Prevnar 13 and Chills: What Users Say

• Liz...
• February 22, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "On Jan. 31, 2020, I went to my PCP and asked for the pneumonia vaccine because I’m 66. The injection site was a little sore. Thirty minutes after the shot, I got a blinding migraine headache that lasted for the weekend. The third day, I still had a headache but felt well enough to go to work. The next day, I was very run down. During the night, I got a fever, chills, and cough; called my PCP in the morning. Was sent to urgent care. No labs were taken. They provided a prescription for a Z-pack and sent me home. My temperature spiked to 103.4; stayed over 102 for several days. Coughing up pus for over 3 weeks now. Saw my PCP after 10 days. He ran labs, but it only showed a low WBC count. Now Feb. 22; still feel like I was hit by a truck. Have to choose my activities now. A shower and getting dressed is exhausting. Feels like life is over. Always been very active, with a full-time job and lots of interests outside of my work. Will never have another vaccine as long as I live!"

• liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2020

"I had the flu and pneumonia vaccine in each arm on Wednesday. Didn't sleep well that night due to waking up every time I lay on either arm. Thursday, general unwell feeling and boulders in my head. Cold went in bath three times to try and warm through, nothing else worked. Slept badly and woke to go to the loo in the early hours Friday morning. Knew I felt unwell, but next thing I knew, I woke up on the bedroom floor. Managed to get onto the bed, but then vomited severely until late on Friday morning. A week later, and whilst finally out of bed, I have no energy at all. Should mention I am 67. Never again. How long before I feel well, I wonder? I was perfectly fit before this."

• MKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2020

"I was told by my physician that I need to take the pneumonia Prevnar 13 shot during my intro to the Medicare Wellness exam. The shot was the most painful shot I have ever had. Two hours later, my arm was red, hot, and swollen, and the tips of my fingers were extremely cold. Then the body aches started, and I couldn't get warm. When I felt the urge to go to the restroom, I felt really faint. As I lowered myself to the floor to keep from fainting, I broke out in a fierce sweat. After getting assistance, I was able to get back to my bed. I didn't sleep much that night and went to the ER the next day. They did blood work, and my white blood cell count was 11. They had just checked it 2 weeks ago, and it was 6. They said it was a very bad reaction to the injection. Three days later, my arm is still hot, and I was told to take prednisone to reduce the swelling. I am still very sluggish and haven't felt good since the injection. I will never take this again, and I'm finding out it may not have been mandatory."

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2017

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I turned age 66 last year, and at annual check-up, my doctor recommended I get a pneumonia shot (never had one). The doctor said to take half that year and the other half this year, and then never take it again. Last year, I had redness and swelling of the arm, joint and body pain, chills, weakness, and cough. The redness had gone after one week, but other symptoms continued for two to three months. This year, at check-up, I told my doctor my side effect symptoms, but he didn't think it was from the shot, so he gave me the other half. Within two hours, my arm was swollen with redness covering the whole upper arm. I was hot at the injection site and had stiffness in the joint and reduced range of motion. I had soreness in the front and back shoulder area. I had body aches, low-grade fever, and was in bed for three days. Some side effect symptoms are better, but redness, soreness, and low range of motion are still present. Never again, thank goodness."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2016

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "My rheumatologist had me take it during a routine visit. Had not been taking any RA meds, humira and methotrexate for five months since I felt 110% better and didn't feel I had it anymore. I had almost continuous respiratory infections while on these medications. The nurse told me it would sting and my arm would hurt for a few days. That was the least of my worries. By that evening, I had chills, a fever, and a rash. Could not even get out of bed the next day and go to work, which is very rare for me. Went to work the next day and had a terrible honking unproductive cough and was wheezing and felt like I couldn't catch my breath. I called my doctor and she prescribed a Medrol pack. Helped somewhat but then ended up with a sinus infection."

• Mur...
• March 1, 2021

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I am a 62-year-old healthy female. Went in for physical on 2/23 and Dr. said I needed Prevnar 13. I was hesitant but agreed. The nurse said I may feel tired the next day. Six hours after the injection, my arm was very sore, body aches started with uncontrollable chills, and my body shook for 4 hours. I barely slept that night as the chills were off and on. Woke up with more severe body aches, blinding headache, and nausea. Day 3 still had body aches and diarrhea. I also noticed that I had a couple of canker sores in my mouth, and I never get canker sores. Aches have subsided by day 5, but I have a mouth full of painful canker sores that prevent me from eating and keep me awake at night. Swallowing is excruciating. It is day 6, and I have swollen glands. This vaccine has been the worst decision for my health. I called the doctor's office, the nurse suggested I had an underlying dental autoimmune problem. Don’t ever be railroaded into taking this injection. I fear I may have ruined my health."

• sco...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 4, 2021

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "Two years ago, I had the flu injection and Prevnar 13 at the same time. By the next day, I was in the ER with chills, fever, diarrhea, major headache, sore arm, and tightness and pain in my chest from the throat down to my stomach. I was told I had pneumonia and sent home with antibiotics. No one could tell me about these side effects, even the pharmacists. I will never get Prevnar or mix injections again."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2018

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "Sore arm, no worse than flu shot. Chills the first night, but nothing drastic. Arm is totally functional, just tender."