else but its continued.
Overslept a great deal!
Allergy sinus headache
Lower back pain Seeking othro and pain management
Dry mouth, taste changed, jaw pain, no desire to eat
Dry mouth cough phlegm sinus pain ear pain
Dry mouth, dizzy extreme headache lack of concentration constantly change in taste no desire to eat BEYOND miserable
I woke up sneezing with a dry nose. I blew my nose and it started to bleed. A blood clot (about 1 inch long) came out after I changed the tissue, but it didnt bleed for more than 3 minutes. My head hurt on the left side (where the blood came out of the nostril) for the rest of the day. From the left sinus to the back of the head.
Lymph nodes under armpit were swollen (4/24-4/26). Area where vaccinate was placed, 1 inch, got itchy, red and a little swollen again (4/24-4/27). In the morning or when I am at rest, I feel some mild heart palpitations (started 4/24-currently).
COVID arm 3 inch diameter around injection site. It is also a bit warm to the touch.
Covid arm, 3 inch diameter, warm to touch. It is slightly less red and less swollen than yesterday.
COVID arm, 3 inch diameter, but not as defined. Small rash-like bumps (4) in the same area.
Covid arm discoloration in the area, very mild pain only when pressed.
Heart palpitations when lying down and some increased anxiety. They are random and dont always happen. Area where vaccine was place is dry and itchy.
Cramping and pain in lower right area of pelvis (maybe ovary, since I no longer have an appendix). Menstruation is starting soon, but the pain level is not something I have experienced. I take trisprintec for dysmenorrhea.
Pain in lower right pelvis, maybe ovary (Do not have appendix anymore, since 2003). Outer right hip joint and lower right back (where pelvis connects to coccyx) hurt randomly. Right pubic bone feels a bit sore and painful.
I had to go to the emergency room for pelvic pain on 06/14. I have a 2.4 cm ovarian cyst on my left ovary, that was hurting since 05/30. Went to see primary doctor 06/16. Currently being monitored and given ibuprofen for pain management.
Period a day early 6/30 instead of 7/1. *Light blood in discharge 9 days before period start date. 7/19 pink toilet bowl and red discharge. Then up until 7/27 the discharge was light to dark brown. Period started that day*Achey right armpit/side
Pain during ovulation.
When I checked in yesterday I didn't have fever, but had it later at night.
Lymph nodes in armpit of vaccinated arm hurt/ swollen
Slight headache on top left of my head.
Small dull pain on left side of back (where the kidney is.) Small dull pain on left side of belly button. Started at the beginning of menstruation (1/12/2022.) Since then it has subsided to very mild.
Constipation the last week, but cleared up. Pain on left side of bellybutton and left mid-back (where kidney is). Occasional ovarian pain.
Pain near lower left part of abdomen lower than last time (more near ovaries). Mid back pain near left kidney. These symptoms went away for 3 days and came back.
Back and stomach pain stopped for the most part last week. No pain currently. Had one day that had a flare up where they both hurt. Have a dr. appointment this week and will ask about symptoms.
From February 15 (14th was last day of period) - March 4th, had ovulation pain on left ovary and pink discharge. Period came 1 week early on March 5th and was heavy the whole 7 days. From March 12th- present I haven't had any abnormal symptoms
Soreness from injection site involves entire muscle
A little dizziness today but likely unrelated
Dizzy 1/2 hour after shot - vitals taken - BP 173 over 66ish Medic at vaccination site had me sit quietly, retook vitals twice - allowed me to leave when 160 reached
Aching left shoulder where shot was given
Mild dizziness, high BP -> ER on advice from medical provider - thinking I might be on verge of stroke. After 6 hours, back to normal. Temp and O2 OK
Severe diarrhea
Legs are burning when horizontal - believed by docs to be related to old lower spine injuries
Common cold - O2 and temperature in normal range
Metallic taste
Headache, runny / congested nose, sore throat, tiredness, sporadic pain in left middle back
Headache, runny / stuffy nose, pressure in facial sinuses, sore throat
Fatigue, discomfort in left side middle back
Headaches, discomfort in left middle back
I continue to have discomfort in my middle left back. I have seen a doctor who has checked kidney function and is now wanting do do some scans. This started just after I got the booster. It was somewhat infrequent but has become more frequent.
