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.
No
I felt like my muscles were squeezing my body. My skin was burning. My teeth are more sensitive. My bones hurt.
A Muscle in right arm since day one hurts on a certain movement.
Muscle in right arm still hurts with certain movements
Muscle in right arm maybe a little better
The muscle in my right arm that Ive had problems with since the shot seem to work around the back of my shoulder blade and it kind of froze up and very painful
Myasthenia Gravis (+ prednisone) may be causing most of the above symptoms, especially the fatigue.
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia Gravis, symptoms fit prednisone
Myasthenia Gravis, dysautonomia, side effects from prednisone
Myasthenia Gravis and POTS, side effects from prednisone
Joint pain, night sweats (may be due to MG/prednisone)
Myasthenia Gravis
Increased Myasthenia Gravis symptoms (eye drooping and muscle weakness) likely due to medication changes)
Continue to be on leave from work, significant increase in fatigue since COVID-19 booster shot 2 weeks ago (only one day of a low grade fever after the shot)
I experienced mild/moderate symptoms for 2 days after vaccination but on day 8 I got a large, swollen, sore rash. It is still slightly red but swelling is gone and soreness is minimal. soreness
Starting with the same site rash that I developed on day 8 after first shot. That one became quite large and swollen.
Very strangely, the other arn which had the first shot is red again. Not the exact same rash as before but certainly red in the same area.
Cough sinus drainage headache
Loss of balance, dizziness, nausea
In the last month my hands and fingers, especially my left, swell and hurt so badly i can't use them None couldn't drive
Excruciating joints getting worse
Left side more painful
Not that it matters as No one even reads this
Since vaccines i have gone progressively down hill. My left side is so painful i sorely go to the er if i could afford it. I wish i would have never got vaccinated
Store threat lung congestion headache severe cough
The symptom that I just put above is not accurate . The only way your system allowed me to put this comment in is if I said I was having a symptom. Perhaps you should update your system or fix it so people can actually give you accurate information. Please read what I have written after this comment because that is actually what I wanted to tell you. I did not experience the symptom I just checked. People need to be told to get the shot in their non-dominant arm. It definitely causes more pain then any other injection I've received in my life that I can recall. Far better that people know this ahead of time. I would much prefer immunization and then arm that's a little bit sore for a couple of days then the alternative, but people should be made aware and again dominant arm should not be used
Sore tongue
Weak, fluish, runny nose, sneezing
Very Mild to no earache like sore throat maybe coming on nasal stuffiness runny nose. Occasional sneezing.
A little feverish.
I just got vaccination 30 minutes ago
Pain in head, severe shaking with fever
Feverish more mild on and off
Almost like headache, some shortness of breath
Pretty significant pain in the side which I never get for 2 days. Arm still has a bump and visible redness at injection site
On and off flue like symptoms: feverish, nausea, colitis like symptoms severe at times. Runny nose, dizziness, laryngitis, mild earaches, etc.
Nasal congestion, sine chest congestion. Enormous fatigue.
Severe allergies after 40+ years of 6 allergy shots a week. Its like covid shots reversed allergy shots. Runny nose, itchy eyes, short of breath, dizzy, severe exhaustion.
Fatigue, severe allergies, shortness of breath and I have been in 40+ years of allergy shots
Swollen ankle, extreme fatigue, worse allergies, enormous exhaustion, joint pain. Doppler/ultrasound, xrays, primary MD and ortho MD visit.
FEVER, EXTREME FATIGUE, THOUGHT OF GOING TO HOSPITAL YESTERDAY
Joint and soft tissue issue exacerbated since vaccinations. My mother had a STROKE AFTER 3rd PFIZER VACCINATION.
