How do the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines compare in terms of efficacy, safety and side effects? How, when and where do I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

I have idiopathic neuropathy and have had the Pfizer
vaccine. I did not or have not had any flare up of symptoms. I still have burning in my feet.

Thank you! And sorry you have to suffer this awful problem as well

I have polyneuropathy and have experienced no side effects from the vaccine.

My neuropathy is also idiopathic in a strange distribution, although it may have been induced by vitamin B6 toxicity. Had two shots of Pfizer and one of Moderna. No changes that I've noticed

Yes Linda my mother in law did and she also had other significant side effects as well. Please report this to VAERS so the CDC can get an accurate account of these side effects.

doesn't mean it was caused by the vaccine. vaccine reactions usually happen within hours or a few days. (i ran a vaccine clinic for 3 years). shingles is caused by a reawakened varicella virus (chickenpox) unlikely that any vaccine would do that two weeks later. you might also talk to your medical provider about a shingle vaccine?

I also have an immune deficiency. Received second Pfizer vaccine end of March. In June I requested a spike protein antibody test from GP. There is a lot of confusion, even amongst doctors, about these tests. A regular antibody test will not demonstrate whether or not the vaccine has worked; it only tells you whether or not you have had a previous Covid infection and those antibody levels. If you want to see antibodies to the vaccine, you need to get the spike protein antibody test, but at this time there is no guidance as to what is a good number. You will get a number up to 2500, or it will say above 2500. Mine was 495. So I know there was some response but not how well I am protected. BTW, if I were to do it again, I would get the Moderna vaccine, because it is more effective against the Delta variant.

If you have the delta variant, you will test positive with a regular Covid test. Prevalence of delta variant is determined by genetic sequencing of random samples, then extrapolating to the larger population. There are not separate tests for different variants.

Thank you so much !!
In a world where so many have lost respect for truth, I trust the information that Consumer Labs provides.

I agree!

Ivermectin has been in use for years in animals with great success! I also know many people who took it and recovered nicely at home from covid! I am very disappointed in how biased you are in covering covid!

Amen.

Just because someone gets better from Covid while taking hydrochloroquine and ivermectin does not mean that those medicines were the cause of the cure. Most people are lucky enough to get better from Covid with no additional treatment. However, both hydrochloroquine and ivermectin have been studied way less than the current vaccines. We know that the current vaccines work after millions and millions have taken them. There are no trials for the two medicines that you took. In fact both of them have significant risks. More risks than the vaccine. So you could say that you were taking unauthorized drugs that have no proof of a cure instead of taking the vaccines which have rare side effects but have been used in millions of patients dramatically reducing hospitalizations and deaths in those who are vaccinated. The only people dying now are the unvaccinated 99.2% and some of these were probably taking hydroxychloroquine and/or ivermectin. I have been a physician for 50 years.

Could Consumer Labs evaluate the evidence provided by Dr. Paul Marik of the Frontline Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance? Dr. Marik treats COVID-19 patients in a critical care setting, and based on the research literature, and on his clinical experience, he provides a very positive assessment of the effectiveness of ivermectin for both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Is it true that the current Covid vaccines did not have a placebo arm in clinical trials?

This is a great forum for information. Very helpful!

On the topic of ivermectin, I too have seen a few anecdotal success firsthand with early treatment, but it's unfortunate we are not seeing higher quality studies with more empirical evidence. My question is, given the drug is off-patent with no commercial opportunity to monetize, is there any hope for funding a higher quality study and can we help as individuals? I know it's not an exciting lucrative opportunity, but savings lives seems important.

Using nutrition research as an analog, there are many robust studies that are undertaken that do not have pharmaceutical profit as a basis for funding. Further, the existing poor quality ivermectin studies could have been bolstered without significant extra expense, including preregistration of trials, randomization, inclusion of a placebo arm, and submitting the study for peer review. I can't help but wonder why those researchers have been cutting corners.

