Prevnar 13 and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Pat...
• June 18, 2019

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I went in for my yearly physical yesterday. I am a 66-year-old female in excellent health. My doctor recommended the Prevnar 13, and since I believe in vaccines, I agreed. I get a yearly flu shot and don't mind a sore arm. Well... my arm was more painful than I have ever experienced! I had a lump at the site of the injection along with warmth. I was very sluggish and tired most of the day, and by nighttime, I was running a fever. Woke up this morning still not feeling much better, other than my arm is less sore. As afternoon progresses, the fever is coming back. I called the doctor and was told that was normal. I do not plan on getting the second shot."

• 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."

• Jka...
• May 20, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I went for my annual checkup. My doctor said I needed the PV13 since I’m 65. The injection site was sore, but the side effects of abdominal pain with diarrhea and fatigue were severe for me. I will not be getting the PV23 next year."

• Hap...
• January 30, 2020

"I am 54 years old. I received this shot during a routine exam. At this exam, I was feeling very good. The injection was in the morning. That evening, I felt tired and thought I would feel better in the morning. Things got worse through the night. A fever developed, along with intense muscle pain. I was also extremely weak and could hardly get out of bed to use the bathroom. Making it even more difficult was the intense pain in my arm and neck. I tried to stay hydrated, but the next day, things got worse. My daughter took me to my GP, who had me admitted to the ER. I had no idea about these possible side effects. Just from reading these posts, they appear to be common! Today is the day after leaving the ER, and the fever is gone, and I am able to eat very small amounts. Still very fatigued and still very bad pain in my arm and unable to use it. The company says that the possible side effects should subside within 3 days or sooner, I am on day 4."

• Whi...
• November 23, 2019

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I am 48 and got my Prevnar 13 shot in October. For days, I had intense itching, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Doctor tested my thyroid. It was fine. Two weeks later, I got influenza, followed by bronchitis and a sinus infection. I keep breaking out in a rash and still feel “off.” I’m convinced that this shot is the culprit. Monday, I have to see my doctor again."

• 198...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2017

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "Side effects of injection include a very sore arm, effectively rendered useless. Muscle aches and joint pain without relief would not allow me to sleep. Fatigue and back pain, plus headache, contributed to an overall miserable night and day. I don't know how long this will continue, it has been 36 hours. This vaccine requires at least two days off work and should be accompanied by a good narcotic."

• Rit...
• October 15, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I am 58 years old. So, in March, during the pandemic, I decided to get the PCV13 shot. A few hours later, that evening, I noticed a rash on my left arm where it was administered. It was swollen and red. The next day, I woke up, and the rash got larger, but now it came with pain and fever. I called my doctor, no one wants to see me, thinking I have COVID. I was told to take Benadryl due to the possibility of a reaction to the drug. I took Claritin because Benadryl is too strong for me. The rash went on for 6 weeks. Muscle aches and joint pain without relief would not allow me to sleep. Fatigue and back pain, plus a headache, contributed to an overall miserable night and day. I went to the pharmacy, no help. Six weeks later, the rash and fever went away. But now the pain escalated, I can barely lift my arm all the way up without being so sore. Every night, up to today, I'm still suffering from the pain in my arm, unable to sleep at night. Mind you, I suffer from fibromyalgia. This medicine is not for everyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I got the Prevnar 13 vaccine 4 days ago, wish I had known about the side effects. My arm was sore for a little while, nothing I couldn’t live with. I still have very little appetite, tired, an overall feeling of malaise. Not sure I’ll get the next vaccine."

• God...
• August 18, 2021

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I'm a 64-year-old. Got the Prevnar 13 injection last Friday. Felt fatigued on Saturday and Sunday. Nauseous on Monday and vomiting in the morning. My muscles and joints in my legs started to get painful on Monday. Wednesday, and I can barely walk. Will be going to the doctor this morning. This is like a horror movie to me."

• Lar...
• December 20, 2021

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "A little hesitant, but at 64, the doctor reminded me I should get this shot and another next year. Having persistent asthma, I knew I should and had put it off for other shots like COVID, shingles, and flu. The doctor was pretty reassuring and experienced. Really, I’ve only had a longer local reaction, so a little soreness in the shoulder for about 4 days, but not much worse than a flu shot, to be honest. A little more fatigued than normal, but overall fine."