Laryngitis fever ear aches. My mother Had a major stroke after her third vaccination
Before vaccinations I never had severe joint pain in MANY PLACES. AND MY MOTHER HAD A BAD STROKE (SEVERE) after 3rd VACCINATION. She was PERFECTLY HEALTHY BEFORE!!! I WAS PERFECTLY HEALTHY BEFORE. I am a THERAPIST (OT) AND I BELIEVE THERE ARE SEVER Consult in person and telehealth with MD for joint pain, and my mother has been hospitalized and in rehab. My mother tested positive to covid in rehab after 3 vaccinations and remained positive for a LONG TIME
Blood clot mass firmed next day. MD said blood clot MD specialist appt 2 days ago
Vision has noticeably been affected after the 2nd shot. Notice a real difference before and after. Feels like a have a cloudy sheet over my eyes. Cant really focus near/far objects. Letters (as Im texting) arent clear anymore. Slight 2x
Got shingles. 2nd week in. Spoke to colleagues and they know 2 men that got shingles shortly after the 2nd dose. Coincidence or is there a connection to the vaccine? Im relatively healthy and stress level hasnt been crazy high.
Sinus infection treated with amoxicillin.
On 11/13 had muscle aches.
Had 3 days of loose bowel movements but uncertain if this was food related or not. Fully recovered today.
Had 9 hours of vomiting 2/11 at night. No diarrhea. Low grade temp of 99.3 2/12. Last night had temp of 100.1 with chills. Am very sore from the vomiting Wednesday night. Taking fluids only. Did home covid test yesterday morning. Neg. Will retest pm
A lymph node in my arm that I received the first Moderna dose in was sore yesterday. I didnt realize it was bothering me until after I had completed yesterday afternoons symptom survey.
Oddly, I had intermittent lightening pains down my left side, the side I had the shot on.
Two months ago I may have had a mild case of Covid. My PCP thinks I did. I was NOT tested. I did NOT see my doctor. Chills. Fatigue. Cough. Sneezing. Congestion. Low grade temp. Very large lymph nodes in my throat. Lasted about 3-4 days.
I believe it was spring allergy related. I got a very runny nose and head congestion. Felt tired for about a week. Had a cough and sneezing.
Tingling in arm that I had the vaccine.
Constipation x 3 days
Had some tingling around my mouth and down my left (injection) arm right after the vaccine. That has been coming and going since the vaccine with some numbness around mouth, left face and down arm into 4th and 5th finger. Intermittent.
Intermittent numbness to left 4th and 5th fingers, outside of left arm, around mouth and left side of face. I had these same symptoms when I had Covid in November 2020. They started again after the vaccine. Also had constipation x5 days with decreased appetite
Intermittent burning sensation in extremities and abdomen.
Burning sensations in body seem to be almost gone. Thankfully!
Body feels tingly
Sore throat, lightheaded
These could be lingering symptoms from COVID19 I had in August 2020??
Chest burns. Has since had COVID in 8/2020, but has been worse since receiving vaccine.
Lungs worse. Diagnosed w/asthma. Dr says activated by COVID virus (that had in July 2020).
Have Rheumatoid arthritis from immune system attacking joints and healthy tissue. Lungs continue to be an issueshort of breath, feeling heavy, burning. Fatigue continues to be a problem. In-office visits with pulmonologist, asthma specialist, and rheumatologist.
Muscle aches in back and thigh are mild.
Hip joint pain, but may not be related. Hip joint pain isnt usual, though. I usually walk and strive for 10,000 steps a day, but it wasnt possible the last few days.
More tired than usual. Sleeping more. Other than that, fine.
Generally more tired than usual, but have trouble sleeping with a slight quiver in my hands none of which I had before the three rounds of Pfizer vaccine.
Body feels heavy, numbness around mouth and lower face, heaviness in lungs when breathing, muscle spasms, dizziness, sore throat, sweating, sinus pain, eyes feel heavy and hot.
Very dizzy, my arm arm is very swollen and extremely painful hard to move it, dehydrated even though I drink water and fluids, intense muscle spasms, arthritis and endometriosis flare ups/pain, widespread inflammation, a lot of fatigue, insomnia.
Arthritis flare, endometriosis flare, heaviness in lungs when I breathe, very dizzy, painful muscle spasms, inflammation, tooth and gum pain, tremors, general soreness all over body, night sweats, spotting in between periods, eye pain.
Heavy feeling in lungs when I breathe, sore throat, sinus pain, pain when swallowing (feels like hot tiny shards of glass are in my mouth all the way down to my stomach, shoulder pain, profusely sweating, painful muscle spasms, dizzyness and more..
Endometriosis flare, arthritis flare, heavy feeling in lungs, coughing,sinus pain, sore throat, muscle spasms, dizziness.
