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.
3.27.2021 – Serious lower back pain since Monday. I have a history of it but no episodes in the past couple of years. I dont associate it with the vaccine. It seems to be due to two out-of-ordinary physical activities I did.
4.2.2021 – Back pain, which has been getting better over past 10 days. And today in particular Im finding it extra hard to concentrate for no apparent reason. I dont have any reason to think either is due today the vaccine though.
6.4.2021 – Heavier than normal period for 3 months after vaccination that has since returned to normal. Also, I never stated but I had the 2nd Pfizer shot and got a HUGE red raised circle on my arm and swelling that lasted for days.
9.1.2021 – Yes. I am recovering from a breakthrough Covid infection. My husband had it first. I was done with quarantine yesterday, but still have some lasting symptoms though Im very much improving
3.26.2021 – Im glad it is Friday!
3.27.2021 – I awoke around 2 pm or so feeling mildly unwell, had trouble sleeping but got up at 5 am and went skiing - basically fine but tired - took a two hour nap ...
10.16.2021 – Mild response to Pfizer booster 10/15/2021
10.19.2021 – No
1.14.2022 – I tested positive with antigen test 28 December 2021 - cold like symptoms for 4-5 days
10.5.2022 – Day after booster (9/27) had sore arm, fatigue - lasted 2 days.
12.28.2022 – A cold - negative on home antigen tests; also shinrix and flu vaccine same day - felt lousy for two days.
2.1.2021 – I passed out lowered Blood Pressure this was All on 1/30 day after shot missed the email
2.2.2021 – None only next day after vaccine then normal
3.2.2021 – No appetite
5.29.2021 – Brain fog, memory worse taste still no totally normal, smell not totally back to normal. Fatigue, ambition fair. This from having COVID not
8.28.2021 – Fatigue, still have taste not like use to be, balance off, smell is not returned all the way, lack of memory issues, lack of ambition. I did have COVID before vaccine
11.3.2021 – Hip problem with my right hip. Seeing my primary physician, x-rays taken. Diagnosed with DBD / Arthritis. Office visit
2.1.2022 – Contracted Covid-19 (Omarion) on January 3rd. Experience Flu like systems etc.
8.3.2022 – Hip Replacement Surgery ( Right Hip) on 5/20/22. 2 1/2 months now post operation, recovering with physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy
11.8.2022 – Early Monday morning while sleeping 3:30am. Woke up experiencing aching left upper arm. Felt feverish but no fever. Following morning, left upper arm still aching. Also felt tired and sluggish up until about 1:30pm. Afterwards started to recoup.
2.9.2021 – A small bruise like discoloration at the injection site appeared a day or so after the injection and has not resolved, maybe even got darker in the last few days.
2.18.2021 – Herpes outbreak-first in a long time.
3.5.2021 – My symptoms actually started yesterday (after submitting my report) about 7 hrs after my jab. They were worse thru the evening and thru the night.
3.6.2021 – Woke up twice last night soaking wet. I dont have hot flashes. I assumed I must have had a fever that broke. Thats the only time that happens for me.
3.25.2021 – I notice I seem to have had a very slight rhinitis for the past several weeks. Not sure if connected to spring or vaccine. Unusual for me. No other symptoms.
9.2.2021 – Sniffles, sore throat, congestion I went for a COVID PCR test which was negative.
4.24.2022 – I stayed u too late last night. I'm pretty sure that's why I'm tired today
10.17.2022 – The flu shot site is already sore.
3.10.2021 – Still congested from covid.
3.11.2021 – Fitrague still from continued covid symptoms
3.12.2021 – Fatigue seems a little better
3.14.2021 – Congestiom, yiredness
4.18.2021 – Congested again... tiredness ,,, tightness in chest Drs. Appointment tomorrow...
4.21.2021 – Tightness in chest and conjestion. Office visit and yearly check up..
5.5.2021 – Tiredness, congestion, chest pain, and breathing problems. Pain between my shoulders at times.
5.12.2021 – Pain and tightness in my chest, congestion, and pain between my shoulder blades. Going to see specialist for my lungs on May 25th at hopkins in Columbia, md.
4.25.2021 – Skin is sore like a sunburn
5.8.2021 – Constant cough
5.15.2021 – Constant chronic cough
5.29.2021 – Continuing cough
6.5.2021 – Coughing coughing coughing
7.24.2021 – Still have very bad cough. Very bad. Hard to breathe. Lungs feel full.