I've now had my Johnson & Johnson vaccine, my third vaccine after two Pfizer vaccines. I can report headache, fever and rapid heart beat at night after my shot. A couple of Ibuprofen and a half a day later, and I'm feeling fine.

I had the same reaction from a J &J vaccination.

I had that reaction from flu shots twice! The armpit swollen glands are a relatively comment vaccine side-effect, not just COVID vaccine.

My son also had swollen lymph node under his arm (vaccinated arm), He is 35. Pfizer.

If you are getting an antibody test to see if you have COVID antibodies, you should read this advisory from the FDA:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-brief-fda-advises-against-use-sars-cov-2-antibody-test-results-evaluate-immunity-or-protection

Rather than rely on CDC advice meant for the masses, I'd rely on your personal physician for advice.

I wish I had your faith or your physician

I'm a long time sufferer of IC and experience much pain when my bladder is full. I'm fully vaccinated, had my second dose the end of March, and see no difference in my IC symptoms.

I've had IC a long time and IBS-C. Take amitriptyline for both. I’ve noticed no difference in my IC symptoms. I took the J&J vaccine first week in March. However, I was diagnosed with Meneires Disease in May and my tinnitus seems to be worse. How can one know if it's related?

I got Tinnitus after the first dose of the Pfizer which resovled after 3 weeks.
After the 2nd dose the Tinnitus was worse along with a heightened senetivity to sound which created a feeling of irritation in my brain. Also had a light headed feeling throughout the day. Resolved after 5 weeks

Please report this through VAERS. It is easy to do and you can find it online. Have your vaccination card on hand as it will ask for information from it.

I have tinnitus. This situation has worsened significantly after the Pfizer vaccinations. I do not regret being vaccinated. The hyperacusis has increased significantly too. I have a doctor of audiology who treats this situation with sound therapy. I selected chiming as a diversionary tactic and ocean waves when studying/writing. I have not contacted my professional about the situation post vaccination. Reading the above comments may change my mind.

Please report all tinnitus side effects as it may help the medical community research a possible solution for those of us who struggle with increased tinnitus after our shots. Thank you.

It is important that we report all side effects through VAERS as it helps the CDC understand better who may be at risk for side effects.

My tinnitus grew worse after J & J vaccinne early March. I was diagnosed in May with Meneires Disease.

I developed tinnitus for the first time about a month after the second Moderna vaccination,

Claire, I would love to know how your Ménière’s disease was diagnosed since I have been led to believe that there is no clinical test that will diagnose Ménière’s disease and that it is mainly an inferential diagnosis.

@Lida23165 I had testing audiology that revealed I've lost hearing in the ranges that indicate Meineres. My ENT then otdered a brain MRI to rule out any sirt of tumor. This combined with the violent onset of vertigo that induced vomiting for 2.5 hrs at onset of my first symptoms. I had two more attacks within the week. I was prescribed Betahistine which my pharmcay had to compound because its no longer approved by the FDA in USA. They prescribe it in Europe and you can get it in Canada. I've not had any atracks since taking the Betahistine. So, to answer your question, onset of symptoms, confirmed audiology testing, and clarified there was no other reasons for symptoms by brain MRI resulted in diagnosis.

Type 2. Noticed a +30 - +40 rise in my blood sugar consistently since May (I had my second Moderna shot in March). Note that I had neglected taking my blood sugar levels for about 4 months, so I don't know if this was a spike or a gradual increase, and I am not exercising as I did before (was doing 2-4 times a week in the pool).
Not sure of any causality with shot and my elevated blood sugars. I have also been itching on both arms. I did see comments on a British diabetes site about the vaccine and BS: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/covid-vaccine-and-extremely-high-blood-sugars.179998/

I experienced highs and lows beginning after the second Pfizer shot. I got the second shot on March 19 an d still experience the highs and lows, but not as severe since my dosage regimen has changed. I no lo longer take glimepiride, have reduced Lantus from 15 to 7 units, reduced my meal time dosage and take no more than 1 unit in the evening.

