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.
I had a mild headache last evening, which morphed into a more troublesome headache in the middle of the night. I am experiencing another headache this afternoon.
I think the vaccine might have stimulated a latent seasonal allergy, with occasional mild effects
General muscle aches
I had a flu shot at the same time and I think that exacerbated my symptoms. In the past, I have had very mild reactions to Covid vaccines.
No
Normal temp is between 97.4 and 98.1. I detected the warmth, so taking my temp and seeing 98.8 made sense, since that is high for me.
My normal temp is between 96.4-97.7, so when I felt my head get a little foggy,I knew I had a slightly elevated temp FOR ME. The thermometer bore that out.
I am completing this 1st checkin 4 days after my 3rd shot. About 18 hes after my 3rd shot, though, I broke a mild fever and experienced mild fatigue.
after vaccination had flushing of face and neck, went away several hours later, did take a benadryl thinking I might be having an allergic reaction.
Ringing in ears
Slight shortness of breath, feels like pressure on my chest, but no chest pain.
Feeling better today don't feel short of breath as I did the previous 2 days.
Just overall don't feel good, racing heartbeat at bedtime, having trouble sleeping.
Headaches, pain in left eye, insomnia
Bruise like pain in muscle below injection site is less than yesterday
Still sore in upper arm but much less - mostly not noticeable.
Insomnia.
Insomnia, lumbar pain, general itchiness, dry mouth, pain in one quadricep radiating from hip/lumbar, nausea, taste off, food repulsion. Latter might just be from the pain
Left side lumbar pain around hip joint. Pain in left quad muscle. No other joints or muscles affected. Pain level varies overtime. Worse midday. Pain causes nausea, dry mouth. I suspect vaccine myelitis but could be exercise overuse.
Severe lumbar pain and down front of quadriceps on one side. Seriously believe it might be autoimmune response on a spinal nerve. Or could be exercise related. Very hard to tell which. Am trying to tough it out. Worried prednisone would screw up covid immunity. May need further tests to see if it is rare one-sided myelitis.
Lumbar pain with nerve pain down thigh. Could be demyelination due to autoimmune overreaction but doc refuses (?) to order blood test that would confirm or exclude. Now on oral prednisone which makes test moot. Improving gradually. Regular office visit
For first 48 hrs I limited daily activities due to had fatigue,headache,nausea. They have abated. Still mild headache treated with Advil.
Brain fog
Hip is sore- also stuffy nose.
Symptoms from night sweat. Symptoms began 5/26-5/27 have abated by 5/28
I missed this box yesterday, but I've had pain in I my left armpit for the past three days. It seems to be a lymph node. It hurts to move my arm around
The lymph node in the armpit of the arm I received the shot in is still painful. Its difficult to roll over onto that side and to make bigger movements with my arm.
Feel a little fuzzy.
I got the shot two days ago. I had fever, mild headache, chills, ad fatigue for 24 hrs afterward.
I didnt receive a check in after my vaccine but 12 hours later I had chills, aches, and fever for about 18 hours anc the filler I have in my face swelled significantly even filler from well over a year ago. It is just starting to recede. I had back surgery a month ago and also have significant inflammation in that area. Could be coincidental?
I had back surgery 5 weeks ago and have had severe inflammation at the surgical site. Not sure if its related or relevant but it does match the timeline. I also experienced swelling of my facial fillers. That is almost resolved.
I had back surgery 4 weeks before my second shot so these symptoms may be unrelated but I have extreme swelling at my surgical site and extreme back pain plus the fever. I'm on antibiotics and they are surgically cleaning out my wound on Monday.
Back pain that is probably from the surgery I had March 1 but the pain started 2 days after my vaccine
Probably unrelated to vaccine. Developed a bacterial infection after surgery March 1. Symptoms started after vaccine but most likely preceded.
I've been menstruating since Monday 4/19, the day before I had my 2nd vaccine.
Much more intense and severe premenstrual symptoms and menstruation. Ear infection (I haven't had one since I was a child)
This is likely from quitting vaping (nicotine), but a lot of brain fog/cognitive issues, depression, irritability. My premenstrual symptoms continue to be more intense than before the vaccine (which started before nicotine cessation)
Sinus issues
Extreme premenstrual symptoms like I have never experienced before. Also heavier menstruation than ever. Please study people who menstruate on this. Please.