Spasms, numbness in injected arm, dizziness, tremors, pain when swallowing, weakness
Very dizzy, muscle spasms, heavy feeling in lungs when I breathe, arthritis flare, inflammation, numbness in arm, sudden weakness in hands.
Very dizzy, extremely fatigue, pain when swallowing, sinus pain, muscle spasms, brain fog, endometriosis flare, arthritis flare.
The muscle spasms have been bad and more frequent. Bad chills at night and my lungs still feel heavy when I breathe. Flare ups from Endometriosis and Arthritis too. Fevers at night too.
Still hurts to swallow(feels like my throat is lined with tiny shards of hot glass), still getting fever and chills at night, painful spasms and tremors, lungs feel heavy when I breathe.
Still experiencing the painful swallowing that feels like tiny shards of burning glass are lined from my mouth down to my stomach. Really having bad inflammation and flare ups from my Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Really bad inflammation. Pain in my ribs and hard to breathe deep breaths. Tenderness in middle of upper abdomen. Bad flare ups from Rheumatoid Arthritis and Endometriosis. Still bad burning pain when swallowing.
Burning pain in my gums and throat when I swallow all the way down to my stomach. Bad chills and muscle spasms. Bad flare ups from Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Still pain when swallow, positive Pap test and HPV test despite being abstinent for 13 years. Fever, sore throat and heavy lung feeling if around other vaccinated people not wearing a mask indoors, less of this is experienced in outdoor setting.
Rash and bumps occasionally on my arms and legs.
Heavy feeling in lungs every breath, burning pain when swallowing, muscle spasms, flare ups of chronic health conditions.
Very dizzy, Heavy burning feeling in lungs every time I breathe, muscle spasms, flare ups from Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Heavy burning feeling in my lungs every time I breathe, dizzyness, burning feeling when I swallow, bad painful muscles spasms, numbness in face, coughing and sneezing.
Inflammation, swelling in arm and leg, exhaustion, painful muscles spasms, numbness in face, tremors, endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis flares, sore throat, coughing, heavy burning feeling in my lungs every time I breathe.
My fatigue has been much worse and really bad flare ups of endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Also the tremors have been bad and jerking in my legs plus strong muscles spasms. Plus heavy burning feeling in my lungs every time I breathe.
Much more fatigue. Also strange bump on hand and same strange bumps around injection site. Also my veins are bigger on my injection arm. Bad tremor in hands, legs. My left leg jerks often. Bad flare ups of Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Bad flare ups of Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Bad tremors and jerking in limbs. The Skin surrounding the vaccine site has weird black bumps and feels rougher than the rest of my skin. Extreme fatigue.
Tremors and jerking movements in limbs. Rash/weird dots around injection site. Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis flares, inflammation, arm that got the shot more swollen than the other one, night sweats, muscle spasms.
Muscle spasms and jerking in limbs. Flare ups of Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Longer menstrual cycle. Fatigue.
Heavy feeling in lungs and coughing around others who are vaccinated without a mask.
Runny nose, probably from airborne irritants.
Very runny nose 3 days ago, difficult to stop even with more than the usual doses of antihistamine. .
Sinus congestion & runny nose, but probably allergies and not a vaccine side effect.
Very runny nose, some mucus in throat, noticeable but not extreme chest congestion. These could be side effects of flu shot, received Nov 1, 2021; COVID booster received Oct 23, 2021.
Cold-like symptoms: very runny nose with nasal congestion, noticeable but mild chest congestion. Symptoms clearing after 2-3 days.
Mild COVID-19 infection Received & used Rx for Paxlovid
No
A little irritable
Brain fog today
Did feel some heart/or chest flutter-type experiences/sensations for a couple of days but there is no box for that here.
Still a little discomfort in chest, maybe palpatations, and a little discomfort in turning neck (left side today). Have had two or three other odd encounters with discomfort, odd pains, in neck (also right side) in previous days (forgot to mention)
Neck stiff, sore left side
A little numbness in legs; a little draggy in energy; neck still sore
My left foot/leg kind of numb last evening.
Numbness in feet; draggy feeling inside like body fighting something
Irregular heart beats yesterday. Also feel body drain and some numbness
Lip tingling that went away pretty immediately
Sniffles
Back aches/cramps
My menstrual cycle started a week early which isnt the norm for me. Dont know if its related or not.