12.4.2021 – Tremors have increased
1.29.2022 – Massive rashing and itching after 3rd vaccine.
4.30.2022 – Multiple cases of bronchial issues. A slight. Old now is a serious bronchial case with weeks and weeks of coughing. Continuous coughing otherwise even when not I'll.
10.31.2022 – Shortness of breath. Continued cough.
3.4.2021 – Saw Dr (b)(6) yesterday.
3.18.2021 – Back pain, malaise, fatigue. Physical therapy
3.26.2021 – Sneezing, could be allergies but not sure.
4.8.2021 – Headaches, joint pain, chest pain and cold extremities.
4.15.2021 – Lower back pain, leg pain, foot pain, imbalance-using walking aid so I don't fall. PCP, Dr (b)(6), Otolaryngologist no diagnosis!
6.3.2021 – Chest pain, bacterial infection, low immunity Office appt
9.2.2021 – Gut and chest/breast aches
3.4.2022 – February 17th I had biopsy/surgery on my left lung, due to cancer. I'm in healing process now. Also have developed liquid cysts on my fingers which are damaging my fingernails. Covid tests were done on several occasions but didn't show any Covid.
3.6.2021 – Itching on arms and back
3.10.2021 – Pain in shoulder up to base of neck at injection arm and
3.11.2021 – Pain in entire arm of injection. Feels like its a nerve
3.12.2021 – Pain in arm of injection
4.3.2021 – Right shoulder from 1st hurts
4.4.2021 – First dose in right shoulder hurts. Second dose left shoulder sore at injection
4.17.2021 – Right shoulder from first vaccine is still having pain. Made another appointment with my doctor.
5.15.2021 – I am still having pain in shoulder from 1st shot In person visit with doctor
4.5.2022 – Constant back pain Office visit
3.1.2021 – On the evening of 1/22 I experienced a near fainting spell followed by black stools the following day. Have a history of gastric ulcers and therefore have a scheduled endoscopy for March 5th.
10.26.2021 – No symptoms today but on 10/23/2021 I had soreness on the arm and a slight headache an weakness
5.11.2022 – Slight sore throat 2 days ago. Now a constant productive cough. Antigen test today was positive. PCR test done today, results pending.
1.9.2021 – Pain is similar to flu shot, fewer symptoms than with shingles vaccine. Took a 2 hour nap this afternoon. That is unusual but I feel okay.
1.10.2021 – All relieved with ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours
1.11.2021 – Abdominal pain may be from ibuprofen every 6 hours
1.29.2021 – Last week had increased lower back pain. This week I had severe pain in posterior tibial tendon that almost prevented me from work and barely able to walk to doctor appointment. A brace is helping and today began methyl-prednisone dose pack.
2.10.2021 – Arm pain and headache may be related to tetanus vaccination 2-8-2021 as well
2.5.2022 – January 1 onset severe cold. Antigen test day 2 for Covid negative. Also negative flu. Lasted 8 days. Only fever 200.2 on day 2. Third week January brown cloudy urine that continues. Began Cipro February 2, awaiting lab results urine test. Urgent care for cold, pulmonologist later said likely Covid, PCP for urine
3.14.2021 – Just a earache for three days. I dont think it has to do with the vaccination .
4.18.2021 – Shoulder pain and trouble lifting arm.
5.2.2021 – Shoulder and upper arm pain I had an appointment already scheduled so I talked with the doctor about the pain.
6.20.2021 – Flushing and headaches
9.19.2021 – Thyroid biopsy .leg and feet swelling . I also had a reaction to a botox injection for my throat .
3.21.2022 – Light pain in the right side stomach area and left shoulder pain.
5.23.2022 – Lightheaded
5.30.2022 – Diarrhea for 2 days
6.6.2022 – Hernia
8.1.2022 – Vomiting
11.28.2022 – Sore throat
12.5.2022 – Pain in left knee
3.16.2021 – Tired at 6 1/2 hours after vaccine. Fever 99.6 at 8 1/2 hours after 1st vaccine for 2 hours. 36 hours after 1st vaccine, dizzy, not able to walk without dizziness and banging into walls. Diarrhea 3rd day.