I already had some tinnitus, but it is much more noticeable after my 2nd shot (Pfizer). Encouraging that majority of those in tests who had this side effect found it to be temporary. Mine is probably unrelated but it is not a fun condition to have.

My tinnitis increased after vax in March with J&J. It has not decreased. Very annoying.

To Mark Wilson 22436, Please provide the real data that adverse reactions are so very "rare" as you stated, I would like to review them. And I say individual reactions are something to worry about since it is all about an individual, unless you are referring to the whole population and not to care about an individual person. Anyway, good luck everyone and don't forget your flu shot with all this attention given to 19.

I have had the same problem smelling heat/smoke/something hot. Started after 2nd shot. Glad to hear it is the shot not something in my house. I had Pfizer.

I too had a sense of smoke that went away after a few days. Immediately after the Pfizer shot I had a strange feeling that my blood wasn’t flowing properly. Since I regularly get IVIG infusions this was concerning and I reported it to VAERS.

I had mild covid in December and I smell what seems like smoke at times, even now. I never connected it to covid.

64 years old and 100 push-ups. Bravo!

WOW - 100 push ups a day...that's impressive at any age!

100 push-ups a day is great for an 18 year old at Fort Bragg. You have lots to "Bragg" about!!! Fantastic!

Thanks Alex, Ted and John! I've just read your kudos and want to thank you!

About a week after Phizer my wife's cheeks and face seemed an unusually "red-ish" color (like sunburn) and occasionally a bit ichy. That lasted for about two weeks or so. She said this is allergy season, but I don't recal seeing her face that color before. She is suseptible to dry skin and the like when weather conditions are harsh, but I'm suspecting the shot made the skin on her face more sensitive and irritated. She's back to normal now. Just thought I would mention this in case someone else experienced the same.

Yes, my brother is on Keytruda for mets to the lung from throat cancer and he took the J&J vaccine. 8 hours after the injection, he got a headache and fever. Took 2 Tylenol and went to bed. Next day he was fine, just a little sore arm. Hope this was helpful.

yes, excellent idea

I agree. Best info I've seen on Covid! My husband and I, both in our early 80s, had Moderna shots in Feb.
I had sore arm/flu-like symptoms next day only. First day after my husband's injection, he played golf. We've had no other noticeable symptoms. We continue to wear our masks in church/public settings due to rise in more contagious variants! Please keep us updated on new findings. I tell my friends about ConsumerLab, hoping they'll subscribe to be better informed. Keep up your great work!

I have been experiencing fatigue, coughing, nausea for 2 weeks after the 2nd Pfizer shot. I also had muscle and joint pain with very red & glassy eyes during the first week. No temperature over 99. I am 74 & female.

I had incredible headache, sneezing and nose running ONLY on the side of my body that received Moderna shot #1--lasted a couple of days. After shot #2 had fever, body aches and much fatigue for 2-3 days. I had Covid a year before I got the vaccine (beginning of March.) 78 years old, female

I am so grateful for this information. Thank you.

Woops, it was Moderna vacs. Forgot to mention that

We both take a multivitamin and fish oil every day. Because I am diabetic I also take magnesium.

Speaking of shingles, ConsumerLab, you quoted that "the risk increases with age and can be triggered, in part, by stressful life events" - well yes, stress in your system can also cause shingles. Getting the vaccine certainly stresses your system, so it makes perfect sense that shingles may, indeed, be a side effect. My husband (age 70) had the Pfizer vaccine and exactly two weeks later, got shingles. Luckily, it was a mild case because we noticed it very quickly and he was put on the appropriate meds immediately. He had his second shot last week. On the third day (and only on that one day), he felt really lousy all day. He's been fine since then.
I would like to report the shingles after-effect to the appropriate reporting place but I don't know where that is. ConsumerLab, can you inform us where to report side-effects? Thank you for all you do!

Please do report adverse effects to your doctor; this type of information is invaluable.

Please report to the CDC database.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/hcproviders/reportingadverseevents.html#anchor_1599741364105

I look forward to your follow-up. Thank you for sharing!

I had shingles within two weeks of second dose of Moderna. Without seeing doctor he said it wasn't the vaccine.