In hindsight, I have been having some consistent chest tightness. I just had my cardiology appointment before the vaccination and everything was fine. Not sure if the 2 are connected or not.
It has died down and all tests have shown no cardiac issues but I had been having muscle spasms around my heart.
Only mild fatigue
Covid positive about three weeks ago. Very mild symptoms.
I got the booster shot on Monday. Yesterday, the day after the shot, I slept most of the day with the symptoms of a bad flu. And today I feel better than yesterday, but hardly feeling well.
On or about my last booster shot on 10/17/22, I started feeling very ill that evening. I had symptoms like a very bad flu for about 10 days. But it was probably unrelated to the booster, since I worked at a restaurant the weekend prior, and at least
Very mild, vague achiness
Very slight residual achiness
None
I didnt sign up for this soon enough to let you know, but this shot was undetectable as it went in. I could feel the first one. I could feelIt go in, and travel down my arm to my palm. It was the strangest sensation. Maybe temperature was weird? Ick
Somewhat mild but deep muscular pain and some itchiness in the vaccinated arm.
Blood pressure issues.
Slight sore throat. A little phlegm-y
Sore throat some aches. Maybe Covid, but currently not showing in home tests.
When you last contacted me I was in the middle of a four-week long run-in with something. I had achy body, night-time sore throat and general malaise. I never tested positive, despite many tests. Eventually diagnosed as a possible sinus infection.
Vaccine-induced soreness (boosted 10/21)
Shortness of breath this morning. Ok now
Arthritis in left hip and leg
Kidney disease, severe anemia, COPD, Breast CA survivor, arthritis, neuropathy, tiredness, shortness of breath Followup to joint pain in left hip, lower back, fatigue
Fainting spells (not new). Currently hospitalized. Non COVID reasons
Extreme anemia causing pain and bleeding in abdomen resulting in numerous blood transfusions. Otherwise, healthy, no COVID symptoms. Getting a Pfizer booster shot soon. Home health wellness check by a nurse. nurse
Yesterday, which was the day after my shot, I had nausea, headache, in addition to what I am feeling today. Yesterday I only had breakfast. Today, I feel weak but have tried to eat a little more.
I have been ache across my shoulders but it may be due to my stenosis since I have had it b4 ny vaccination.
Upset stomach not sure if related to vaccine. Maybe something I ate. Stomach problems seem to be related to fish. Something I always ate b4 without a problem.
Swollen area, possibly a lymphnode near collar bone. I was also dx'd with a sinus infection 1-07-21 and started the z-pac the same day. I qas tested for Covid and Flu on 1-08-21, per my PCP. Both negative rapid test results.
Still have a swollen area in my neck, possibly a lymphnode. Could be related or unrelated.
Swollen lymphnode in neck/collarbone area
Sore throat
Sore Throat
Joint and muscle pain was last night.
Congestion, drainage, tiredness.
Ear pain, congestion, bloody and yellow nasal discharge. Tiredness
Diagnosed with a Sinus Infection on 11/19/21. Negative Covid Test.
Nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, headache. Tested negative for Rapid and PCR Covid and Flu.
Covid Positive on 10/08/22.
4 hours after my heart took off and stayed at 140 bpm for nearly an hour
My resting heart rate shot up shortly after going to bed, from 60s to low to mid 130s. Last night this may have lasted over 2 hours
At 5 a.m. my heart took off for better than 4 hours. Download from Medtronic device by my heart doctor suggests probable SVT on 24th, 24th and today.
Racing heart more frequent. 135-145 bpm. Have appt with electrophysiologist next week Appt this coming week
Racing heart episodes
Infected tooth
I've had Bach stiffness/pain for the last 3-4 days, but I have this problem intermittently, so did not immediately report it.
Unclear concerning low back pain being related to vaccination. Odd that it had sort of travelled to my left hip. Morning muscle stiffness has been significant in the mornings . Better after activity.
Low back pain is much better, but still feel a ligament tenderness in left hip/pelvis with movement. Not severe.
No symptoms.
Painful throat, congested head, lack of energy. No fever recorded. Felt like a common cold.
