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Original poster

Pfizer side effects?

102 replies

Tinkling · 10/05/2021 08:45

I’ve booked my vaccine and I’ve been allocated Pfizer as I’m under 40.

My vaccine is booked before a really busy weekend which I don’t want to be ill for.

I’m sure I read less people get side effects from Pfizer but that was months ago so apologies of this is a duplicate (or many-plicate) - can anyone advise? I’ve read the patient information leaflet.

Thanks

OP posts:
Wallywobbles · 13/05/2021 22:17

No side effects. Slept really well. Injection was totally painless - but I'm guessing they have had a lot of practice.

Reastie · 14/05/2021 06:18

Off topic, but op how do you know you’re getting pfeizer? My vaccine is this week end and there was nothing about which one (I’m under 40)

Sunnyfreezesushi · 14/05/2021 06:28

I had both doses of Pfizer on a Saturday morning and both times spent the weekend in bed. The first time I had a very high temperature. The second time my blood pressure went sky high straight after the vaccine at the centre and I almost fainted. I was very weak afterwards with a temperature all weekend/some breathlessness/numb legs etc. Early 40s, in good healthy, probably had Covid last year. The doctor at the centre told me she had seen similar especially in health care staff - younger, previous Covid history. By Monday/Tuesday absolutely fine both times. Most people in my family who have had Pfizer just had a temperature after the second dose.

vroc81 · 14/05/2021 06:29

@Reastie I’m under 40 vaccine place cancelled my first appointment (that was yesterday) because they had no Pfizer in until today...under 40 friends are also getting it without question.. I think it’s now as standard?

QueenVikki · 14/05/2021 06:37

Had Pfizer two days ago, ‘touch wood’ have had no side effects. The local hub that I went to seemed to be giving everyone Pfizer as standard, I am early 40s.

Reastie · 14/05/2021 06:53

Thanks vroc. I’m under 40 but had the same vaccine centre options as dh, who is over 40. I had assumed not all vaccine centres would have other options. Mine is just at a regular chemist and they don’t answer their phone when I try to call to check it’s an alternative to az

Qwaffee · 14/05/2021 07:10

I’m 49 and my first Pfizer jab gave me fatigue for a day or so and a very sore arm for a week. I had my second yesterday morning and have spent the night tossing and turning with deep body aches and chills. I have the worst headache too. Up now trying to keep some pills down as I feel very sick. Not much fun but very glad I am protected.

Scottishskifun · 14/05/2021 08:12

First dose of Pfizer and just a achey arm which I'm surprised about as I had covid in March this year.

Just drink loads of water after and take paracetamol after a few hours

TyrantosaurusRex · 14/05/2021 08:31

2 doses of Pfizer and sore arm around injection site (tennis ball size area) both times, nothing else.

usernotfound0000 · 14/05/2021 10:08

Had Pfizer yesterday afternoon. Arm was sore within about an hour of jab yesterday, uncomfortable overnight trying to not sleep on arm, feels like I've a dead arm this morning but otherwise feel completely fine.

SilverGlassHare · 14/05/2021 10:11

DH and I just had sore arms for about 36 hours, and a bit of fatigue on the day.

Sisisimone · 14/05/2021 10:46

I've read that if you do get a sore arm after the vaccine it's recommended that you use the opposite arm for your 2nd. Worth remembering for those who have only had one jab

bunburyscucumbersandwich · 14/05/2021 10:50

I was ill for a fortnight after the first Pfizer dose! Worst headache ever, caused by swollen lymph nodes. I was in bed for three days and felt rough for 10 days afterwards! Had my second jab yesterday. Feeling achy and tired!

SilverGlassHare · 14/05/2021 11:18

@Sisisimone

I've read that if you do get a sore arm after the vaccine it's recommended that you use the opposite arm for your 2nd. Worth remembering for those who have only had one jab
Oh really? I wonder why. I had it my left arm as I’m right-handed, it’ll be rubbish to have my right arm be so sore.
tigerbread20 · 14/05/2021 12:10

I had mine yesterday, but of a sore arm but could still sleep on it. Feel a bit sick today but I'm 6 months pregnant so could be that. Otherwise completely fine

RedRosie · 14/05/2021 12:25

I've had both doses, the second one three days ago.

I was fine after the first. After the second I've been hot and cold, tired, sore arm/armpit on the vaccination side ... But able to get through the day/work etc. Nothing too bad and better today than yesterday.

PrescriptionOnlyMedicine · 14/05/2021 12:35

I think after effects are a bit of a lottery.

I’ve had two Pfizer doses and both times had a sore arm (really sore), headaches and extreme tiredness but not bed ridden.

MIL was really unwell after dose 1, but barely noticed dose 2.

Puntastic · 14/05/2021 12:42

Take paracetamol before appointment and keep topping up for 24hrs. Like baby jabs and calpol.

You only do it with the baby jabs because a high temperature can be dangerous for very young babies. There's some suggestion that taking paracetamol after vacs may dampen the immune response so I wouldn't do it as an adult just in case you don't feel great after.

FWIW, OP, I had a slight sore arm for about a day after my first dose.

2boysand1princess · 14/05/2021 12:54

Had both doses. First time had a slightly sore arm for about a day. Had second dose 4 days ago and no symptoms so far

Bambooshoot · 14/05/2021 12:59

The first one made me very sleepy the following day (I had the jab 6pm and tiredness hit around 2pm the next afternoon - had to have a nap which was unfortunate as I missed work calls completely unintentionally!). Sore arm for a day then gone.

I was expecting more effects from the second but actually only had a very slight headache, not even enough to take paracetamol. Again, sore arm but gone the next day. Where I live it is available to everyone over 18, I am just so grateful that I was able to get it, I would have been quite happy to put up with much worse side effects!

Just to note, from what I have read (not a medic!) it is best not to take any painkillers or medication beforehand, but fine after. Saying that, apparently people in Russia have been advised not to drink alcohol for three weeks before getting the jab to avoid reducing the efficacy - not sure that would be accepted in the UK!!

Puntastic · 14/05/2021 13:30

Just to note, from what I have read (not a medic!) it is best not to take any painkillers or medication beforehand, but fine after.

Fine to take if you actually need them. I wouldn't advise taking them as a matter of course just in case you get side effects.

littlepeas · 14/05/2021 13:31

I had my first dose at 10 this morning abs face just started to feel a bit strange. Woolly, slightly achy head, bit shivery, could have a nap....it’s kicked in earlier than I was expecting! I went for a walk with my sister straight after and felt fine. Boooooo.

littlepeas · 14/05/2021 13:31

And have not abs face Grin.

littlepeas · 14/05/2021 13:33

@Puntastic

Just to note, from what I have read (not a medic!) it is best not to take any painkillers or medication beforehand, but fine after.

Fine to take if you actually need them. I wouldn't advise taking them as a matter of course just in case you get side effects.

My dh has just told me off for not taking paracetamol straight after! Apparently he was told to, regardless of how he felt. I had Pfizer abs he had AZ.

I think I’ve been told off as he now probably has to pick the dc up from school Grin.

Bambooshoot · 14/05/2021 13:34

@Puntastic

Just to note, from what I have read (not a medic!) it is best not to take any painkillers or medication beforehand, but fine after.

Fine to take if you actually need them. I wouldn't advise taking them as a matter of course just in case you get side effects.

I think the issue is that there is a potential that they could lower the immune response, but this has not been tested yet.