
Image courtesy of Pixabay.
A significant number of people obtaining COVID-19 vaccines have complained of dizziness. Some 11.8% of the reports associated with COVID-19 vaccines in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) cite dizziness as a possible side effect. An additional 0.80% list vertigo as a complaint while 1.27% reported syncope (fainting).
Several adverse events are common among vaccines, according to a CDC list, which doesn’t include dizziness. Those include injection site pain and swelling, chills and mild fever, fatigue, headache and sore muscles or joints.
Dizziness is, however, a common health complaint. A 2010 paper in American Family Physician estimated that dizziness accounts for 5% of primary care visits.
Dizziness is also a vague term, encompassing vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope and lightheadedness.
- Vertigo involves a sensation of movement, whirling or feeling off-balance.
- Disequilibrium relates to a feeling of unsteadiness or impending fall.
- Presyncope involves a sense of feeling faint or on the verge of losing consciousness.
- Lightheadedness is a vague term but can refer to feeling disconnected from the environment.
Some 1.27% of VAERS entries to date reference syncope — fainting. CDC notes that it has received reports of fainting for almost all types of vaccines.
Dizziness following COVID-19 vaccination can occasionally be a symptom of an allergic reaction, but this is most common in the first 15 to 30 minutes of vaccination, according to CDC.
In many cases, such allergic reactions are accompanied by skin symptoms quickly following vaccination, including skin rashes, itching, flushing and swelling.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus itself could cause dizziness in several ways. It can cause damage to the brain and trigger encephalitis (brain inflammation) and spur the production of inflammatory cytokines, which harm the brain.
Reports of dizziness following COVID-19 vaccination have decreased recently. Some 16.5% of VAERS entries related to COVID-19 vaccine from December 14, 2020 to January 13 cited dizziness as a complaint. That figure has since fallen more than four percentage points.
My husband and I recently had oursecond vaccine we are experiencing dizziness his began with first vaccine mine second we had it tues and today is saturday how long will we experience this?
Hey Elaine! It probably depends. I got mine last week and am still pretty dizzy 7 days later. Hope you guys feel better soon.
Did you take anything for relief or have recommendations?I’m experiencing the same thing
Did your husbands dizziness go away the first time ??
Do you drink coffee/Caffeine?
I do? Does it matter?
I had Pfizer shot 3 days ago and woke up this morning with dizziness. I had a red rash on my arm the evening of my shot but it went away yesterday. Felt good until this morning.
Had first vertigo incident triggered 5 years ago for basic acne medicine. I wonder if the medication and Pfizer vaccine has a similar ingredient…
Just a follow up. I finally got relief from vertigo and dizziness after 1 month and I day after my 2nd covid pfizer shot. I tried chiropractic, epley maneuver, vitamin c morning and night and I then tried an antihistamine (Benadryl) on this past tusday and within 21/2 hours I felt so much better. Just thought I should post a follow up in case it may help someone else. I just hope the vertigo and dizziness doesn’t return .
I had my first dose 8 days ago. It was Pfizer. I have woken up in the morning last 4 days with severe vertigo. Seems to be getting worse every day. I am starting to get nervous. Really fatigued.
Here is a whole forum of people with similar symptoms:
https://vestibular.org/forum/dizziness/covid-19-vaccine-side-effects/paged/2/
My vertigo lasted 3 weeks and came on 2 weeks after the 1st Pfizer shot when my antibodies had built up enough to cause an immune response of inflammation in my inner ear.
I’m having similar problem after Moderna. Started one week after and still going on – one month.
YES, I found this forum as well.. It appears this dizziness is common.
I got the 2nd pfizer vaccine on March 3 and within 3 to 4 days the vertigo and dizziness started. It is now the 28th of March and I am still battling the vertigo and dizziness, although the vertigo isn’t quite as bad but is still there when I try to lay down but the dizziness is pretty relentless when trying to move around or look up or down or side to side. I have leaned to manage it by moving my head slowly. Very annoying.
Had 2nd pfizer shot march 3. 4 days later vertigo and dizziness started. It is now March 28 and I am doing somewhat better but still have bouts of vertigo and dizzines and a dull ache in the ear that comes and goes. I can not look up and down and have to move my head slowly back and forth. Very bothersome.
Hi Elaine,
I got my second vaccination on Saturday and I haven’t been right since. Experiencing muscle ache, headache, weakness, temp for first two days, since that I have unbelievable weakness, can barely do any housework without feeling like I’ve done five rounds with Mike tyson. I wish you and your husband a speedy recovery. 😊
2nd shot yesterday. Today very dizzy, achy, and tired. I have fibromyalgia so I already have problems…sigh
I got the 2nd pfizer vaccine on March 3 and within 3 to 4 days the vertigo and dizziness started. It is now the 28th of March and I am still battling the vertigo and dizziness, although the vertigo isn’t quite as bad but is still there when I try to lay down but the dizziness is pretty relentless when trying to move around or look up or down or side to side. I have leaned to manage it by moving my head slowly. Very annoying.
Just and update from my first post. Today is April 2 and I am still having vertigo and dizziness. It will be a month tomorrow since I had my 2nd Pfizer shot. Like I stated in my other post the vertigo and dizziness started three to four days after the second shot. I also have an earache that comes and goes. I can say that the vertigo and dizziness isn’t as intense as it was but is still there. I am taking the emergenC like read on this site which I feel is helping. Does anyone on this site know how long this can last? It has been over 3 weeks for me already?
I have my vaccination on the 28th of March and a day is Tuesday 30th of March. I’m also having dizziness and Adele taste in my mouth like I need water all the time I phoned 111 and they just said it could be the description I’m on for antidepressants but I never had this before I had the jab it’s quite worrying because I’m usually fit and healthy,
I also don’t smoke or drink alcohol this is really bad I wish now I never had The jab
I had my first vaccine Feb 25 and was scheduled for second vaccine March 25 but since first vaccine I’ve had dizziness ever since like vertigo and its so annoying along with ringing in my ears. I decided against getting the second dose, can’t put up with these terrible feelings and I didn’t have any of this before the vaccine.
Exactly Karen I got my first Moderna 5 days ago, still dizzy…. NEVER AGAIN ;-( am i getting a shot.
I still have both dizziness off and on and now constant ringing in ears. I cancelled 2nd vaccine.