Discomfort & pain in left side and back. Discomfort in stomach. Headaches.
Stuffy sinus cavities. Poor appetite.
Fever broke in night and I was drenched!
Stools seemed blacker than usual.
Chills, fatigue, gut flair up
Several days with mild nausea, slight headache, sinus stuffiness and achy body. Tested negative for Covid but my spouse tested positive.
Stuffed up nose, sneezing, fatigue, cough
Tiring easily and feel abit short of breath. Dry mouth at night likely because of postnasal drip.
Gastrointestinal issues. Loose bowels, bloating, abdominal pain, gerd
I've had a cold and now another virus. Picked up both from preschool grandchildren.
Local reaction is not AROUND the area injected...its mostly to the SIDE of it (the side toward the body). Last night there were two distinct areas separated by 3 cm; today its one continuous area.
Injection site reaction lasted 6 days then went away. On 2/27 (day 10) I had another reaction of itching, redness, swelling & some pain. Area was larger (8 cm x 3-6.5 cm) and is getting fainter but persists today. Reported to VAERS.
Symptoms began within 3 hours of vaccination...much more quickly than with vaccine #1.
Some of the above symptoms have improved or gone away
Two episodes of acute nausea when getting out of bed...otherwise, its improved.
Swollen area under left axilla noted but no palpable lymph nodes
Outline of Moderna Arm reaction to first Covid shot is still faintly visible 26 days after it first appeared.
Headache which started on day 9 of third Moderna vaccine (I am immunocompromised) and has continued for 12 days, now. I hardly ever get headaches so this is unusual.
Swollen lymph nodes in neckstarted on 4/13/22.
Swelling and large knot in left armpit which is same arm I received my vaccine.
I have a large painful know in my left armpit that has not gotten better. Its the same side/arm I received the vaccine on.
Pain, swelling, and lump in left armpit.
Left armpit abscess on same arm of injection. Very painful and swollen, physician started me on antibiotics.
Continued pain and swelling and some type of lump in left armpit (same arm as injection site)
Suspect new, acute herpes zoster outbreak on left arm
Significant anxiety/irritability/brain fog
Sudden onset of severe, heavy menstrual bleeding which is not on schedule and atypical
Brain fog, an overall feeling of being off. However, I do not feel physically ill with fever, chills or other flu symptoms.
Minor sore throat
Carpal tunnel/median nerve inflammatory response. Lasted 24 hours and was gone. Hadnt experienced this since pregnancy over 6.5 yrs ago. Never experienced fore or after pregnancy except for now a few weeks after vaccination.
Nosebleeds and easy bruising
Felt weak and shaky last night. Nauseated late, but gone today. Still feel very fatigued and aching has returned this afternoon.
At 10pm last night, almost 60 hrs post vaccination, I finally felt normal, but woke and have remained exhausted again and a sense of no energy/weak.
I did forget to note that my side effects felt worrisome enough I contacted my doctors office two days ago. I have not had a fever, but all day yesterday and last night was sweating as if one were breaking. Today, Day 5, I so far feel back to normal, though still not full energy.
Dizziness
Migraine-like symptoms of headache and eye pain with temporary vision changes. Also, have continued to have very low appetite since receiving dose.
Still very low appetite. Energy returned to normal, but will suddenly feel exhausted and need to rest.
Vision changes with migraine symptoms
Ive experienced a definite increase in headaches, body and joint aches and pain since receiving the 2nd dose, which may or may not be related.
Increased instances of tiredness and mild recurring headaches.
I've experienced random, mild dizziness since the day I received the third dose.
Daily significant headaches over the last week.
Sneezing, sore throat.