Yes, thinking like 'we' is key to getting past this pandemic.

My first Moderna dose only produced minor injection site soreness for ~ 3 days. Second dose produced minor chills and malaise at 12 hours, fever (100.5 - 99.9) at 18 hours that persisted for 12 hours and significant fatigue and minor multifocal joint and muscle pain for 36 hours. Additionally, I had pretty noteworthy injection site soreness for 72 hours through the entire deltoid (still modestly sore until ~ 6 days). At ~ 72 hours after the 2nd dose, I had persistent sneezing and some rhinitis. The later symptoms may, of course, be unrelated. So, a mild and typical reaction.

With all due respect I think you are ynfortunately scaring peole away from getting vaccinated based on your individual experience & worries, while on the other hand 50 million doses have been given to date with very few reports of adverse effects lasting more than a day or two. As for your comments about finding people who are giving these injections “who are not overworked”, good luck with that in this emergency, when many many millions must be vaccinated as quickly as possible.in order not only to prevent deaths and illness, but to prevent more variations from developing. In this pandemic “overworked” for these workers is the name of the game. It’s not a question of “greed” as you phrase it. Rather it’s a questio of need, desperate need to do what is needed as quickly as safely possible.

I agree with Stans comments. I have to add that the greed comment is a little over the top. I commend all the health care workers helping to distribute this vaccine.

Stan, no offense, but after my first covid vaccine injection I also suffered an injury from poor administration that bought me an overnight in our local hospital to rule out stroke. Pamela is right to remind folks to make sure whoever is administering your shot is checking for landmarks and using the right size needle for your body type. After researching SERVA I found out that this type of injury is not uncommon but it is totally preventable.

Thank you Stan for your sane, well-reasoned comments on the vaccines and the health care workers who are so valiantly working to keep us safe.

I am very sorry to hear of your vaccination incident at the pharmacy. As a RN for 25 years I've seen plenty of "less than desirable" injection techniques on the news...I cringe at some even. However, these are not necessarily damaging and usually just result in a very sore arm. I always tell people NOT to inject into the very center of the deltoid due to a nerve running thru there. Also problems can happen when someone injects too high toward the shoulder joint.
As I said, most people are just fine, but I do not fault you for sharing your experience! Full disclosure is always best.

Thanks to Pamela and Jeanne for making us aware of this issue.

Pamela, I had the same thing happen! A nurse who didn't regularly give shots gave me my flu shot too high up on my arm - that was 5 months ago and I still have pain. What you said is correct and confirmed by Jeanne, who replied to you, too. The guy who said you are "scaring people away" is totally wrong. It's important that when we go for vaccines we are educated and we know to tell them if we think they are in the wrong spot!

Agree! I’ve seen some atrocious injection technique on media as well. I was fortunate to have what seemed to be a fairly skilled pharmacist on both occasions. Injections were properly placed relatively low on the deltoid and administered with pretty good technique.

Pamela, I think you are right to inform others of this issue. I had a frozen shoulder for 3 years due to a flu shot administered wrong. I could not use my arm to carry or hold things and could not bend it back. It took forever for it to heal. It still has not healed totally and I suspect I will always feel tenderness there. That said, I always express my concern to anyone giving me a shot about what happened so that they make a point of doing it "right". I really wish people would not judge someone for reporting things like this........it is informative and people have the right to know.

@ Stan22096

Good Job expressing yourself. My oldest daughter RN supervisor for a medical network and she co-owns assistant living company. Her company signed a contract with a very large medical network to exclusively handle Covid-19 patients in hospitals. I asked my daughter to read what Pamela wrote and this thread and she agreed with you. My daughter caught COVID-19, she was hospitalized and suffered greatly and she’s been knee deep since the beginning. Even after recovering she returned with fury to defeat this virus.

It breaks her heart reading ‘conspiracists’ none sense when she’s seen many many people died from this virus and stacked piles of human carcasses. Note: after people begin receiving vaccinations thats only when my child and her staff began seeing improvements.