Karen
I had my 1st Moderna shot 2 weeks ago. I was nervous because I’ve had a reaction to a flu vaccine in the past and stopped getting them. The dizziness started the day after the shot..& while it’s not as bad..it’s still there..So I decided against the 2cd shot.
Oh Karen me either, if I turn my head to fast I spin. Wake up feeling awful!. First shot just slight chills. 2nd 3 wks later dizzy and ringing in my ears. Can’t even bend over. What can we do? Did you go to the dr?
i have now for 3 weeks, are you getting better at all?
Jason is your vertigo any better. I didn’t have vertigo and dizziness until after my 2nd pfizrt shot that I had march 3. 4 days later the vertigo and dizziness started and as of April 3 I still have the vertigo and dizziness. Hope this gets better soon.
My husband has had both vaccines and he had no problems. I had my first last tuesday and on friday afternoon started the dizziness, saturday Sunday bad… I started taking a liver detox saturday and yesterday was a little better. but thought I would try an excersise for vertigo this morning which made it worse. Almost fell over after the damn procedure! should have left things be… scroll down and you can log on to the website about vertigo from covid vaccine and read more incidents!! It appears no one knows anything about this side effect but it is real!!!
I am having this and only 3 weeks after my first and like joints pain and locking in my fingers.
I had my first dose about a week ago. For the last 4 days I have had vertigo which my body cannot correct. I have had vertigo several years ago but it went away on it’s own. I am afraid to get my second dose at the end of the month.
Experiencing dizziness since last Wednesday as well. I got my first dose of moderna on Tuesday. Feeling fatigued and frequently out of breath. No headaches or anything else. Hope this goes away soon.
im with ya, my 2 dose is on april 1st. and im going on 3 weeks of this dizziness and vertigo
Jason, did you get your second shot???
I know, me too but I am going to do it or the first will be for not… I am afraid too….
Exactly one week since 2dose of covid vaccine. I am experiencing severe vertigo, sense I am going to fall or faint, sense of disorientation. It’s scary. Checked my blood pressure it’s ok. Is this a possible delayed side effect to vaccine? My daughter has been experiencing same her vaccines were among first group a couple months ago.
Hi Beverly,
I had my very 1st episode with Vertigo about 2 months after my 2nd dose. It was severe and lasted 2 days, then resolved on its own. 2 weeks later, it returned – not as severe but has persisted for about 4 days now. I have been racking my brain trying to connect what may have triggered it. The only thing I have done differently is receive the vaccine. I don’t want to blame the vaccine at this point but I am suspicious. I am going to see an ENT specialist tomorrow. Vertigo can be so debilitating!
I had dizziness and vertigo with covid i had in October. Had vaccine Friday 19th March.. experience muscle pain like i had fallen downstairs and chills.. neck pain and red arm.. neck pain and red arm still remains at day 5.. on antihistamine now to stop red arm growing anymore. Still painful.. neck sill painful at base of skull and i feel exhausted alot more… dont think ill bother with 2nd dose… its just too much. I have never had reactions like these to any vaccine i have ever had and i have had polio. Bcg. Mmr. All childhood vaccine and tetanus…im avoiding it
got my second shot 4 days later I was in the hospital for a week vertigo they say my word spon thy still don’t know but no problems now. Very scarry
I got vertigo a few days after my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. 7 days into it I did the Epley maneuver I saw online. It got ride of the vertigo but general dizziness stayed I started myself on antibiotics after trying all the nasal sprays and antihistamines. It made a difference and it is slowly getting better. I am supposed to get second vaccine after March 25. Vi just don’t think I will. If symptoms suppose to be worse with second dose I am too scared. I don’t work and live on a farm. I read one dose can be 50% to 90% effective. I’ll take that.
Hi Beverly,
I had my very 1st episode with Verigo about 2 months after my 2nd dose. It was severe and lasted 2 days, then resolved on its own. 2 weeks later, it returned not as severe but has persisted for about 4 days now. I have been racking my brain trying to connect what may have triggered it. The only thing I have done differently is receive the vaccine. I don’t want to blame the vaccine at this point but I am suspicious. I am going to see an ENT specialist tomorrow. Vertigo can be so debilitating!
I had my second dose Pfizer 2 weeks ago and now I have dizziness and vertigo. Can you please let me know what you find out from the doctor ? Thanks. Scares me.
I had the same thing and on vestibular.org read to take 500 mg of vitamin c in morning and evening and ibuprofen. I took 400 mg and it helped a lot!
At some point, just like moderate to mild TINNITUS, the brain will make an accommodation for dizziness or disruption if there’s nothing structurally negative with the inner ear, a serious organ sensitive to a boatload of problems. The vaccines were rushed to the public without proper vetting based on the logic that side effects (many still unknown) and staying out of hospitals’ ICUs with severe covid or dying were a preferable tradeoff. MY GUESS is that most side effects with otherwise healthy individuals (let’s say, with no underlying health issues) will dissipate or disappear over time. Doctors are notably ignorant about the brain and it’s always dangerous to speculate about it in any generalized sense.
Play it safe and take the SECOND SHOT. Better alive and a little dizzy than dead.
I’ve been a little dizzy since February 18, a week after the second shot of MODERNA, and hit the ground one after in the church yard. Bruised my rib cage and landed in bed for three week in real pain. Take
the after effect and live….sooner or later, the vertigo will dissipate as you gently force yourself back
to a normal lifestyle. I’m a librarian, not a doctor, so take the advice as a personal assessment in this
most dangerous time. Keep well.
how did your 2nd dose go? did ya get it.. im going on 3 weeks of this vertigo and dizziness it started 2 days after my 1st dose
Yes mine started 2 days after 1st Pfizer jab.. last week.. we have to wait 12 weeks for 2bd dose will be very reluctant if this dizziness continues.
Received my second dose of moderna Wed. 3/17. Slight headache, achy all over Thursday. Gone in a day, but dizziness and vertigo started Friday. Still feeling it Sunday night. Who should I report this to?
VAERS
Six days after my first dose of Pfizer I started feeling off balance with rubbery legs. Seems to be a vestibular issue affecting my ears because they feel stuffy with allergies. They are postponing second shots up to 12 weeks here and I’m actually happy they are.
