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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

Flatulence, Chest discomfort and Axillary pain

YP9-18317-10524

Very gassy?

My arm randomly started hurting again last weekend, almost as bad as when I first got the shot.

Chest tightness

Pain in armpits (glands?)

Armpit pain (glands?)

Lymph node in the armpit of the arm where I got the injection is swollen to the size of a golf ball.

Very swollen gland in armpit on the side I got the shot

Swollen lymph node in armpit on side with injection

Lymph node still noticeably swollen but better than it was

Lymph node still a little swollen but not especially painful

Headache

Cystitis, Hypotension and Cardiac disorder

YP9-20734-37540

No

Got a bladder infection and have just felt kinda sickly for couple weeks.

I have been having some heart problems like irregular heartbeat high and low blood pressure and just a feeling of not feeling well. I do take heart medication and I have a pacemaker. I have very low energy since my booster shot. Office visit with heart Dr

Got Covid Nov 2 was really sick with 102 temp for 2 days. Have improved considerably but still testing positive. Slept for those two days but having hard time sleeping ever since. No prob with breathing.

Accident at work, Spinal osteoarthritis and Spinal disorder

YP9-27427-21488

I just got the vaccine 15 minutes ago.

Dry mouth and sore throat

Itchy on random places on my body, sore throat, allergy like symptoms, left eye twitching for about 2 hours, face got really dry and itchy around blemish areas and hours later blemishes were better/healing/disappear (this happened with the first shot, too), hyper- high energy for about 8 hours before the fatigue set in.

Very thirsty the past two days - dry mouth, itching on my elbow area the past 2 days

Had a stomach virus - nausea and vomiting (muscle aches and pain from intense vomiting and then exhaustion and low energy for a few days). Its getting better now.

Cold/Flu like symptoms for about 3 days, but was exhausted every day for about two weeks after. My son (also vaccinated same day and place I was w/ same vaccine) had similar cold/flu a few days later but had more congestion and not the exhaustion.

After vaccination all my allergies & sinus issues (regular chronic severe sinus headaches & congestion) disappeared. Last week for the first time since initial vaccination I had sinus headaches and congestion & allergy symptoms (both very mild).

I started getting vertigo and mild headaches last Friday night. The vertigo is only when I go from standing to lying down (to get in bed). Haven't noticed it otherwise. The headaches are late night & early morning. Both happen every day.

Soreness in the area of my injection. It randomly started hurting about a week ago. I'm also still getting vertigo if I go from standing to lying down too quickly. I also get it when I turn over from one side to the next too quickly.

Vertigo is better but still have it. Arm of injection developed a swollen sore to the touch small bump/knot exact point of injection but on the inner side of arm - not the outside where injection was.

Itching that's not at injection site

Nausea, headaches, minor stomach issues dizziness on and off for about 2-3 weeks. It's not consistent. Just happens out of the blue.

Cold/Flu about a month ago.

Chest pain, Back pain and Myalgia

YP9-58958-59392

None

Was given 3rd dose pfizer vaccine on one arm and shinglets 2nd dose on other hand same visit, abdomnal , left chest and back shoulder muscle pain 24 hr heart hospital emergency and primary care dictor office

All upper body flesh pain (say between skin & bones) mostly now around stomach & backside. My pcp prescribed GLIPIZIDE 5mgx3times/day for 30 days ending 2morow !Only slight relief, cause, taken 3rd doze covid pfizer & shingles vaccine 2nd same time Primary care physician

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Eye swelling and Menstrual disorder

YPA-69290-34999

Tingling in feet and hands

Vomited yesterday evening; very tired brain fog yesterday was not reported.

Tingly feet

Tingling in feet still going on

Cold / Tingling in feet

Tingling in feet

Severe PMDD - worst I have ever experienced.

I had extreme PMDD two weeks after vaccination including swollen eye. This is a first and I attribute to inflammation due to vaccination. See also this study: https://redcap.healthinstitute.illinois.edu/surveys/index.php?s=LL8TKKC8DP

Changes to menstruation lasting more than 2 cycles.