I am unable to remove the bandaid at the injection site due to injection site pain, so its difficult to tell if there is redness or swelling
Lightheadedness
Scratchy throat yesterday and today with no other symptoms. Throat tightened yesterday enough that I used my inhaler twice, back to back.
Seasonal allergy symptoms (have had allergies since childhood): sore/itchy throat, dry eyes, cough
Diagnosed with Covid
Muscle ache only in the injection site only.
Mild muscle soreness at injection site. No change since yesterday.
Yesterday I had significant leg stiffness which I attributed to working out. Last night it got worse & today I ache all over. I also got a call yesterday that I have a mild UTI. So I dont know the cause of my achiness & exhaustion but it kept me in bed today.
I just finished RX for UTI yesterday. I dont know if my ex are due to vaccine or UTI
Still unsure if symptoms due to vaccine or URI. Urologist did prescribe different antibiotic.
Feeling better than I have been in 4 days. Have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Do bot know if Im feeling better because antibiotics for UTO are kicking in or my body has worked through its reaction to the vaccine.
Cold with Eustachian tube blockage. Tested twice for COVID, both negative. ENT Doctor visit & primary care visit
Itchy throat
Mild cough
Temperature instability hot/cold flashes
Body aches headaches fatigue and minor cough
Joint aches and pain fatigue
Enlarged lymph nodes left axilla and left neck
Lymph node swelling
Swollen lymph nodes on left side of body . injection left arm.
Sinus drainage, fatigue, body aches, headaches
Sinus pain and drainage, sore throat, head ache, cough , ches congestion, wheezing
Joint pain, muscle cramps / aches. Hot cold flashes. Enlarged thyroid/ lymph nodes.
My right knee is sore anyway but is worse today and swollen.
I believe my pain & symptoms are related to my (b)(6)
Short of breath
Exhaustion
Having a hard time staying awake
Sleeping too much
Low back pain
More back pain and fatigue.
Broken Rib
I have had serious knee pain and leg swelling especially in ankles.Also coughing much more and extreme fatigue. My Pulmonologist and rheumatologist are currently running tests and working with me. They want to rule out pneumonia and blood clots. X-rays & blood work at hospital. Contrast CAT scan of chest to show all blood vessels is scheduled for this coming week.
Increased coughing, increased knee and back pain unable to walk. Using power wheelchair full time.
I have sciatica pain started from last weekend. The pain on waist makes me hard to sleep recently. I took Tylenol last night and plan to take it again before go to bed
Sciatica pain still bothers me. The level of pain does not increase
Sciatica pain. Pain level does not increase
sciatica pain. Better than yesterday. Did not take Tylenol
Sciatica pain. Better than previous
I am having sciatica pain before I received vaccine
itchy but no rash
Two days after 2nd dose I started menstruating. It is more like heavy spotting than a real period. It is lasting longer, so far 13 days. This is noticable for me because I am in perimenopause and my last cycle ended 262 days before. I am tired also.
The menstrual spotting continued since last week and appears to be slowing down, today is the first day with none so far. I also had spotting starting 4 days after the 1st vaccine dose, it was much lighter and lasted only 4 days.
I continue to have menstrual spotting since my 2nd dose. It varies in volume, tapering off over several days to almost nothing then the next day with the higher volume spotting again. This is unusual for me.
The menstrual spotting continues since my last check-in.
Actually I have no new or worsening symptoms, but wanted to leave a comment. Since last week my menstrual spotting has stopped. It started a few days after the 2nd dose and lasted about 8 weeks.
As with the first two shots, I again am having some light menstrual spotting. I have not had a menstrual cycle for the past 2 years.
Sinus congestion, drainage, fatigue, severe cough leading to rib pain, the recovery time was more than 1 month. Chiropractic, Acupuncture
No
Small amount of menstrual spotting despite being post menopausal
Arm just sire like flue shot does
Just sore like flu shot
Just slight sore arm. That's all.
Slight soreness in arm
Lupus Flare up not related to Follow up appointment re:routine app. for pain control for Lipus,Fibro, & severe OA.