Hi Mark,
2 days after my pfizer vaccine I woke up with a warm sensation in my left ear and it hurt a bit. It went away with ibuprofen, and then returned 3 days later in the other ear, which also got better after a day of ibuprofen. I am now 8 days in and both my ears just feel off, stuffy and background noises seems to bother me. I just have a general feeling of inflammation or mild burning sensation. Side note that a month before the vaccine I developed and was treated for an ear infection due to allergies. Maybe the vaccine heightens allergies?? I am nervous to get my second vaccine. it is also coming out in the news that COVID-19 causes tinnitus….so does the vaccine do this too? I am curious to see how your feeling Mark?
Same here! yes glad 12 week gap .. hope this vertigo disappears
Tomei a segunda dose da Pfizer em 2 de Março e há 2 dias atrás, portanto no 20 de Março comecei com vertigo, nunca tive antes, será da vacina?
Received first dose last week of Astra Zeneca, next day got fever with cold, now 6th day and can’t stand on my legs, swear vertigo….madness, I am working from home and can’t even email someone…sooo dizzy
I had my first Astra Zeneca dose on Sunday 14 March at 8am, by 11am I felt dizzy. It is now 22 March and still as bad. I really am doubting whether to have the second one.
Just here to say its been almost 6 days since 1st Moderna vaccine and still getting dizzy spells, almost fainting. I’ve never had anything like this in my life and I really hope it passes soon. It’s pretty darn scary. I’m a healthy 43 year old. Everyone else I know has been generally fine but I’ll be saying no to the 2nd vaccine.
kG27 I also recieve the Moderna vaccine and 6 days later i feel dizzy and the feeling of fainting
Have had first dose of Moderna. I have dizziness, off balance since the shot. I am afraid to take second dose. The off balance I was feeling led to a fall. Am experiencing vertigo standing and sitting.
I had a stroke approx. 5 years ago and have an underlying autoimmune problem which has never been diagnosed by name. My husband hasn’t had any dizziness.
Am contemplating not having the second dose.
What do I do?
Did you ever recieve your second dose?
Take the second shot of Moderna, suffer the vertigo until it dissipates, and keep yourself out of the ICU or worse. This vaccine was rushed into service and promises to save lives.
Really, NOBODY KNOWS MUCH ABOUT THE AFTER EFFECTS of Moderna or Pfizer. I’m a librarian, not a doctor and my simple advice is to behave cautiously as you return to a normal lifestyle. Unless the inner ear is damaged, like with tinnitus the vertigo will almost certainly find a brain-wave accommodation and fade away. I’m a bibliophile, not a doctor, so please read this as the anecdotal opinion of a non-scientist. Good luck.
Take the second shot of Moderna, suffer the vertigo until it dissipates, and keep yourself out of the ICU or worse. This vaccine was rushed into service and promises to save lives.
Really, NOBODY KNOWS MUCH ABOUT THE AFTER EFFECTS of Moderna or Pfizer. I’m a librarian, not a doctor and my simple advice is to behave cautiously as you return to a normal lifestyle. Unless the inner ear is damaged, like with tinnitus the vertigo will almost certainly find a brain-wave accommodation and fade away. I’m a bibliophile, not a doctor, so please read this as the anecdotal opinion of a non-scientist. Good luck. I HAVE SAID THIS BEFORE AND IT BEARS WORTH REPEATING!
I had flu like symptoms for five days after my first Covid vaccine. Then I got extreme vertigo neck pain shoulder pain migraines headaches brain fog rapid heart rate shortness of breath. My second dose is due tomorrow I am not going to get it. I have pretty much been incapacitated for almost 4 weeks. I have underlying autoimmune disorders which May be why I’m having such a severe reaction. I am not getting the second one because I couldn’t stand to feel worse than this.
I started getting dizzy 3 days after vaccine and has now been another 7. It’s awful. Has anyone’s gone away?
Mine has gone away, I stopped drinking caffeine. For some reason after getting the vaccine I had vertigo for ten days. Still have headaches, heart palpitations, difficulty focusing… But vertigo has gone away immediately after I stopped drinking coffee.
My dizziness and vertigo just started abruptly on day four after my first Pfizer vaccine. Looking this up, I see that 11.8% of people who receive these vaccines report this symptom. Hoping to get through it quickly!
Hi Kathie,
Sorry you aren’t feeling well.
Just clarifying one thing. The 11.8% figure referred to the entries in the VAERS database. Only a small percentage of vaccine recipients have VAERS entries, but I imagine some people without VAERS entries have also had dizziness, so it is hard to conclude exactly how common it is.
Dizziness also appears to be common with COVID-19: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492824/#:~:text=Coronavirus%202019%20or%20COVID%2D,manifestation%20of%20COVID%2D19
Thanks for sharing this Kathie, woke up with crazy vertigo this morning (day 4) and nausea from the dizziness. Was trying to see if anyone else is experiencing this!
Yes have the same thing after 3rd day from my 2nd shot. Still have some but seems to be getting a little better tomorrow will be 2 weeks from my vaccine
Yes. Exactly 4 days after the first Pfizer shot I experienced extreme vertigo, nausea and felt feverish. This occurs when I bend over to tie my shoes, etc. After sitting still for a few minutes, those symptoms go away….and, re-occurs every time I bend over. I went to my GP…she said it could be allergies associated with heavy pollen in my area and prescribed meds. These meds haven’t helped. Also, I’ve had allergies my whole life and have never had vertigo or anything more serious than an annoying runny nose. Furthermore, I’ve never experienced vertigo for any reason. I’m scheduled to receive the second shot on the 8th of April. I’m getting it. If it gets worse I’ll know for certain it’s the vaccine.
I’ve had similar issues. Mine gets worse when I’m driving at higher speed on freeways. I thought I was going to pass out 3-4xs while driving recently. My head feels strange all of the time. I’m not sure whether to take the second shot this Saturday or not?!
Please let us know about your side affects after second shot. I have had similar symptoms and have a second shot scheduled for April 15th and would like to know how they present after the second dose. Wishing the best.
I also have had allergies and all kind of vaccinations all my life and have never experienced any side effect from anything until ten days after my second Pfizer shot.
Dizziness, nausea and lost control of my right arm and leg. Having difficulties standing, walking or holding on to things. It has been 48 hours and I’m not getting any better. Making an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow morning.