Circulatory collapse, Visual impairment and Lymphadenopathy

YPB-13153-86109

swollen lymph node under clavicle on right side, opposite from injection site

Lymph swelling up neck. When looking over right shoulder like when backing up a car, swollen area cuts of circulation so vision blacks out. in person office visit to PCP

Swollen lymph nodes blocking carotid artery when turn neck, more swelling and pain in clavicle lymph nodes. Ear pain and ringing in ears. in patient visit

Cubital tunnel syndrome, Tenosynovitis and Carpal tunnel syndrome

YPB-20111-31498

Carple Tunnel. Likely not related to the vaccine.

Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel. Inflammation of my sinovial fluid, joint pain. General inflammation symptoms.

Joint pain wrists, fingers, ankles, shoulder. Burning pain and joints constantly hurting. Internet seems to think it could be synovitis. Can't get a drs appointment until 5/18. In pain, went to ER yesterday. They said it seems like RA, so can't help

Inflammation/tendonsynovitis

Inflammation of tendons very easily with no underlying diagnosed issue even though I've seen tons of doctors.

Sensitivity to weather change, Contusion and Injection site bruising

YPB-33183-25753

Brain fog on and off since the date of injection

It may just be allergies since it's about that time of the year as well as recent stressors becoming too much, but I feel almost feverish, chilly, and achy since last night.

Might not be related to the vaccine, but I've been feeling achy and have a headache right now.

Bruising at injection site

Bruising is still apparent at injection site. Slightly painful when pressed.

Bruise is healing

Fatigued, scratchy throat; might just be stress though or lack of restful sleep or accumulated anxiety or repressed anger...

Was sick last month with symptoms similar to the stomach flu; also been having a sore throat and some coughing every now and then, maybe from allergies.

Blood disorder, Hypothyroidism and Contusion

YPC-14654-15945

A tiny bruise at injection site. Tender only if touched

Inoculation site tender and tiny bruise persists.

All last week VERY low energy, headache, lack of appetite. Severe diarrhea about 24hrs. Started feeling better last Saturday 9/11 and continue to be ok.

Hypothyroidism unrelated to Pfizer vaccine PCP appointment put on med feeling better

I have long tanding blood discrasia unrelated to vaccine Doc following me for sometime

Pulmonary pain, Poor quality sleep and Gastrointestinal disorder

YPC-21486-17601

No

I have a hard pain from my liver side

Muscle pain and headache

Coughing

I couldn't sleep well since I took the 2nd shot

Still coughing more than normal

I was in ER at ben tube hospital past weekend, looks i have a trouble with my Digestive, since 3 days I'm not eating any food at all , I feel I have a Blockage at my Small intestine i never have had such issue at my life .

Coughing, weakness , joints pain. Derrida

Not sleep well, short breath while im sleeping and sometimes cut breathing. Joint pain and muscles. Also i start forgetting things .

Pain from both lungs sides , sometimes short breathing, most of the time i feel tired with joints pain

Head titubation, Anal incontinence and Irritable bowel syndrome

YPC-31956-45055

Nausea just happened otgerquu Iss I would not have reported it. I am Unsure if nausea is connected to the shot since I have hx of reflux and gets nausea at times.

But these are my usual back and hip and knee pain. Relieved by Tylenol. I had itch at the injection site 2 days agoBut not today. I had forgotten to report the itch then . No itch tiday

Metallic taste in myMouth filled by nausea . This is sporadic.

More under the weather than when zi had the first shot.Big loose stoolThis am Not really doarehea

Weakness 6 hrs into my work day for the past 5 days.

I find that I may be tired more oftewhich may be fromThe vaccine . I also have Abdominal pain - flare up of my IBS but my GI Dr said it is not related to the vaccine.

Extreme & unusual Fatigue at end of the work day when I got home. I attributed this to the vaccine. It is less over the last 2 weeks.This was not regularend of the day tired I believe it was from the shot.I would sit & feel drained for 30 minu

Flare up of IBS

Persistent headache since the booster, daily or every other day. I had a fall &concussion Aug 2020 with headache. The headache with the booster is similar. It feels as if my brain Is shaking in my head or maybe it's a dizzy feeling with the headache.

Headache continues . It had decreased and .I thought it had stopped but it came back. Overall its less than right after the booster. It's a motion headache similar to the headache I had 1 yr ago with a post fall concussion .I have a hx of migraines

Milder headaches and less frequent. Done tiredness lately at the end of the day but nothing too debilitating. I usually go to sleep at10 pm . Fir the last week I have been going to sleep at 8pm. I am still working 32hrs per week.

