Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine and Headaches: What Users Say

• Bob...
• August 14, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I had this drug Prevnar 13 five years ago (followed by Pneumovax 23). Am a 50-year-old male, low white blood cells, with low immunity. Anyway, had the shot around 4 pm on a Thursday, and the actual injection was completely painless. Had an initial warming of the body within ten minutes as I responded to the various foreign bodies! A headache then started as expected (over 80% of people get them). Didn’t sleep that well that evening, which is very odd for me. Felt about 75% right the next day, and wasn’t too bad to start with, but by lunchtime the headache was back, and I felt like I wanted to lie down. Had two naps during the day (even though I’m very fit and wouldn’t normally). By Friday evening, my left arm was sore and a bit swollen, and as described by others, my movement was limited, etc. Anyway, let’s see - I’ll post another update once the symptoms subside."

• Suz...
• May 29, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I can’t rate the effectiveness because I don’t know if it will prevent illness yet. But I can tell you that for me (55-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis), the side effects were rough. Started with moderate pain at the injection site, then moved to the bicep muscle. Now that hand is tingly. Today is 2 days post-injection, and I woke up with a nasty headache and feel tired and ill. I’ll let you know how long it takes to feel well again."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "Same as everyone else, but I also had my second shingles shot and the flu shot the same day. I'm a 66-year-old healthy and in good shape female. On the fourth day, my overall body aches and pain lessened, and now it's mostly in the injection site. Not having much of an appetite and still getting the headaches. I just wish I would have been warned. I guess there is no reason to dash off to my doctor at this point."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I got the Prevnar 13 two weeks ago and have not been the same since. Nonstop headache and weakness. Had nausea for four days, but it’s gone. Please tell me this gets better. I was fine when I got it. I can’t do anything."

• 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 :)"