Prevnar 13 and Fever: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2019

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I was given the Prevnar 13 shot, and by that evening, my arm was swollen down to my inner elbow and all the way around. It was hard as a rock and hot and achy. I also had a fever, and my whole body was achy, my husband had to walk with me as I could barely move, my whole body ached. The next day, I called and asked if they needed to report the side effects to the health department. They said no, that was all common things from the vaccinations. I was told possibly a sore arm, that was all. This lasted for 4 days, but 2 months later, I still have a painful ache in my arm from time to time. I am 66 years old and would worry about an unhealthy older person living alone getting this."

• 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!"

• Hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I had a Prevnar 13 shot, and my whole upper arm is swollen with redness. I was hot at the injection site, and there was stiffness in the joint and reduced range of motion. I had soreness in the front and back shoulder area, oh, and vomiting! I had body aches, a low-grade fever, and was in bed for 3 days. Some side effect symptoms are better, but redness, soreness, and low range of motion are still present. I am a mildly young person at the age of 38, I cannot imagine giving this to a 78-year-old and them having to get sick like this for days. Or a person with a weak immune system. I’m thinking this is not the best medicine."

• 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."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2018

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I'm a 72-year-old female, and had my 2nd (and thankfully last) Prevnar vaccine in my left arm in October 2017. The initial side effects were swelling, pain, and redness on and around the injection site, and pain and limited mobility throughout my left arm within hours after the injection and continuing for over a week. Additionally, the day after the injection, I ran a fever and felt like I had contracted a bad flu... this lasted for about 3 days, gradually improving each day. Now, 6 months later, I still have pain and reduced range of motion in the injected arm."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2018

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I had this vaccine yesterday as part of my annual wellness check. Last night, I had muscle pain all over my body, diarrhea into most of today, feverish, joint pain, severe headache - head still aches significantly 28 hours later, and generally feel unwell. All these symptoms are still present, though they were reduced during the day, but now that nightfall is about to descend upon it again, they have returned."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Vic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2025

"Had my vaccination yesterday after reading all these scary reviews. I figured that people only really review with negative experiences, instead of sharing positive experiences. I had my annual flu shot a week ago just for reference. The injection for Prevnar 13 had a slight sting. I literally went straight from the pharmacist to the doctor, and it was still cold. The little sting wasn't bad. Had a tender arm (2/10 pain) for a day. It's still tender when I touch it, but nothing serious (1/10 pain). Side effects: I didn't get a headache like everyone else claims. Felt a little ordinary for a couple of hours today, but feel back to normal this evening. Slight fever (feeling warm) last night, maybe a small amount of sweating overnight (1/10 discomfort), almost not even worth mentioning. I'd be worried if I didn't get some side effects. My body needs to build up antibodies. I need this vaccine in preparation for biologics in 2 weeks' time. You'll be fine :)"