As an RN who regularly gives injections in an emergency room setting and in a vaccine clinic, I have seen improper intramuscular (IM) injection technique used by fellow RNs, as well as in photos and videos taken at vaccination sites. Unfortunately, there is surprisingly little research on IM injection technique and a lot of variation on what is considered "proper". I would also like to add that there are some people who have variations in their anatomy that might have contributed to the problem of long-term post-injection site pain -- even when correct technique & needle size are used. Sometimes a persons nerves or blood vessels have developed in atypical positions that fall within the areas deemed "safe" for injection.

My sister had a small red patch too, that started going away after a couple days. Minimal pain on any of the days. She had the Pfizer vaccine. I think this is pretty normal.
A friend had the Moderna and got a large red itchy patch below the injection site. I took a week or more to go away. She looked it up and found it was a normal occurrence.

Pharmacists have extensive vaccination training, and speaking as a pharmacist, I have given hundreds of vaccinations, including many Covid-19 shots. As a rule, we take great care for any patient. I have trouble trying to understand any pharmacist doing otherwise. As far as the comment "the other gal hit a muscle" ---by protocol, the Covid-19 vaccine is to be injected into the deltoid muscle. There are no tendons in that region. On rare occasion, a small blood vessel may be nicked or pierced, but there is no way to predict where such blood vessels are in any individual. Any bleeding is typically quite minor, and can be stopped with a small band-aid type bandage. In short, I do not know the particular pharmacist to which you refer, but in general, I know pharmacists and their professional ethical standards to be quite high.

In New York City, I was able to get a vaccine appointment at a Walgreens pharmacy soon after vaccine became available at pharmacies. I had to register for a Walgreens account in order to schedule an appointment. Got my first Moderna dose on 2/13/21.

Trudy, I hope that you do make an exception this time to have a shot. You will not only be possibly saving yourself, you also take heart in saving others. We are all as one. I am so sorry that your Dad died and hope your Mom is doing well after Covid diagnosis. Please go to CDC website and there is so much valuable information about Covid and many other diseases and how it affects people so differently. Do not use other websites for your information, other than here on Consumer Lab. Good health Blessings.

I also have been diagnosed with heart failure. I take Ranolaxine 1000 mg 2x’s a day. Other than some soreness at injection site, I did not have any after effects from my first Maderna shot.

David I too had the neuropathy and joint capsule tears after trying a statin. I don't think it is as rare as folks think.

Cheryl thanks for pointing out this issue.

it's not 'mysterious reasons' fevers are frightening, dangerous, and uncomfortable. fever suppressants should be taken if a fever is approaching 104F or if a fever is prolonged as brain damage can occur.

There is controversy in the medical community about the time between COVID vaccine doses. Some say we have only tested 3 weeks (Pfizer) and 4 weeks (Moderna) & only have data for that, so only those intervals should be used. (Strict Evidence Based Medicine adherents.) Others in immunology say our knowledge of immune response suggests waiting longer allows the immune cycle time to properly recognize the spike protein, and waiting longer will give a better, longer lasting response. They say the 2 companies producing RNA vaccine understandably wanted to produce data as fast as possible to prevent death and disability during the pandemic, and didn't wait to fine-tune dose spacing. I looked up vaccines for other diseases. NONE had as short a time between doses as the COVID vaccines do. It was advised if someone was vaccinated without adequate time between doses of other vaccines, (for example going on vacation or working in a foreign country), that they receive a 3rd booster at a later date because otherwise immunity would wane.
So I tried to delay the 2nd Pfizer shot, figuring I could continue to protect myself in the interim. But my institution wouldn't let me delay the 2nd shot beyond 4 extra days. I expect we will all need another booster at some future time as a result, but hopefully production will be up to the demand by then.
(I have no financial interest in either vaccine. I work in medical research. Links are apparently not permitted in comments, so I have not included sites or papers I read.)

Gail, Interesting!!! Thank you for this!!!