Above caused by Lupus Had several falls and laryngitis before booster
Lupus, Severe OA, Fibromyalgia
Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Severe OA
Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Severe OA
Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Severe Arthritis is
Lupus Fibromyalgia , severe Osteoarthritis I have chronic pain
I developed a huge itchy painful whelt on my arm at the injection site. As well as swollen lymph nodes under my injection arm
My son who is 2 abs nursing had developed a whole body rash that is not explained by any other environmental factors. It has lasted 2 weeks abs began the same day as the rash I developed on my arm after my injection
Inconsistent periods- elevated liver levels- elevated cholesterol
No
Head feels fuzzy
Had symptoms during night & tired today
I have had tingling on & off in my left index,middle fingers & thumb on & off for about 2 wks but didnt think it was relevant because i do have arthritis & could be carpal tunnel
Still have slt tingling on & off left index & mid fingers & thumb but could be from my neck or carpal tunnel
Floaters in left eye & still have tingling on & off left index & mid fingersprimary dr thinks i have carpal tunnel & seeing ophthalmologist
Bitter taste in mouthstill have n/tg left index &mid fingerdr thinks carpal tunnel & floater left eye Primary care dr & opthalmoligistbiier taste started wed aftwr out of town trip & just go pcr test
Not sure if significant i was overheated & it went away once i cooled off
Seem to have gotten a cold. Achy. Son & husb had stuffy noses for 2 days. husb.lost his voice. Now I've had head and chest congestion & list voice today
Cold symptoms
Pain all around my shoulder and into my armpit. Moderate and limiting for first 48 hours
Leg -Tendon tightness/muscle cramp & spasm - minimal but unusual
Continued knee joint irritation / weakness. Some quadricep muscle weakness / pain
Body aches , tired, congestion
Swollen glands, sore throat, stuffy head and ears, drainage for 2 days
Cough, sneezing, drainage and stuffy head
Cough stuffiness and drainage, beginning to think I may be getting sick rather than just side effects??
Nasal/sinus congestion bit better, cough is worse... might be getting chest congestion
Still have the cough and drainage. Nothing that looks infected (I used to deal with chronic sinusitis) jus thick/ clear and constant. Im using Mucinex cold/flu liquid.
Day after and second day, achy and headache
Fever blister... I got one about a week after the first one as well... but didnt link it to the shot. Now Im thinking maybe??
No Chiropractor
Went to chiropractor today and my neck was out of alignment. My husband has been binge drinking during Covid. Im working on relaxation and going to an AlAnon meeting tomorrow at 11:00
No
Irritable
Trouble finding my words when talking
Since 4/12 my arm was achey. Today it isnt
Spacey/ Foggy
Yesterday my sense of taste and smell were off, today it's better, yet not 109%
Reaction from latest Covid booster
Dizziness
Asthma attack after not having one in years. Only recent change has been the vaccine. Soufht doctor advice on asthma attack.
Swollen glands on side of body near shot
Swollen supraclavicular glands on side of injection
Swollen painful glands
Nasuea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite
Coughing. Tested positive for COVID.
Coughing, loss of taste and smell. Tested positive for COVID
Cough and cold synotoms, loss of taste and smell due to COVID infection.
Both tired and muscle aches were mild
I feel more fatigue for days... my usual run today felt like running through molasses. I often almost fall asleep at the dinner table after dinner. I do feel an amplified fatigue.
I was quite sick with pains, chills, muscle soreness, and mild sore throat days 2-5 after vaccination. It feels manipulative of information that i want asked about my experience/response for these days following the 2nd dose.
Difficulty breathing at first, rapid heart beat, dizziness, difficulty swallowing
Dizziness
Anaphylactic reaction I was a code blue at vax site in hospital
Throat tightening
Watering eyes, running nose
Watering eyes and nose
Significant fatigue
Significant pain In joints, bones and muscles in upper and lower back. No appetiteVision changes
Muscle spasms and pain from spine to lower back. Metallic taste.