Headache, nausea and vomiting following flight home from (b)(6). After several hours these symptoms resolved and I felt exhausted. I was exposed to several people with positive COVID-19 antigen test results prior to experiencing these symptoms.
I tested positive for COVID-19 on Sept. 12 after having severe headache, nausea and exhaustion for two days.
First day of soreness at injection site.
Oddly, some soreness at the injection site today. Hardly enough to mention, but I want to be detailed.
Cough and deep lung congestion. Likely, my annual walking pneumonia/bronchitis. Dr ordered antibiotics to be followed with Covid test if symptoms warrant.
Just to say minor pain/soreness cleared during the day.
Bought of Bronchitis treated with antibiotics and gone.
Sniffles and mild sore throat last Sunday (07/03) self test positive for Covid. Called doctor who prescribed antivirals. Completed course of treatment this a.m. lingering cough to clear lungs. Like a mild flu.
Unable to sleep since yesterday at two pm
These symptoms are typical though since I have fibromyalgia, chronic migraines and not sleeping for two nights due to my heart racing likely exacerbated it.
Since I had Covid in late oct 2020, my fibromyalgia issues have been worse and I often have to take naps. However since the vaccine on Saturday, Ive only slept 12 hours tops. Its made my heart race a lot but I get that sometimes with medicines.
Congestion
Fatigue and migraines daily - the caveat is that I have fibromyalgia and I had Covid in October 2020 - about six weeks later I started having the extreme fatigue and aches. Severe leg aches etc and its not subsided much. Vaccine exacerbated it.
Shakiness & very fatigued but I didnt sleep much last night due to pain. It exacerbates my fibromyalgia etc. I dont think its anything to worry about. Arm is much better.
The pain/fatigue could be my normal fibromyalgia but it is exacerbated since I had Covid eleven months ago.
Brain fog
Nasal discharge and congestion, scratchy/itchy throat and nose, fatigue, cough.
Upper respiratory issues with nasal congestion, sinus headache for multiple days, sore throat, tickle, and unproductive cough, and tiredness.
Sinus pressure/pain and infection. Plugged ears and pain.
Both ears are completely plugged up and I can't hear. Also sinus pressure. Update and check in via phone call to nurse.
After experiencing sore throat, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, laryngitis, and then ear pressure, pain in ears, currently ears are plugged and went to ENT after 10 days of amoxicillin did nothing. Consult with ENT.
Dizziness started following injection about 30 min later. I took Benadryl as per dr orders prior to the shot. Hrs later still dizzy
My lupus (macular) rash became visiable today
Sudden sharp pain in my leg.
Ended up in er w devere muscle spasms abd nuro issues
Oxygen low but probabaly not related as om chronic. Also severe stuffness and head cxold symptoms .
Picked up a cold. I've a weekend immune system so i wasn't surprised. Otherwise i feel fine. The shot didn't trigger a lupus or fibro flare, no soreness in the arm etc so it was just coincidence
Runny nose
I've had to use my inhaler twice today. I don't know if it's the vaccine or other issues.
Heart palpitations
Allergies are really bad
Allergies have been bad. Ive had to use my inhaler quite a bit more than usual.
Ear/ sinus infection
Shingles
I had shingles a few years ago and it hurt yesterday like I was getting them again, but they have died down today.
Ringing in my ears
I developed two blood blisters on the arm where I got my injection one is where I got the shot and the other is on the back of my my forearm. They are resolving. I thought it was something random until I got the second one where I got the shot.
Occasionally I get a weird tingling sensation in my head coupled with some dizziness.
Stomach cramps excessive acid reflux
I continue to have stomach issues. Increasingly worse.
Last night I was feverish and woke up completely drenched in sweat.
Lymph nodes under left arm swollen. Have been since first evening of day got injection. Forgot to mention previously.
Still some mild lymph node swelling under left arm. Got shot in left arm
Periodic hot flashes. I'm past menopause.
Swollen lymph nodes in neck. We're slightly swollen after booster. Have since increased. Still some lymph node swelling up left arm and arm pit. All Covid vaccines taken in left arm. Neck swelling on left side of neck.
Muscle cramps for the last three months in both arms. Nerve pain down left left. Occasional rapid heart beat. Tachycardia Massages
