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Original poster

Longer term Pfizer vaccine side effects?

67 replies

boymum9 · 08/03/2021 12:05

I was very lucky to have the vaccine 2 ish weeks ago (30s no health conditions), all was generally fine, but I was wondering if anyone else has had any lingering side effects or what I'm feeling is just generally under the weather/eaten something etc.

I still have pain at the injection site which feels like a pinch and hurts when I raise my arm, put on or take off tops etc

I've had an upset stomach for about a week I can't shake!

My joints in particularly in my legs hurt!

Pretty bad brain fog.

I didn't feel ill at all from the vaccine at the time just a sore arm.

OP posts:
Ariela · 08/03/2021 12:31

Husband and I had ours a week ago on Saturday, different people in same clinic did them. His he has a bruise just disappearing at site if injection and the site of injection still hurts same as yours. Mine was fine, didn't even feel it go in. No other side effects for both of us - so imagine his was just a not so good attempt to get the needle in as mine.
I'd be inclined to think that the upset stomach isn't related, given a whole week's gap. Try starving for a 2-3 day period just drink plenty, then restart food including live yoghurt, always improves things after upset stomach for me.

LemonSwan · 08/03/2021 12:42

Same age - I had longer side effects that started at week 2 - weird rashes and itching etc. / headaches. I have since learned I have mild cutaneous mastocytosis so I think it was an immune response rather than an allergic reaction.

I went to get my second jab and spoke to them and I got approved for my second - so far so good with that one.

I also had really bad pain in the injection site - arm pain not shoulder - was still there when I got it done again (3 months later). I have a skinny arm and quite a high muscle and the first lady went to low. When I had my second I mentioned it and asked her to try to take time to look at the makeup of my arm and she went much higher and it hurt but I think she got it right this time - as the first one made me jump off my seat.

I think its that the younger you are the more your immune system reacts so thats likely the stomach/ brain fog; and I think its likely you were injected in the wrong place. Search shoulder pain injection and theres plenty about if you go too high you can cause this. If you can still see the injection site and you think its too high I would speak to your GP and the best way to move forward.

Original poster
boymum9 · 08/03/2021 12:55

Thank you for replies.
@LemonSwan yes I forgot to say also weird rashes, one of my eyes swelled up and I had eczema flair ups on my eyes which, one in particular is bad. I tend to get v mild flair ups in the winter but this is a lot worse. Also on the day I got eczema back on my arms which I haven't had in years.

The injection site is quite high and am also quite muscular so perhaps was a little high? I just feel like I've been firing on about 60% of how I usually feel since!

OP posts:
notrub · 08/03/2021 13:19

The injection itself can cause bruising - I've had that a few times with blood tests - can give me pain for a couple of weeks.

The rest is your immune system thinking it's fighting a virus - sounds like your body is displaying a few symptoms of stress. I'd try and deal with the upset stomach as that itself can cause brain fog and fatigue - presumably it's too acidy? If you feel bloated, or a feeling of indigestion, or nauseous, with symptoms worse in the morning, then take some Gaviscon for a few days. It should all settle down quickly.

NB Starving yourself is a bad idea!

lightand · 08/03/2021 15:10

Use the NHS yellow card system to report your effects.

lightand · 08/03/2021 15:11

Personally would also consult the GP rather than guessing or asking MNetters exclusively.

ChateauMargaux · 08/03/2021 15:15

Yup.. report these as possible side effects. Immune responses like these are important to note and have on your medical record. They build a picture of events that may or may not be connected.

Bunnyteam · 08/03/2021 16:52

I had weakness and rain fog for ten days. Also achy legs.

Bunnyteam · 08/03/2021 16:52

Forgot to mention it was also my first Pfizer vaccination.

SparklingLime · 08/03/2021 16:58

Report any side effects here: coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

Mumof3andlovingit · 08/03/2021 17:10

I had Pfizer over a week ago and I’m also getting random rashes and swollen eye lid here and there. DH had it week before me and he’s been fine.

Cookerhood · 08/03/2021 17:15

As long as the injection goes into the muscle at the top of your arm (the deltoid muscle) it's in the right place.

SingToTheSky · 08/03/2021 17:21

Thank you for posting this. I had it 9 days ago and have only just left the house today. 20min amble in the park and I’m now feeling sick and wobbly again.

I do have fibromyalgia among other things though so not a normal body IYSWIM! Is it still worth reporting the side effects with that in mind?

I feel like I did after I had a horrible virus last March - had the post viral weakness for weeks. Not as bad this time but very similar compared to my usual flare up symptoms. I did think that was covid last year so it would make sense (as I have read it’s worse if you actually did have it?) but obviously no routine tests then, so I don’t know for sure.

LemonSwan · 08/03/2021 17:26

swollen eye lid

Wow I have found my people. I too had that. I would describe it as a kind of ugly crying face waterlogged eye.

My face swelling didnt start until day 2-3 and lasted a few weeks with the eyes continuing a bit longer.

LemonSwan · 08/03/2021 17:26

I have to say I am on day 2 from my second jab and am not having any rashes or swelling so far. So hopefully that will put you at ease. Will update as I go on.

Tryingtryingandtrying · 08/03/2021 17:34

You have to log the side effects or we really won't know for the future. Don't forget the Pfizer is based on a whole new vaccine technology, not just a new vaccine.

Pimlicojo · 08/03/2021 17:35

I had my first jab 2 weeks ago. No side effects other than a slightly sore arm for about 24 hours.

WeeFae · 08/03/2021 17:36

I got a really sore arm, painful injection site, hard,hot lump and a headache about 10 days after my Pfizer jab.

SingToTheSky · 08/03/2021 17:37

I think I am just worried I’m wrong and it’s not vaccine related. But if it’s better to report than not, I will.

Pyewackect · 08/03/2021 17:38

I felt like shit for 24 hours. No other problems.

ILookAtTheFloor · 08/03/2021 17:38

I had a sore arm and slightly raised glands under my arm but that was it! Wondering whether it's done bugger all to be honest!

LizzieSiddal · 08/03/2021 17:42

I have already used the Yellow card system to record my side effects-

Complete exhaustion from days 2-7 after the vaccine. I couldn't do anything other than lie on the sofa- felt utterly pathetic! I also have dizziness and lost my appetite.

I've also had really bad brain fog but thought that was the menopause Grin.

I'm 55, no other health issues at all.

LizzieSiddal · 08/03/2021 17:43

I'd still rather have the vaccine though rather than actual covid.

SingToTheSky · 08/03/2021 17:47

When you go for your second dose, does it matter if it’s the other brand?

SingToTheSky · 08/03/2021 17:48

@LizzieSiddal

I'd still rather have the vaccine though rather than actual covid.
Totally!