Severe back and arm spasms and pain
Frozen shoulder
Lower back pain, muscular?neck pain, just aching and generally feeling run down
On 3/6 I was very nauseous and threw up. I felt tired and weak since, but today felt better
Foggy brain since I got shot but just now realized it some days were worse than others
My hip started hurting and I have brain fog
Coughing
I have been having blurry vision on and off for several weeks , just thought it was dry eyes? Also my ear canals itch and skin peels off, i have been using Benadryl cream, they don't get better going to see doctor when i can.
Foggy brain, poor appetite, difficult to drink fluids, cramping in legs and feet poor stamina and fatigue, dizzy. After 2 days of dizziness. Registered Blood pressure this morning at 83/69/105. Took 8 hours with drinking some coffee, sipping coke a cola, sipping water, and Pedialyte to get bp to 105/69/70. Side effects started 12 hours after vaccine. Very sore at the injection site 8 hrs later, muscle pain radiated to neck. Lasted 4 days.
When trying to eat, or drink fluided. per Telehealth visit today. Dehydration and feaver Suggested to go to ER for IV infusion even with insurance. cost to me would be over $1 000 out of pocket
Had to go to urgent care for low erratic blood pressure and high heart rate. Nurse stopped exam with ekg. Admitted to Emergency room/hospital. Diagnosis. covid, dehydration and afib
Continued extreme fatigue and exhaustion, headaches, unstable. foggy brain and heart issues sonce 1st vaccine 4.13.21
Continuing to recover from covid-19 after receiving 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine
Fatigue continues. Afib continues. If anyone ready reads these comments. Will consider when I feel well again.
Continued Atril Fibrillation
I was diagnosed with RA , IBS and Sjörgen Syndrom. Before the vaccination I had none of these issues. It came upon me two weeks after the vaccination with the Moderna.I had to quit my job due to this. Regular MD and Rheumotologist
I was diagnosed with Sjorgens syndrome shortly after receiving the second vaccination. Then also have been diagnosed with Neuropathy. I had a job and life but now always in pain and suffering
Having body aches, nausea, ringing in my ears, leg cramps in my left leg. Joint pain, in my right shoulder, elbow, left shoulder. My left hip, toes get cramped up and hands and fingers.
My shin bones are hurting and my knees. Feeling achy all over.
Return of Covid like symptoms, body aches, burning tongue with sores, sore gums. Both knees hurt, left shoulder pain. Still have right shoulder and elbow pain. Fatigue.
Shooting pain in both my legs.
2 episodes of dizziness
Itching all over my body. Dermatographic skinafter scratching areas
itching all over. occurs most in evening
itching
scratchy throat, sneezing , feel like im coming down with a cold.
loose stools
vertigo
continued vertigo intermittently. triggered by laying down, from sitting to standing or stooping down.
slight dizziness, orthostatic. Have increased water intake
Vertigo, headaches
sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose
dizziness, happened 2-4 weeks after every pfizer vaccine
+ covid home test on June 23.
Anxiety
Spike in depression last night
Anxiety/depression
Stress stomach ache today - pain, probably gas but didnt respond to simithacone, uncomfortable to move sometimes, including the movement of breathing. Still worked, just less comfortably.
Trouble sleeping, likely related to nausea last night
Decreased appetite, slight increase in nasal congestion with decrease in smell
Extra spacey/forgetful at work
Increase in depression
Increase depression
I have nausea type GERD that has been less controlled since getting vaccinated, although there are other potential causes like diet variation.
There is just a lump where I received the vaccine and it is mildly tender.
I still have a big lump at the injection site.
There is still a lump at the injection site.
The swelling and injection site is finally subsiding but still a short bit tender.
The lump at the injection site is receding but its not completely gone.
Mild, Intermittent Dizziness
A few VERY mild seconds of dizziness
Occasional, mild dizziness
A beyond mild slight headache on and off for several hours.
I noticed the redness and swelling yesterday after I had submitted my daily check in. The swelling is about the size of a half dollar.
It could be completely unrelated, but I have a soreness in the middle of my back that coincided with the first shot.
The day after the 2nd shot, I had fever, felt nauseous, and had to stay in bed all day. My arm was red, swollen, and hurt for a week afterwards.
I have a new redness, itching, and burning in between my fingers. The burning feels like its coming from inside.
I have worsening redness, itching, burning, and mild swelling in between my fingers.