I read the same information, by my institution did not let me postpone even for 1 day ( moderna0

(I've no connection with CL---I just love them.)
Yes, isn't it admirable when science gets respect, and orgs like ConsumerLab do intense work publishing and distributing information (that was some list of states!). I've been member of CL for many years and will continue doing so. Thank you ConsumerLab...!

Ditto!!!!!!

My situation: Rec'd Moderna vac in January, but was denied a 2nd dose because I mentioned a rash from dose 1. Now I am concerned that boosters are being discussed for "fully vaccinated" folks & from what I have seen, I would not qualify. I was denied because I got a rash at the vac site. Later the rash description was clarified. Mine was not severe! I feel like I am in some kind of black hole!

resolved for now. I was able to get the 2nd vaccine this month...do it looks like I will be eligible for a booster in 8 months. No adverse reaction at all.

Me too, - not even arm pain. Some concern because I could only schedule 2nd dose 4 weeks later.

I too am looking for that information, primarily because the majority of those I know to have been infected had very mild symptoms or were a-symptomatic. Only a couple have been very sick and they do have underlying conditions. But I do know several who have been very symptomatic post-vaccine - more than just a sore arm, including anaphylaxis. Thank you Consumer Labs for keeping us informed.

All great questions Lynn. I wonder the same.

I don't think "long-term" effects are known just yet. The vaccine has only been available for a few months now so no one really knows. This is why I have chosen to hold off for a while. I am home all the time anyway so I believe I am safe for now.

Good question Lynne. ConsumerLab states at the end of their article (in a nutshell): "Although the long-term safety of these vaccines is still unknown.... If an authorized medical product shows evidence of serious safety issues ... the FDA can revoke the authorization." Good idea to wait and see, imo.

Me too. Had it on December 18, only arm discomfort similar to a flu shot

Good point! Great suggestion!

Does taking a Benadryl prior to injection to reduce chance of reaction to vaccine? Or taking a Benadryl right after vaccination? In general, does taking a Benadryl affect the efficacy of the vaccine?

Thank you for your reply. I understand now about vaccine dosages, but I am 68 years old now. I have been sensitive to all medications for all of my adult life. I get side effects from everything I’ve tried including statins and even Tylenol. If I take an anticholergic drug I start to lose my memory after a few days. That’s why it scares me about any vaccine. I also have fear of getting a serious illness and not being able to fight it off with medication.

I'm 75 years old. I have been sensitive to all medications too. I got my first Moderna vaccine on 1-26-21. Two minutes after getting the shot my blood pressure went up to 199/111 , my heart rate was 97. I had shortness of breath, dizziness, burning in my chest, headache, my heart was pounding hard. The nurse offered Benadryl and EpiPen. I took the Benadryl and my symptoms slowly improved. I wasn't sure taking the EpiPen first time in my life with the high blood pressure is advisable or not. After about 40 minutes I was able to go home. I had joint and muscle pain , frequent irregular heart beats for three days. I cancelled my appointment for the second shot after talking to my primary care doctor.

Maria, Thanks for reporting this.

My wife experienced breathing problems about 48 hrs after getting the Pfizer shot. She took Benadryl and the symptoms went away. Reported this to VAERS.

Age 79 - received Pfizer vaccine on 12/28/20 = minor discomfort at injection site (LESS than standard Flu vaccine) - some discomfort in upper arm for a couple of days, and maybe less energy - but otherwise fine. thank you -

FYI, I am 65.

Have you tried a new pillow?

Thank you for that information!

I used to - then I stopped taking generics and started taking only brands. Things got much better. There was a major study in Boston in late 2019, with a follow up study around July 2020. The first one was widely covered in the consumer medical press This isn’t it but...
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-risk-of-inactive-ingredients-in-everyday-drugs

It is obvious that no one is having an allergic reaction to a second dose. No one has received a second dose yet. People do not receive a second does until 21 days has passed. People are having an allergic reaction to the first dose. For people having a reaction to the first dose, they have been told not to get a second dose.