I’m 73 and have been in good overall health. I received my 2nd Pfizer dose several weeks ago, Feb 26th. For the last 2 or 3 weeks I have definitely been feeling dizzy almost constantly and have been careful as my sense of balance seems off. I only made the connection today that this may be a side effect of the vaccine and not something else… but I had only completed thorough physical plus cardio a few weeks prior to the vaccinations. Blood pressure, temperature are in normal range, so I’m suspicious that this may be the vaccine.
Sounds like what it going on here. I had the Pfizer vaccine on Feb 12 then noticed dizziness on March 8th. Still going on, had the second shot March 12. My blood pressure was normal when I checked it. I had wondered whether starting on Humira two months ago was the issue, but now seeing this it may be the vaccine. Other than Humira and the Vaccine nothing has changed in my routine recently. Is it unrelated to either? Don’t know? But I injected my Humira recently and it had no effect as I would expect it to worsen afterwards.
Your suspicion is well founded. About a week after Shot #2 of Moderna my knees locked up as I crashed to the ground in an unbalanced dizzy spin on my way to the drugstore. Bruised ribs. Now four weeks later not so dizzy or unbalanced as I’ve begun to exercise again on my stationary bike (40 minutes, 6 days a week).
I received my first Covid Vaccination with Pfizer one week ago today. I have noticed three times that I suddenly felt dizzy. It gave me an uneasy feeling and I’ve been worried about it getting worse and turning into Vertigo if that’s even a possibility. I’m supposed to get my second vaccine I two weeks, but I’m starting to get concerned about a second dose. I’m afraid it will make the dizziness worse. I’m not sure what I should do.
Same here. The day after my first shot I was reading an email and it felt like the earth shock for a brief second. Looked up to see if anyone else felt it…nope. I thought I was going to faint but, seconds later I was fine. It’s happened at least once everyday since… 7 days! Rethinking the second shot.
Same here. I had my first Astra Zeneca 18th March and felt dizzy almost instantly. It is now 23rd March and I’m still feeling dizzy. It comes and goes all the time, not too bad but feel as though I’ve just stepped off a boat. What worries me, is how long it’s going to last. Also rethinking the second shot.
I got my first dose of Moderna on March 4. Developed vertigo and dizziness five days later. Day eighteen now, and I am having episodes extreme dizziness and heart racing. I have now been to PCP and blood work was normal. He is sending me for a brain MRI. I was fine before I got the vaccine, and now something is off in my head. I just don’t know where to turn for answers, but I do see a lot of people here and elsewhere reporting this delayed and lingering dizziness. I called Moderna and they are aware of this issue but they offered no information on what is causing the dizziness. I hope someone can help us.
I got my 1st Moderna jab March 12th and stood right up and walked in the 1st 10 minutes and went into the spins. I thought it was my blood sugar so I left a few minutes later and ate. 3 hours later full spins and confusion. I slurred my words, forget what I’m talking about. It seems to come and go now day 11. Yesterday I couldn’t remember how old I am which is 54. I am not getting my 2nd dose. I saw my Dr. I tried to go to the hospital ER yesterday but it was full and I left.
How are you Feeling? I’m experiencing dizziness too. Does anyone know how long it lasts? Are there any reports on this?
I have been having the same thing for almost 4 weeks after my first dose. I’m scheduled to get my second one tomorrow and I’m not going to get it. My doctor told me if I was still having symptoms tomorrow not to get it. Don’t know how to get answers from the CDC or anything else. My doctor doesn’t really know if anyone else is getting dizzy. It’s just very frustrating. I’m dizzy have brain fog, headaches, nausea, neck and shoulder pain, migraines and a racing heart at times.
2 days after my first dose of Pfizer vaccine I’ve been pretty dizzy all day, to the point of almost falling over. Not sure if is vaccine related or an allergy.
I felt faint immediately after both shots of the Pfizer vaccine. It passed by the time I’d sat down for the required 15 minutes. After the second I felt lightheaded for a few more hours but not unsteady or faint. Is this an allergic reaction? A change in glucose levels? I’m not diabetic (as far as I know) but I tend to be sensitive to certain sugars.
I felt faint immediately after both shots of the Pfizer vaccine. It passed by the time I’d sat down for the required 15 minutes. After the second I felt lightheaded for a few more hours but not unsteady or faint. Is this an allergic reaction? A change in glucose levels? I’m not diabetic (as far as I know) but I tend to be sensitive to certain sugars. I have not said this before as you suggest
I also experienced severe vertigo, headaches and high blood pressure that started one week after my second dose of the moderna vaccine. It lasted about a week but I continue to episodic vertigo . Wondering if this is my normal. Any suggestions on what has helped people?
I am 7 days in after first shot of moderna with vertigo at first- now a mix of vertigo and dizziness. It’s not strong always but it’s still there. Waiting for it to fade. Don’t feel like a second dose is going to help this.
I got the Pfizer vaccination on the 18th. Started feeling lightheaded and slightly dizzy a few hours afterwards, and I’m still feeling dizzy 5 days later (23rd).
I received my first dose last Wednesday and almost a week later, I’m feeling lightheaded and off balance as if I have vertigo. I experienced aches and chills the next day but then a couple days later started feeling lightheaded. I hope the vaccination is worth all of the side effects.
I got my first dose of Pfizer last Thursday and my vertigo started on the 4th day. Seems to be getting worse. I also feel nauseated but not sure if that’s from the vertigo. I’d love to know when this is going to end. If it’s temporary, fine. But I just read someone else has had it for 18 days.
Similar experience as others, received 1st Pfizer vaccine on 3/19, three days later dizziness started. I’m hoping this goes away soon, but will need to check-in with Dr. if it persists or gets worse. I mostly wanted to post, as it’s comforting (in an odd way) to hear that I’m not alone.
Nope you are not alone! I wanted to post for the same reason. Day four here after Pfizer and vertigo has started this morning.
You are not alone. I also had my first Pfizer vaccine on 3/19 and I felt a little lightheaded and dizzy. I waited the 15 minutes, although I was calming myself down, maybe I was having some sort of panic attack. I then left, but have been feeling somewhat dizzy, a bit of fast/quivering heart palpitations. I am hoping this goes away soon. As others are saying, kind of reconsidering the 2nd vaccine.