3.18.2021 – Mild dizziness
4.9.2021 – Lack of appetite
4.10.2021 – Itching thumb and forefinger
4.11.2021 – Itchy hands, feet, eyes; took 1 Xyzal 9:30 a.m., 90 minutes after thyroid replacement meds, 2 hours later slept 2 hours. Awoke dizzy, tiredness continued, low appetite, 2:22 p.m. took one 12.5 Meclizine, ate dry toast and homemade chicken soup. Belching, fatigue continued. Called my daughter who is a doctor.
4.12.2021 – Dizziness, itchiness
10.8.2021 – July 19, 2021 gums aching by teeth 31/32 for 5 weeks. IC flare. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Aug 28, 2021-Sept 11, 2021 Xifaxan 550 mg; severe gastritis, stomach lining has sore spots, Prilosec OTC, Pantoprazole Sod DR 20 MG, DexilantDR 30 MG Dentist, Primary Care, Gastroenterologist, labwork
3.6.2021 – 2 days after the shot my whole arm was swollen
9.25.2021 – When I got tetanus shot and a steroid shot in ankle my face turned beet red 24 hours after each injection. This has never happened before. It almost felt sunburned
11.24.2021 – Congested and cough
11.25.2021 – Congested
5.24.2022 – Just cold like symptoms. Could've been allergies but it was a negative Covid test at home
6.16.2022 – The day of the shot on June 14, 2022 about 12 hours after the shot I had fevers and chills
2.28.2021 – Moderately severe arthritis flare-up in left thumb joint. (Vaccine in left arm.) This was the worst flare-up of my arthritis Ive ever had. Took meds for pain; wore a brace to protect it; and curtailed use of the hand/thumb for about 3 days.
9.30.2021 – Slightly elevated temperature 24 hours after injection with fatigue and slight headache. Lasted about 12 hours.
5.16.2022 – Pain and soreness in left hip and thigh.
8.1.2022 – Tested positive for COVID yesterday with self-administered home test. Mild symptoms: runny nose, slight cough (post nasal drip), general malaise, a little nausea, decreased appetite.
4.30.2021 – Congestion
5.1.2021 – Shaky
5.3.2021 – My blood pressure continues to be an issue
5.4.2021 – Blood pressure has finally started to go down and level off
5.5.2021 – RA is hurting because I cant have med for a week after
5.6.2021 – Still hurting frim no RA medicine makes it hard to think of taking second one
5.13.2021 – Hotrible joint pain all over
5.20.2021 – I am in extreme pain that has gone been going on for three weeks now without reprieve and nobody seems to be able to stop it Ive had higher dose is a mess a text right Ive had a high dose of sin steroid nothing is stopping this nothing Im in
5.27.2021 – Ian in horrible pain that does not have an end what the hell have you done to me
6.3.2021 – I am in horrible pain and the doctors are not able to get me out this is the worst rheumatoid flare up Ive ever had and it doesnt seem to be ending
6.10.2021 – This flare up is worsening all the time. The pain is unbelievable.
7.29.2021 – Possible cancer in bladder multiple bladder issues
4.29.2022 – I have no been able to get depomedrol for my RA I've been very sick
1.15.2021 – I had fevers within 8 hours of receiving the vaccine. After the fever subsided I had the most painful bone & muscle aches I have every had. I could hardly walk to the bathroom. I also was extremely tired. I had to miss a day of work Then about 30 hours after getting the vaccine I felt wonderful. No pain, no fever, no tiredness. It was amazing.
1.26.2021 – Feels like a cold. My head is stuffy & I sneeze a lot. Ive been taking NyQuil before bed & its helping.
2.2.2021 – Headache, stuffy head, pressure in my ears. Very tired & sore muscles. I missed work yesterday.
2.9.2021 – Congestion & sneezing
2.17.2021 – Cold symptoms. Sneezing, congestion, runny nose.
2.25.2021 – Severe congestion just in my head. Slight cough. My voice fades in & out during the day.
1.30.2021 – Slight ringing or buzzing in my ears. Seems to have started about 3-4 hours after the shot. I had slight headache yesterday.
2.1.2021 – Headache seems to be gone effective this morning. I think it lasted around 2-1/2 days. Nothing terrible, just a dull throb behind my eyes.
2.3.2021 – I still seem to have a little buzzing in my ears but it is getting less and less every day.
2.23.2021 – Ringing in ears is still there. Not sure its related to shot or not. Just slightly annoying.