Well, as of 1/27/21, a nurse who works with my daughter-in-law had a pretty bad reaction, not bad enough to get admitted, but was down for the count a couple of days. But haven't heard about others. Said daughter-in-law had to take a day off, but was not as bad as her friend.

Good to know!

Thanks for sharing!

I suffer from M.E. I had my first Pfizer shot on Feb 5. About three hours after I had uncontrolled sleepiness, brain fogginess, and was quite out of it for 2-3 days. But these symptoms were very very different than my usual M.E. symptoms. No fever. No headache. Tolerable arm soreness. By fourth day I was back to "normally unwell." I'm 72. Second shot later this week, which I'll take.

You are one of the heroes, and very much appreciated!!

My husband is allergic to just about everything. His list of known allergens is long. He had severe anaphylactic shock after receiving contrast a couple of times (different contrasts). He got the Pfizer vaccine, was closely monitored and except having a mild sore arm had no other problems.

Interesting and good to know this.

Thank you so much for letting me know.

However, you might want to ask when you get the shot for them to read the ingredients on the bottle. I asked for a regular flu shot this year without preservatives and they were about to give me the one they had saying it had no preservatives....they said the shot was covered by my insurance. That threw up a red flag for me because the shot without thimerosal or ethylmercury is not covered by insurance and I usually pay $40 for it. So I told her to check the ingredients and sure enough, it had thimerosal in it. She was surprised and looked at all the bottles they had in stock and found the one without the thimerosal. If you are allergic then I advise to double-check whenever getting any flu shot.

Agree !!!!!!!!!!

How much time would help you feel more confident. I agree with you about preferring more time and study yet my fear of COVID 19 outweighs my fear of the vaccine.

Many lives were saved during the raging AIDS epidemic of the 80's-90's by drugs that were approved for off-label use by the FDA. This "compassionate use" model actually produced treatments that were very successful in treating some HIV- related diseases. Sometimes the gamble with unknowns are well worth it.

I am not usually a strong vaccine proponent but in this case felt being vaccinated was for the common good as I am at a high risk for exposure in my work and more data is needed for individuals to know whether the vaccine is right for them or not. I received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine yesterday. I am only experiencing mild to moderate soreness in the arm with the injection site. This has subsided throughout the day.

We also don't know if there will be any longer consequences to having COVID. I'm getting my shot tomorrow

Kaiser has not given me a vaccination date however for those of you speaking about not getting vaccinated, I assume all of you were too young to grow up with polio all around you. Along with all my young elementary school friends, I lived in fear of polio and the dreaded fate of the iron lung. I was one of the first to receive the Salk vaccine. And of course all the others. I was only 5 years old and remembered the relief that I have been vaccinated. I am 73 and confess I am shocked that people are avoiding getting the vaccine. Clearly, the option is to get the vaccine. For those of you who have children, it is putting your own children in harm's way. Too many people need to refresh their memories about all the vaccines you had to go to school. And yes, I do remember the progression and advancement of treatment for AIDS. I was living in NYC when AIDS swept through the community and we lost so many precious souls.

Responding to Mary above: It looks like you're talking about therapeutics (rather than vaccines) when you state "Sometimes the gamble with unknowns is well worth it". I completely agree that the off-label repurposing of existing drugs (that have long been approved by the FDA for other indications) is an excellent idea, as such drugs already have a known safety profile. At least two off-patent drugs (one Nobel prize winner, both of which are anti-parasitics on the WHO list of essential medicines) that are being repurposed for Covid with success. Unlike newly-patented, expensive or labor-intensive therapeutics, these low-cost drugs are highly scalable across large populations. In an emergency (pandemic) situation, all options should be on the table due to the urgent need to save lives.

I also agree that the development of new therapeutics for HIV has been an incredible success story. Though the war on HIV began long after the war on cancer was declared, HIV drug development seems to have leap-frogged ahead, and now those with HIV can live normal lifespans. For example my uncle, who is 85 and fit, has an undetectable viral load from taking one convenient combination pill per day.