Thought I’d post an update. My dizziness started on Monday (3/22) and is much better on Friday (3/26). I’m not sure why or if it will get worse/return, but thought I’d post an update with things I tried in case they help: a) lots of water; b) loaded up on vitamins (Athletic Greens); c) Epley Maneuver right side, then left.
More on Epley Maneuver. My wife and I tested positive for COVID last November. 3 months later she started experiencing dizziness when moving after laying down and then turning her head/getting up. For her it only happened when moving her head in a particular direction (e.g. left to right). Two weeks later I started experiencing the same thing. For me it was mild when moving one direction and quite severe moving my head the other direction. It only lasted about a minute if I stayed still, which I did by focusing in on a small red power light on the TV… it would look like a blurred line of quickly blinking dots as if I was spinning and eventually slow down/merged back into the single light. I was quite concerned, did some research and learned it’s a fairly common condition (more so with COVID?) and is referred to as BPPV. Through this research I learned about the Epley Maneuver, so I tried it one direction (e.g. start with head facing left). It seemed to work when moving my head one direction, so I did it the other direction and it improved (this was the severe side)… I did it a second time the next day and it went away entirely (it’s been about 3 weeks since the BPPV started and I did this, so put “entirely” into perspective… I hope it’s gone permanently). The dizziness I experienced after my vaccine was different, where sudden movement triggered “whoa” moments much like I get after returning to land following a cruise. But, I tried the Epley Maneuver again both ways a day apart and it seemed to help. I didn’t notice it immediately, but noticed gradual improvement… not sure if it was because of this but it’s easy to do and might be worth a try.
Extreme vertigo and nausea a week after 1st pfizer shot,sounds like the first day of many
So glad I found this forum, got my first dose of the Pfizer about 2 weeks ago, I was making breakfast today in the kitchen and almost fell over. I went to the ER and had my vitals checked and bloodwork done, everything was normal. I have never had balance problems before and work out at least 5 days a week, defiantly rethinking the 2nd dose
I had a weird episode last night 6 days after Moderna vaccine. My heart was palpitating quivering. My blood pressure was normal, I was feeling very tired and my temperature was 100 degrees f. I had an annoying cough and almost took myself to the ER but my temp dropped back to 99 and I managed to fall asleep. I was convinced I had caught covid but woke up fine this morning! Am under a lot of stress so maybe that was the cause????
This happened to me. Heart palpitating. It went away after 20 minutes, BP normal, but felt very tired the rest of the day. Have a headache now. Probably not getting the second shot… Scary!
3 hrs after the pfizer vaccine my bp went from a noral 118/79 range to 167/100 and my pulse shot up to 120 and bounced from 90s to above 100….went to er feeling very sick and nauseous w diarrhea on top of heart racing. They did and ekg and chest xray and bloodwork and declared i was a very healthy 59 yr old woman. I also had a rash on upper thighs and weakness in legs. It has been 3 wks and still experiencing heart palpitations, esp at night. Ive had 4 treatments of acupuncture which have helped but the palpitations persist. Have never had any heart trouble or high bp in my life! I have had heart racing connected to medications like hrt….i think im reacting/allergic to something in pfizer vaccine.
I experienced similar but without any fever. I am also under a lot of stress lately, but honestly the amount of stress doesn’t seem overwhelming to where I should experience the dizziness, feeling of fainting, anxiety, panic attack, or especially any heart palpitations and pounding against my chest. Everything I have checked at ER turns out to be normal or just slightly outside of acceptable range.
I had my second Moderna vaccination, Wednesday Feb 17th. I had the usual symptoms for a day or two. 4 days later I was hit with symptoms of vertigo. I am still feeling the effects of slight dizziness, at about 5 to 10 percent. Mostly in the mornings and if I move to quickly.
I had vertigo 2 years ago and wound up in the hospital, so I was a little concerned when I felt vertigo 4 days after my second shot. Was this related or coincidence. After seeing other comments I am not surprised.
My wife had read an article as well a few days after my shot, and she was surprised to see that as well.
43 years old male, Indian descent, had first shot of Moderna on March 20, 2021. Shoulder pain, light fever for first two days, from day-3 dizziness & vertigo started. It’s not strong s but it’s still there, you can feel it. Just waiting for it to go away.
Got Moderna vaccine March 2nd, several days of runny nose, body aches, headaches and tingling head. But, unfortunately the scary part was headaches that move all around your head and multiple tingling scalp episodes daily, those symptoms were pretty intense for about 17 days, now minimal headaches and tingling, but on day 14 severe vertigo, the vertigo seems to be a one time episode, that went right into ringing ears, fluid in ears, earaches, major fatigue episodes, it is now day 22, and two ER visits, 3 weeks after first shot. I’m a nurse, I will not be getting the second shot. I don’t think anyone can tell us how long it will last. As it is too new to know. I wish I knew
I have the exact same symptoms. Since you are a nurse what have you heard in the medical.community. I have the tingling sensations.
Hi, Elizabeth, see my additional ling message further below this one, I thought I was hitting the reply button but it just put a whole new post. Just don’t want to type it all over again
I got Pfizer vaccine,I got it on tenth of this month,I have been having bad side effects for whole 3 weeks,I am definitely not getting my second shot,I regret taking the vaccine,I miss my old self before I got the shot,if anyone considering getting Pfizer vaccine, don’t,I think johnson’s would be better that suffering on first dosage and suffering on second dosage,please people don’t take Pfizer vaccine,personal experience.Everyone take care! Be safe!
I have been experiencing these same issues.
1 week since 1st moderna shot and I am experiencing extreme dizziness. I’m wondering how long will this last and if I should get 2nd shot?
I’ve had family members who were vaccinated with the Pfizer shot in Jan/Feb and they experienced dizziness/vertigo after their shots. They no longer have these symptoms. I also had my first shot of the Pfizer vaccine on March 22 and started experiencing dizziness 2 days later. I have had vertigo before and have had tinnitus for a few years now. It’s not pleasant, but knowing that the dizziness symptoms will dissipate within a short time, I will be going forward with the 2nd shot. I’d rather accept several days of dizziness than to end up in the hospital dying of Covid-19. My employer is going to make us all come back in the office in April and I need as much protection as I can get. I’ve been working from home not being around people for a year now. Once I’m fully vaccinated and feeling well, I’m looking forward to traveling and getting life back to normal.