Lightheadedness yesterday.treated with rest and Fluids Gatorade.

Had explosive diarrhea with stool incontinence X1 yesterday at work. This may be from my IBS.

Fatigue continues since the 2nd booster.I go to sleep earlier than usual.8.30pm as compared to 10 pm before. In the middle of the st at work I may feel tired.

I Go to sleep earlier every night since the shot

2 separate diarrhea episodes this week. That is a big loose stool each time.Otherwise well.

Just the tiredness after work and going to sleep earlier than Before the shot and an occasional transitory mild stinging sensation at the injection site. I think the Moderna booster is stronger than the Pfizer booster.

Increased upper airway secretion, Aphonia and Upper-airway cough syndrome

YPD-15257-89772

Cold symptoms. Sneezing, sore throat and cough. Had babysat a six month old baby with a cold. Sick for 2 weeks. I did not get tested because babys pediatrician said he had a cold

Post nasal drip. Allergies, cough and headache

I've had a cough when I lay down and sometimes I lose my voice because it feels like mucous on my larynx. They are working me up for acid reflux and COPD or asthma. I've had this on and off for 10 months. I thought they were just allergies.

Menopause, Therapeutic response unexpected and Rash papular

YPD-33547-48585

Ive been waking up 2x in the middle of the night feeling hot/flushed

Im sleeping better again!

8 days after my shot, I got a rash and large raised itchy bump about 2 below my shot. It resolved after 48 hours. It was red, itchy, stiff/hard and hot but not painful.

Mild pain at injection site

My malaise and body aches yesterday dissipated by about 8:30 pm.

I got my period after being in menopause

Had Moderna booster yesterday. I'm in bed feeling tired and achy. My arm is sore at the site of the needle jab.

Ocular hyperemia, Eye irritation and Balance disorder

YPD-52048-27931

Dizzy

Dizzy-yesterday too , but forgot to mention

Forgot to mention day two-rapid heartbeat-85-195 resting rate -normally in low 60s

Unsteady-almost dizzy for 2 days, accompanied by extreme lethargy. Muscle spasms in areas I dont usually have them.

Run down- tired

Caught a cold from my son -he had negative covid test

Ocular rosacea flare up started day after booster-is continuing

Red irritated eyes

Eye irritation -ocular rosacea flare up

Fatigue. Sinus pressure , runny nose

Extreme fatigue for 3 days, runny nose

Breast mass, Sinus pain and Night sweats

YPE-12285-44924

Sweating while sitting between 1-2 AM for no apparent reason

Headache, night sweats

New lump in left breast (same side as vaccine), lower back pain Obgyn visit, scheduled ultrasoun

Persistent new breast lumps in breast (near areola) on same side as vaccine Mammogram and ultrasound

Sinus pain, breast lump Specialist visit and diagnostic imaging

Matching lump on right breast Will bring it up at existing appointment with breast surgeon at the end of May

Eyelids pruritus, Micturition urgency and Dry skin

YPE-19343-69261

Itching in & around my eye

Itching around one eye

lower back ache

Itchy eye lids

Annoying pain between my shoulder blades

A little shortness of breath

Itchy eyes

I have been unusually sleepy the past 2 days. Not tired- but feeling like I need to sleep. Unusual for me.

Unusual Fatigue

Very dry skin and itching. I plan to see a dermatologist about getting some relief.

Itching around eyes

Itching around the eyes

Itching has worsened around my eyes

Less itching around the eyes today. Urinary urgency(new)

Developed upper respiratory symptoms in December 2021. Had PCR test which came back negative.

I have a sore throat and head cold

Restless legs syndrome, Nodule and Dysphagia

YPE-70559-74335

Since getting it, Ive had fatigue, muscle/joint pain nonstop, stiffness ankle swelling, regular, periodic headaches (off on thru day), restless legs and tingling feet at night. Lack of sleep resulting. I am very tired and achey. Hard to move/sleep

Tiredness/fatigue upon waking up. Gets better for 4-5 hours as day goes by, but by afternoon total exhaustion. Lower skull, neck and shoulder pain. Tremendous amount of knots. Joints and muscle pain throughout the rest of body continuing. Depressed.

Dizziness

Sore throat on occasion. Comes and goes. A little stuffy nose lately.