I am old enough to have had the small pox vaccination and took the polio sugar cube. I was hesitant with the covid shot,, but also have Hashimotos disease which was most likely caused by a virus that I had as a child. I am learning that long hauler covid patients are developing a lot of health issues, My parents didn't hesitate to have me vaccinated back in the 60's. The more I learn of the Pfizer and Moderna shot, the happier I am that I got a shot. What else do we have at this point?

Thanks! :) Guess I missed it due to the highlighting.

Can you take Tylenol after the vaccine?

I have concerns about the elimination of people who had allergies in the control groups.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/suspicions-grow-nanoparticles-pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-trigger-rare-allergic-reactions?fbclid=IwAR1JK2LeTJcEzq6ZxRYpJlRkF1Omj8crRKQRkFrQJ_K8AscVvUpBTETkKQE

PEG has never been used before in an approved vaccine, but it is found in many drugs that have occasionally triggered anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause rashes, a plummeting blood pressure, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat. Some allergists and immunologists believe a small number of people previously exposed to PEG may have high levels of antibodies against PEG, putting them at risk of an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine.

Wendy thanks for posting your personal experience, always helpful to hear!

What is PEG and how do I know if I've been exposed to it? Thank you.

Ah, yes, It's what's in Miralax.

It's also in BREAST IMPLANTS.

Why do you assume that’s a good thing? A strong reaction means your immune system is responding.

I have been wondering about that. When elderly people are eligible for the vaccine, if I don't have a reaction, I think I will always wonder if I was one of the few who didn't develop immunity.

How are you feeling now?

I too had the 1st Moderna dose on 12/23 and experienced severe headache, fatigue, fever, chills and foggy thinking. Got the 2nd dose yesterday and feel worse than how i felt after the 2st shot. I work in healthcare and work directly with COVID-19 patients. I also contacted COVID-19 back in July- was very ill and off work for 3 1/2 weeks. Had to call in sick today as i woke up with a fever of 99.9 and all the other symptoms listed above with diarrhea added. It will be worth it in the long run. Don't let my experience deter you from getting the vaccines.

So helpful to hear this honest range of experience so we non-healthcare folk can be properly prepared!

Also a VA physician. I got the Pfizer vaccine yesterday morning, first shot. Similarly I experienced a spacy feeling for about an hour, starting a half hour after the shot. Fine today.

I resemble the above comment and appreciate the attempt(s) to get real time data!

My husband is like your patients, so we would also like more information about people's reactions to the vaccine. I think he's going to get it when offered, because the benefits outweigh the risks. However, he's the person who always experiences the worst possible side effects from medications and we're concerned that his body may not react well to this vaccine.

I appreciate comments above as I and others in my family have Celiac Disease and severe shell fish allergies among others. Interested if anyone w/similar problems has been vaccinated without bad reactions?

I am a 44 year old pharmacy tech with astshma, alpha-1 antitripsin deficiency and a history of hemiplegic migraines. Also anaphylaxis to peanuts. I got the Pfizer vaccine and only experienced soreness and some tingling in my hand on the injected arm. Sleepy for about 48 hours after injection.

Gale, my good friend has Celiac. She had both Moderna shots with no problems!

I have Hashimotos, an auto immune condition. Had first Pfizer shot over a week ago, Pain in the injection site, but nothing out or the ordinary, The next day, became very tired but not sleepy. Sat and watched TV and drank tea. Felt fine the next day.

Hello, I have ankylosing spondylitis and Type 1 diabetes. I had a flare after both shots. I had achilles tendinitis for the first time in my life with AS starting 2 days after first and second shot and resolving over about a week. My bloodglucose was slightly elevated for about three days both times. I had severe fatigue for about two weeks after first shot which left quickly. The fatigue after the second shot lasted longer and faded more slowly. I am 54 and have had flares and neuropathic pain after other vaccines but know from experience that my immune reactions to disease is exponentially worse than any vaccine. I had Pfizer on 2/27 and 3/20.

I’m an RN too but not working frontlines and I’m so happy for the brave frontline compatriots who are finally getting some protection!