Thanks for your post feel slightly reassured. I have suffered bouts of vertigo in the past but 2 days after Pfizer jab is the worst yet. Just hope it goes away.
I got the moderna vaccine on March 12. Felt fine for 2 days and then 48 hours later became very dizzy and have been dizzy ever since. ENT found nothing in my ears, going to see a functional neurologist now. Has anyone found that the dizziness eventually goes away? Does it go away with the second shot?
Had mine this afternoon at 4on sat in the observation chair and almost immediately felt a little off compared to how I felt before. Thought it was just the anxiety from reading the papers they give you about how it’s not approved. Got home and now trying to cook I feel like I am severely dehydrated and a little on the weak side. Isn’t it too soon to be feeling this way. Prayers for everyone who is dealing with long living side effects and pray that they don’t last long!
Received the Moderna Vaccine on 2/27. Vertigo started Friday March 12. Hospitalized the day after. Uncomfortable vomiting and dizziness. Still experiencing dizziness as of 3/23. Not sure about taking the second dose.
I received my 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine and have been dizzy and lightheaded ever since. Going on day 6 and hoping for improvement soon.
I am almost month after I had my 2nd Moderna vaccine 2/25/21 and two weeks later I started feeling very dizzy especially when I get up from laying or sitting It still has not gone away & last off & on all day. I hope this is not a permanent problem from the vaccine.
Today is the 10th day after the first Moderna vaccine and I start the day feeling really weak,
like I can faint the next minute. I also have on and
off nausea. I take medication for hypothyroidism, so I had bloodwork done yesterday and thyroid was in range. I am supposed to see my doctor on Thursday.
Got 2nd Moderna dose on 3/16..fever, chills, sore, lethargic etc for 1-3 days. Then, woke up with a large rash on my neck/arm. Next day I woke up with extreme vertigo. Felt like the entire room was moving. Never had vertigo before (but do have some history of migraines and fainting) if anyone has recovered from this I’d love to hear from you…
I got the Moderna first shot on February 22. Within a week I was experiencing dizziness. It finally went away after a couple weeks. I have an underlying inner ear condition and thought that it was getting worse and went to the Mayo Clinic.
For a while I was sure I wasn’t going to take the second shot. Feeling okay, I took the second shot yesterday. I felt sick for a couple days after the first shot. So far, 26 hours later, I’m not feeling very sick from the second jab. I am however feeling very anxious, hoping not to experience a repeat of the dizziness.
I had the Johnson & Johnson vaccination on Friday March 12. I woke up early Saturday morning experiencing extreme dizziness. I had hoped it would go away after a couple of days, but the dizzy spells persist and this Friday will be two weeks.
Caffeine. Don’t drink coffee.
Almost immediately I felt woozy with the vaccine. Day 4 got a pretty bad feeling of being on a boat. I’ve had that feeling for years and it went away until today 3/23/21 after a few months of not noticing it. Now I don’t know if it’s the vaccine or I just caught a break . I had the sore arm as well for 2-3 days. I had Pfizer.
I got my 1st dose of Moderna on Wed, Mar 10th. On Thurs, Mar 11th around 11.40am, I was at my cubicle and suddenly felt like I was going to faint. I quickly got up and started moving around to see if the feeling of fainting would go away. My initial thought was that maybe my blood sugar is too low since I tend to skip meals when I have so much work going on. So I drove to nearby Sonic and got a couple of hot dogs. After eating, that feeling went away. Then on Tues, Mar 16th, exact same situation and about same time, I again experienced the same fainting and dizzy feeling. So I left the office to drive to a nearby place to get something to eat. While in the middle of eating, I got the worst feeling ever. It literally felt like someone had grabbed the head of my soul and was yanking me out of my body. Instantly I started experiencing rapid heartbeat and an extreme panic attack. I called my wife on the phone and told her everything I was experiencing. She took me to ER, where they checked my bloodwork and EKG, and everything was normal. But the dizziness, panic attack, anxiety, and feeling of fainting were strong. I was sent home to go see my PCP, and told I just likely have Near Syncope. The symptoms continued through the week. Then on Thursday, Mar 18th, evening, my legs started to feel hot and warm on the inside, sort of like a feeling that my legs were losing circulation. Then of course the panic attack commenced. On Friday, Mar 19th, morning, I was experiencing same symptoms of dizziness, anxiety, weakness in legs. I ended up going to ER again to be checked on. This time they ran CT Scan with dye, EKG, chest x-ray, and bloodwork again. All tests came out normal with no findings. Based on my symptoms, they said it is likely vertigo, but couldn’t explain the reason for weakness in my legs. The ER staff went ahead and gave me some 25mg of Meclizine for vertigo. The Meclizine not only helped my dizziness, but it also helped the weakness in my legs. Not sure how Meclizine helps circulation, but it helped me and I haven’t had any weakness in my legs since. However, the anxiety and panic attacks did not start to subside until I got Ativan from my PCP on Monday, Mar 22nd. Little by little I am just starting to feel that I am returning to normal. So I guess its about 1 to 6 days to start feeling the effects of the vaccine, then about 7 days to start feeling somewhat back to normal.
Right now I am taking Ativan for anxiety, Meclizine for vertigo, Bayer just to help with any pain and for blood circulation. If any of you are experiencing strong anxiety, definitely see your doctor and get some anxiety medication. Also find time to go walking because walking does help relieve anxiety. Play some classical music, yoga, mediate, pray, hug your loved ones, and anything else that will relax you.
I can’t say for certain that the covid vaccine is responsible for all this, but after 2 trips to ER with all of my test results being found normal, it’s kind of hard to not start placing the blame on the vaccine, which is the only thing different that I have done recently. I also am very nervous about getting 2nd dose in 2 weeks, but possible that the first will be the worst dose now that my body knows how to react to the vaccine.
Anyhow just thought I would share this so if any of you are experiencing any or all of these same symptoms, know that you are not alone.
Praying for all of you! God bless!
Brings back memories… I started experiencing symptoms similar to what you described about 10 years ago and went through similar tests and then some, ER visits and anxiety meds over a 2 year period. Like you I even did the thing at work where I would stand up in my cube and go out by others in the event I tipped over. It really impacted my quality of life for 2 years.