3.23.2021 – Ever since I got the first Pfizer shot I believe I have been experiencing tinnitus as side effect. Its moderately annoying. It hasnt gotten worse but it hasnt gotten better either. Not 100% sure this is from shot but it seems somewhat likely
4.1.2021 – Cramping in my right foot starts in calf and cramps down to big toe. Woke me up twice last night. This has started happening over the last few days. Still having some tinnitus in both ears. I have no idea if these issues are vaccine related.
5.25.2021 – Not new symptom but noticeable tinnitus still persists. It seemed to start about 3 days after first shot. It kind of comes and goes. Generally it seems to be getting better but is still annoying at times. Regular checkup. She checked ears. All looked normal.
8.24.2021 – Severe anemia requiring iron supplements and close monitoring by hematologist. Some tinnitus persists. Regular doctor office
10.7.2021 – Ringing in the ears has been pretty consistent since first shot. Some days it is louder than others.
4.17.2021 – A bit dizzy; take these symptoms w/ a grain of salt, I have panic disorder
4.18.2021 – Slightly sore/pain to the touch
4.19.2021 – Take w/grain of salt, I have panic disorder
4.22.2021 – Take w/grain of salt, panic disorder, also bad mood and not much sleep
5.13.2021 – I think it's allergies - exhaustion, sneezing, a bit of a cough, head/neck aches, upset stomach, etc.; granted I also have severe panic disorder so some symptoms might be the fault of that
5.16.2021 – Rapid heart rate; I also have sleep apnea and panic disorder though
5.19.2021 – I have panic disorder and sleep apnea
12.28.2021 – Fatigue
10.19.2022 – Sick with some kind of virus; loss of taste/smell, coughing, headache, sore/itching/burning nose, hoarse voice, sore throat, etc.
1.17.2021 – Light headedness
1.18.2021 – Chronic Congestive heart failure
1.19.2021 – Congestive heart failure reported before
1.21.2021 – Congestive heart failure
1.22.2021 – Chronic systolic congestive heart failure
2.5.2021 – Numbness mostly in right knee and cold lower legs and feet at night, probably caused by compressed lumbar disc. Causes difficulty and discomfort in lower back when walking. Pain in upper back when sitting at computer for extended periods.
3.20.2021 – Unsteady walking and dizziness in mornings, improving as day goes on. May be effect of the heart medications I am taking.
2.6.2022 – Muscle weakness and insteadiness when walking; lower back pain from spinal stenosis: diagnosed congestive heart failure. Had foraminotomy done Aug 19
5.4.2022 – Back pain and mobility difficulties.
4.10.2021 – My arm feels hot
4.11.2021 – Tingling in my hand and arm
11.8.2021 – Fatigue
12.7.2021 – Stuffy head, ear pressure
12.8.2021 – Swollen glands and pain in the gland area on my left side, the side I got my shot
12.9.2021 – Swollen glands with pain
12.10.2021 – Still swollen glands in left side. My neck feels huge but it's not. And I don't miss work because I can't. I'd stay home otherwise
12.12.2021 – Swollen glands on left side
12.20.2021 – It's not new or worsening but my glands are still swollen. They've gone down but not completely
3.8.2021 – I should have reported on the Saturday my arm hurt all the time and it hurt to touch the area around the injection. On Sunday that was still true. Today the area around the injection site is mildly tender to the touch but my arm no longer hurts all the time.
3.19.2021 – On 3/13 I had a bumpy, itchy rash on my upper arm below the injection site and on my chest below my breasts. It lasted about 4 days.
5.19.2022 – Severe neck pain. Left sub occipitals to upper traps and paraspinals spasm painfully. With pain killers taken internally, and topical application of lidocaine I can function. Seeing my primary doc tomorrow to figure out what's goin on.
5.26.2022 – Intense neck pain in the sub occipital area behind my left ear. Saw my PCP's nurse practitioner. She ordered x-rays and prescribed a muscle relaxant.
2.1.2021 – Muscle spasm but it could be due to activities other than receiving the vaccine.
2.2.2021 – Shingles symptoms
2.3.2021 – I have been diagnosed with shingles and am now on antiviral and a nerve pain killer.
2.4.2021 – I have shingles and the rash is spreading.
2.11.2021 – Continued shingles and a 30 hour bout of nerve pai on my scalp, unrelated to shingles.
