Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine and Sore Arm: What Users Say

• Bob...
• August 14, 2020

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine 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."

• Pat...
• June 18, 2019

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine 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."

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

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine 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."

• Mur...
• March 1, 2021

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine 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."

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

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine 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."

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

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine 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."

• buc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2017

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "Had a pneumonia shot at 45. Said I would never need another. Being 63 and diabetic, doctor recommended one. No worse than a flu shot. Arm was a little sore, so took Advil and slept on the other side. Felt fine the next day."

• ron...
• August 20, 2020

For Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "I received this pneumococcal vaccine a few weeks ago. Other than a sore arm at the injection site, I had no other side effects. Everyone's experience will differ, but I imagine that most people don't bother to post their experience unless it was a negative one."

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

Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis "Sore arm, no worse than flu shot. Chills the first night, but nothing drastic. Arm is totally functional, just tender."