Sore throat but went away next day, mild congestion off and on. Bloody nose.

Dry throat since mid-Nov. sometimes intermittently hard to swallow

Hyposmia, Viral infection and Sinus disorder

YPE-74178-23840

Trouble breathing in a sense the air always feels hot and thick. No coughing or struggle breathing. It just doesnt feel like oxygen is being retained

I was extremely sick for 17 days. Negative covid rapid test, but all symptoms of covid. From sept 29 - October 16

I caught covid. Now I have a chronic cough, a muted sense of smell, and rapid heart rate. I am working to repair my heart and I have an inhaler for my cough.

I have had a frequent headache and stomach ache

I am currently sick with some form of virus or cold

Bad sinuses and non stop headache

Weight increased, Neuropathy peripheral and Seasonal allergy

YPF-77654-09427

I am experiencing the 3 symptoms, however not beyond what is normal for my underlying health conditions: fibromyalgia, perpherial neuropathy in all four limbs, & back pain from spodylolisthesis & back surgury.

I threw up yesterday. Yesterday & today my nose is runny & have post-nasal drip. I am having troubling lying down on my back without having difficulty breathing. The sound of my wheezing woke me up at 5 AM. Could be hayfever or a cold, not sure.

Been experiencing chest wheezing/whistling. Sometimes it is so loud it wakes me up & makes sleeping difficult. However, it could also be caused by hayfever, hypersensitivity to foods & Covid weight gain. Occurs most often/forceful lying down flat.

Wheezing in my chest and difficulty breathing at times.

I had the same symptoms yesterday & I don't think I filled the form correctly.

I have other health conditions that cause all the symptoms above EXCEPT for the chills.

Nasal disorder, Quarantine and Productive cough

YPG-18229-51177

But I do have arthritis and the weather is such that would cause me to have joint pain anyway. I doubt if it is from the shot.

Slightly sore throat every morning. Fatigue even after a nights sleep

Diarrhea for a couple days and a low grade fever

I got covid and was on quarantine from the ?25? Of July through the 4th of Aug

Coughing, sneezing

Coughing up phlegm, stopped up head

Coughing and sneezing

Cough

Coughing fits

Coughing

Bad cough and nasal problems for a month/was on steroids and antibiotics for a month

Headache, body aches, fever, slight cough, sleepiness

Bloody discharge, Sputum discolored and Nephrolithiasis

YPG-18946-44626

Hashimotos Disease

I've developed a red burning rash on my face. It started on my eyelids yesterday and has spread to my temples and behind my ears today. It resembles psoriasis because it's itchy, flakey and bright red.

My facial rash is the same. I have been treating it with Calendula oil.

Office visit to Primary care doctor. He told me the rash was common and to take Zyrtec and Benadryl to alleviate my allergic reaction to the shot.

Kidney stone surgery.

Flu like symptoms and sinus problems. Chronic coughing with chest congestion. Sniffling, bloody discharge and green nasal flem.

Lung neoplasm malignant and Pyrexia

YPG-21063-70464

I have none today my fever yesterday was 101.3F at the 30 hour after shot mark and lasted 6 hours and then went away.

I had a reoccurrence of lung cancer. I had a chest CT scan on January 6, 2021. It was clear. I had my 1st vaccine on March 23 and 2nd on April 13. My Chest CT scan on May 5th showed 3 areas of malignant concern. I have a PET scan on May 13th. In person oncologist and imaging

Possible reoccurrence of cancer.

Lung Cancer

Skin lesion, Erythema and Injection site pruritus

YPG-35448-62743

Mild generalized itchiness for about an hour after the injection. (No rash)

This seems like a weird symptom, but I had insomnia for the two nights following the vaccine. I forgot to mention that on yesterday's check-in.

Could be unrelated to the vaccine, but after my booster shot, I had a raised red painless lesion about a centimeter in diameter that lasted for a week. I feel great! Thanks for all you do!

Blood triglycerides increased, Blood cholesterol increased and Throat tightness

YPG-36029-57085

Just FYI - I am allergic to penicillin and cephalosporins and I have not had any reaction to this vaccine - yet.

A very, very slight tightening in my throat - approximately 17-18 hours after the vaccination.

The joint pain was last night, after my check-in yesterday. Elbows, fingers and left ankle.

Sore throat, headache, congestion, tired. Had Covid test - negative.