2.28.2021 – Still have shingles but the pain is subsiding.
3.1.2021 – Im fine except for continued shingles pain.
3.2.2021 – Continued shingles pain.
3.3.2021 – Continued shingles pain
3.5.2021 – Shingles pain but it is finally beginning to subside.
3.6.2021 – Shingles related pain
4.3.2021 – I have suddenly developed two red sores on the tip of my nose. Oozing, irregular shaped red spots. I am continuing to take nerve pain reduction medication into the 9th week of shingles.
3.1.2022 – Torn rotator cuff requiring surgery which has nothing to do with Covid shots. However, I wonder about getting shingles within 2 days of the first shot. I continue to have shingles symptoms. Dr's visits and surgery were all conducted at the orthopedic group's offices.
1.24.2021 – Nasty headache last night. Woke me up around 3am. Tylenol relieved symptoms.
2.12.2021 – Increased fatigue
10.31.2021 – Normal temp is 97.4; I felt crummy, checked temp, but it wasn't remarkable.
4.30.2022 – I received second booster Moderna last week. Spiked a fever of 100.2. Lethargic for approximately 48 hours. Then, return to normal activities of daily living.
12.17.2022 – I was hit by a car while walking. This is completely unrelated to any vaccine effect?..I'm just glad to be protected as best can be. I'm spending a lot of time lately in medical facilities during recovery.
8.20.2021 – I received my third shot because my spleen was removed.
8.23.2021 – Palpitations and arrhythmia
8.24.2021 – Heart Rhythm issue seems to be better
8.26.2021 – Heart flutter and arrhythmias
8.27.2021 – Irregular heartbeat getting better.
9.17.2021 – Stomach issues in addition to swelling in my knees and hands.
2.18.2022 – Reactive arthritis pain
4.26.2022 – Just general fatigue and unexplained leucocytosis. Consultation with hematologist. Specialist
10.7.2022 – Have a low grade fever and headache today with a stiff neck
3.25.2021 – Tightness in muscle at injection site. No redness.
4.11.2021 – Loose stools
4.13.2021 – Loose stools
4.14.2021 – Still gut issues, but tolerable.
5.7.2021 – Extreme tiredness, racing heartbeat, and more intense chills.
5.21.2021 – Extreme tiredness. Chills continue. Argh. Still beats dying if Covid though.
7.9.2021 – I have no stamina. Getting winded and having chest pains.
10.8.2021 – Elevated heart rate with sweating and nausea even with slight exertion. Elevated numbers on glucose and LDL cholesterol. Decreased numbers on thyroid, meds increased on Synthroid. Unsure if connected to 2nd vaccine, but have not felt well since. Went to annual physical.
4.10.2022 – Had a fever and sore throught. Extreme tiredness.
6.18.2021 – Afib on 6/15. I went to ER and was admitted after testing. 6/16 saw cardiologist diagnosed on going condition and stated Afib was cause of stroke I suffered in December 2020. Daily medications were adjusted and discharged 6/16, 3:15.
9.19.2021 – Afib diagnosis on June 15. I have had condition for awhile. Cardiologist examed hospital records from my stroke diagnosed in December 2020 and said it was caused by Afib. On July 2021 visit with Cardiologist I was no longer in Afib.
5.20.2021 – Mild nerve issue on the left side of my face (sensation like after having novocane for dental work) and mild ringing in both ears after first dose of vaccine in January. Has not improved but has not gotten worse. MRI - to rule out any other causes; no issues found
8.15.2021 – Continued ear ringing since 1st dose of vaccine; left side face tingling improved (occasional flair up but lost mostly resolved)
10.12.2022 – low blood pressure
10.15.2022 – Cough- mild
10.17.2022 – Cough
11.16.2022 – Left side discomfort; fatigue
6.8.2021 – Lymph nodes swollen and irritated
12.4.2021 – No appetite this morning. Didn't feel like drinking my morning coffee
12.5.2021 – Took my daily vitamins and it made me vomit
1.14.2022 – Nauseous, severe headache and ears stopped up
10.6.2022 – Soreness in the area that I received my 5th shot. If I lay on my left side at times my upper arm becomes painful.
12.15.2022 – My left arm where I take my vaccine has started hurting in the area of the shot. Sometimes at night it sends sharp pains down my arm to my hand. Last Booster shot given at Walmart. Started 1 month after my shot. Around November.