I always felt like something was triggering these episodes and eventually connected them to eating peanuts (or something with peanut oil). I’ve tested for peanut allergies twice and they were negative, but the symptoms you described triggered any time I ate peanuts and still do to this day (10 years later). Sometimes it’s super mild and other times it’s more intense, so I think there’s a combination of factors that impact this.
The peanut trigger was hard to find, as my symptoms didn’t start until I was 45 and I had been eating peanuts and peanut butter on a daily basis all my life. Thought I’d post as perhaps something in your diet that you wouldn’t expect that’s triggering your episodes.
3 days after my (first) Moderna dose I got up and fainted twice. Day 7 now and I still have vertigo, mostly noticeable when moving up or down to/from a lying position. I’m hoping this ends soon; I hate it but I don’t want to skip or delay the second dose.
If anyone’s vertigo goes away, please post so that the rest of us can feel more hopeful about it.
Mine gradually got better but didn’t go away completely. I ended up having steroid injections to my ears and that helped a lot. Look up vestibular neuritis. I believe that is what it caused for me. I’m not 100% yet but much better than I was. I had Pfizer on 1/15. The first 2 weeks were the worst.
i had gotten first shot if pfizer on the 9th, i started feeling very fatigue over a week ago and one of my knees just went out while walking with burning on the side, tonight, the other one did the same thing. i have not overworked them and never had issues like this. i wonder if it is related. i don’t know what is worse, the tiredness or knee trouble. i had a bad feeling about getting the vaccine, i wish i had done as my feelings told me.
I had the AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday 22nd March in the morning. I had a strange metallic taste in my mouth after 20mins and then tingling of the lips which turned into paralysis of the mouth, tongue and jawline for about 4 hours. I felt fine for a couple of hours then had headache, dizziness and temperature with sweating all through the night. My leg muscles also were cramping. The last couple of days I have been experiencing dizziness, ? Possible vertigo but I have not experienced it before so I’m not sure. Feels like the earth is moving but also like the floor is not beneath my feet.
I got my second vaccine (Pfizer) on 03/24, yeterday. My symptoms of muscle pain were quite difficult with the first vaccine three weeks ago. This time very little pain, but passing episodes of dizziness. I was just cleaning the kitty litter box and saw black spots, then pitched forward onto my palms and knees. I’m bruised and bleeding. Totally freaked me out.
I have a primary immune disorder, IgA deficiency, with a lab value less than 7, with accompanying end-stage vitiligo, Hashimoto’s, and a recent problem with severe swelling in my joints (hands, feet, knees). Never any dizziness or fainting. Feeling a little scared right now.
I got the astra zeneca on the 19th March. Only on the 22nd did I take a temperature,diarrhoea and feel very nausea. I’ve had headaches from I got my jab.
Is it normal to get side effects 4 days later
Had covid in early October and had prolonged vertigo and still have it so can’t tell if vaccine has that effect on me..
I had muscle pain and neck pain for first 2 days after my astrazeneca vaccine on Friday 19th..5 days past and still bad neck pain and my arm is very red and spreading..i’m now on antihistamine to stop it..am very tired and feeling like it was a mistake to take it..how long will the neck pain last? It’s scary
Five days since second round, walking is difficult, dizzy, just feel horrible. Better than the covid hospital way, but this is bad too. I hope it passes soon. Prayers to everyone feeling this way. Scary when you can’t walk right
I received astrazeneca on 21st Feb was fine for 9 days then vertigo struck and fatigue horrible, going on 3 weeks now, I’m frightened it won’t go away I’m a 55years old female.
When I had vertigo, doctors told me to take meclizine. It’s worked pretty well and also helps me sleep. I have the 25mg tabs, but often I’ll just take half.
I got my second covid-19 scene a week ago yesterday and have been slightly dizzy ever since. Every time I bend over to tie my shoes or pick up dog poop or whatever I have to hold still for a minute till the dizziness subsides. It started about 20 minutes after I got my shot.
I received my first Pfizer on March 20th. Ive been sick with severe cold like symptoms since the day after. Woke up today with dizziness or vertigo. I remember having vertigo some years back and it went away.
Not sure what to do now.
Reading all the comments above I can now definitely connect my dizziness to the vaccine and I already reported it to Vsafe at cdc. They really need to change the dizziness to common side effect not rare. I got my first dose of Pfizer vaccine feb 23rd and about 5 minutes after I experienced slight dizziness and it went away, but after my second dose which was March 16 it was a different story, after 7 days I started having dizziness and vertigo even in the bed, very lethargic. I could not do anything, very disabling and I still have dizziness today March 24th. Went to my doctor March 23/rd. The doctor run some blood work, he said it might be the vaccine but wasn’t sure. Today I’m reading all the comments I’m sure it’s because of vaccine. I have no idea how long this feeling of dizziness will last but it’s really bothersome. I’m just hoping it goes away
My first shot of Pfizer I had a panic attack while waiting 15 minutes. Didn’t really think anything of it. My arm hurt but that was all.. When I received my second shot same panic attack but less. I was feeling fine except really tired. Went to bed late and said this isn’t so bad. Woke up and said the same thing then went back to bed….. Then all hell broke out. Luckily my husband was next to me. When I woke up and tried to stand I had the worst vertigo ever. So bad I couldn’t straightened myself and fell over. Everyime I moved my head to the left this world happen. On Tuesday I only had a little dizziness and by the end of the day I felt great. Went to bed and an hour later was so dizzy in my sleep I almost threw up. All that night was the same. No matter how I had my head. This morning I’m still dizzy. Does this ever get better.
After getting my first shot of Pfizer I started feeling dizziness and vertigo. I went to my PCP and he told me to go to the ER. I was admitted and had an EKG, X-rays, cat scan of the brain, and MRI of the brain, and all came back negative. I was given Meclazine for vertigo and sent home. It’s been over two weeks and still feeling dizzy. Had my second dose last week on the seventeenth. Has anyone felt better yet?
I had my first Pfizer vaccine on 3/3 and am having vertigo and dizziness since the second day 3/4. This is my fourth week. I would like to get my second shot but I am too scared to get It.
How do you do after your second shot? Any worse?