Slight headache, minor chills and fatigue

I had a rapid-fire test WH if h revealed I had HPIV3., but negative for Covid. My health, overall, is much better since being vaccinated - my mental health that is. It was absolutely great being able to receive this vaccine! Thank you!

About 28 hours after shot, I had a slight, red rash on my face. It went away overnight.

Very, very slight headache this morning - went away without any pain relievers.

Thanking you all for all your good, hard work! You are appreciated!

I feel great!

My symptoms free this 4th dose are far milder than the previous 3 doses.

Some slight swelling in arm at injection site and swelling of lymph node nun arm pit area of injection arm.

Feeling great!

Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual syndrome and Uterine leiomyoma

YPG-54731-93781

Still in my 15 min waiting period

Loss of appetite

I realized today that the very mild abdominal discomfort began this weekend

Fatigue ChillsMild fever

Dizzy

A little brain fog

Runny Nose

Headaches

MalaiseStomach upset(Might be unrelated but wanted to share the information in case its relevant)

Menstrual symptoms Heavier flowMore intense cramping and PMS symptoms

Heavier and Longer periods Worsened pre-menstrual symptoms

Uterine fibroids Ovarian cyst

Feces discolored, Systemic lupus erythematosus and Oropharyngeal discomfort

YPH-10022-43327

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis & left abdominal discomfort

Rheumatoid arthritis, green diarrhea, left side of throat swallowing uncomfortable

Rheumatoid arthritis, left side of throat sore, green diarrhea

Rheumatoid arthritis flare, left side pain when sneezing or breathing deeply

Developed lupus-like symptoms in addition to my rheumatoid arthritis and still experiencing significant flares

Lupus

Formication, Ear discomfort and Throat irritation

YPH-21961-82651

These symptoms may not be related as I get headaches anyway sometimes and dont always sleep well

Stuffy/runny nose. Ears plugged. Had a Covid test as a precaution. Was negative. Likely cold symptoms

Cold symptoms

After booster-The next day, I had a headache, sore body/arm, and crawling skin feeling

Headaches, fatigue, scratchy throat

I had Covid recently Doctor appt

I had covid. I believe this was since the last check in?

Fibromyalgia, Hypersomnia and Migraine

YPH-27683-80263

I have fibromyalgia so these symptoms are normal

Severe joint and muscle pain . Level 9

Severe fatigue. Sleeping till noon then up for about 1 hr then back to bed. Muscle pain limited to within 8-10 inches of injection site.

I have fibromyalgia and poly arthritis, these are normal daily symptoms for me

Migraine today. But have them often. Not likely related to shot.

Chest tightness like difficulty taking deep breath. Toook inhaler that has helped. Sever body pains. Narcotics not helping. Cant get comfortable at all. Pain is all the way to extremities.

Cant sleep. Insomnia.

Electric shock sensation, Oropharyngeal discomfort and Muscle strain

YPH-29954-04517

Ongoing low back/bilateral hip pain onset prior to vaccine

Pre vaccine low back/bilateral hip pain

Swollen gland left side neck with throat discomfort. Phone call tobPCP

Sporadic flashes of electric type pain in different areas of body.

One sided throat discomfort from mid January; went for PCR test 1/26, negative for Covid. Consult w/ENT 3/7, nothing of note; most likely reflux related Consult ENT

L shoulder strain from overuse to an area previously injured in lifting 3/2015

Death, Bone pain and Pneumonia

YPH-52147-62362

Feeling itchy all over my body

Itchy feeling on my trunk area stomach shoulders

Overall I feel better after this shot than the first.

My skin feels itchy ! Right hand and toes Im retired soi didnt miss work but it was uncomfortable during the day

Just seem to have mild itching taking a antihistamine seems to control it.

Aching bones out of the blue my forearm would ache terribly for a day then go away. No injuries to it just aches! Later one of my shoulders would ache terribly again for no reason for a day then go away. Pain level was moderate. Had to take ibuprofen

After my last booster I was lethargic and my bones in my arms would just start severely aching for hours.for no apparent reason other than I received the booster shot

My mother (b)(6)(94) received Covid vaccination the same time as I and in 1 week contracted pneumonia and died . We had no exposure to anything except receiving the latest vaccine for Covid. I'm done with vaccines and surveys. My mother died from it

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