Thanks,
I got Pfizer shot and immediately had a headache, matalic taste, dizzy & nauseous from dizziness. Has anyone had the dizziness as a side effect that finally went away. It’s been going on for a while. Thank u
I felt the same! I had to go to Er with heart palpitations and high blood pressure. ER doc said it was vaccine as I had 2 hours prior. He suggested taking an antihistamine, 1000 mg of Vitamin C and ibuprofen 200-600 per day. After 4 weeks I am finally feeling better!
Have you had your second shot?
Jeanine
I’m 74 and received my 1st dose of the Moderna vaccine Monday (05/22). Tuesday I didn’t feel all that great but no big thing. However, Tuesday night I couldn’t sleep as I felt nauseous and on Wednesday I feel extremely weak and lightheaded. Supposedly the more stronger reactions come with the 2nd dose and if that is the case I hate to imagine what that will be like! If this keeps up I’ll be very leery about receiving the 2nd one!
My husband has had dizziness, leg weakness and fatigue for over two week since receiving the second Moderna vaccine. He sees his doctor tomorrow. Can anyone tell me how long this will last.
Have fatigue, dizziness, and leg weakness after second dose of Moderna vaccine. This has been going on for over two weeks. Will this end?
I had my first Pfizer shot on March 5th. 3 days after I started experiencing extreme vertigo. I went to the ENT the next day and everything looked okay. They gave me 25mg Meclizine. I didn’t feel great for about 2 weeks. I’m starting to feel better. Supposed to get my second shot this Friday (3/26) but am weary and nervous about doing so.
Hi Cassie I been feeling the same way got my Pfizer vaccine on 3/15 on the 4 day I starting feeling very nauseous dizziness and anxiety today is 3/26 and I feel no different I’m scared to get the second shot.
Same symptoms.. with Pfizer jab…did you get your 2nd dose?
I’m now getting my second dose on the 7th. I will say around day 13 or 14 after my first dose I started feeling way better.
Got 1st shot ( Moderna ) on 3-18 so light headed and dizzy on the 19th Fainted. Been to doctors office and blood psi fine and sugar fine. Not getting 2nd shot after reading so many dizzy episodes.
After 1st Moderna instant dizziness for two hours. Went to sleep for 2 hours, felt normal. But since fatigue daily, big nap each day, can do activities but just dragging about.
Hi Elizabeth, hopefully you’ll see this. Other than you, I can find no other information out there about others with the tingling going across head multiple times a day. If it’s not that, then it feels like a bug crawling in one area. The headaches moving around with the tingling went on for a little over two weeks. And now just occasionally, but moved into the severe vertigo episode and going on 8 days of ringing fluid filled ears. 23 days now and no clue if all will fade away or some other new side effect will evolve. Just like others here, ER visits head scans, labs all normal. I imagine there are many with these side effects, but it’s too new to know if they will subside. When did you get your shot and have you had headaches with the tingling and how long has it been going. All of my friends, family and coworkers have tolerated the vaccine with minimal issues. My doctor has not seen anyone else having the head tingling. I notice this thread of people talking started around March 20th and most have had their symptoms a month or less, so it makes me think that many who got theirs in early February may have resolved, so they aren’t seeking out answers and typing their stories like we are. At least that is my hope that side effects will clear not long after a month. I do promise if mine resolves. That I will check back on this page and let everyone know. As it is worrisome and it would be great to hear from others whose side effects finally subsided
Hi Deb I have vertigo with the head tingling and cannot get out of bed. Had Astra Zeneca jab on 8th March was dizzy straight away but vertigo started last week. The head tingling is very scary. My doctor says inner ear infection but I think it is the vaccine
Yes, the head tingling is scary, headaches and head tingling lasted about 18 days, are you still having that? My head scan and basic labs were okay but it is the unknown that makes it scary, as no one has answers, my spell of vertigo was about 2weeks after the shot. Now it’s constant tinnitis
Meclizine is OTC and can help with the vertigo. Xanax can help with the tinnitus and ofc anxiety as well. I think people’s bodies adapt eventually to most of these symptoms, but it can definitely be an unpleasant wait.
Got my first 1 dose of Vaccine today (Pfizer) today Mar 20, 2021….10 mins after the vaccine, felt a little lightheadedness. Until this very moment im doing this comment. I have history of vertigo and mild anxiety. While at the recovery/observation, the nurse check my BP and turned out good….i had this feeling of claustrophobia. Thats add on to the feeling of dizziness.
I had some of the same symptoms and maybe this information can help.
-After 1st dose of Pfizer had instant slight dizziness and felt faint, I could still easily drive home. Weird effect was tingling in hands and feet like similar to right before or after a charlie horse (this is going on for 7 days and is more annoying than painful). Caffeine, alcohol, and cold seem to make it worse. Sitting still seems to make it worse. I had a bunch of bananas which did nothing. I had average arm pain and very mild headache. Headache went away after acetominephen and stayed away. I have had fairly bad allergies recently, have an occasional history of vertigo from ear issue. No fever, no vertigo. Doctor said that people who have previously been exposed or had elevated immune system seemed to have worse and some weird side effects. I have been previously exposed but never tested positive, no symptoms, and tested negative for antibody test prior to getting vaccine. The shots do have potassium in them. Potassium overdose can cause heart issues, burning, tingling, etc. I believe that since I keep my body very alkaline and take supplements (Sodium specific diuretics would also probably do this) that the side effects that I am experiencing are from high Potassium. Really the only solution is to drink a bunch of non-spring drinking water and pee a lot. I am going to try this and let you know if it makes any difference. Did anyone’s blood work come back with high Potassium K?
Also, 7% of people in initial trial did not get the 2nd shot and 0 had hospitalizations or death. I would not get the 2nd shot because it will be a larger volume injection which will most likely have more Potassium. Not a medical doctor but have PhD in Chemistry. Potassium should also lower pressure and could be causing some people’s persistent dizziness and vertigo. Shots also are supposed to be mixed with 0.9% saline solution (sodium) but if there were not mixed properly, could be causing increased Na and higher pressure, although our bodies get rid of Na very easily.
March 5 I got the Moderna shot, the 1st in the series. At day 3, March 8 I got put off with extreme Vertigo. I could barely get out of bed. Head started pounding, brain fog, unbalanced, ears feeling full, and the feeling like there is a band around my head from the pressure. This has gone on waxing and waning since. Some days worse than others. Yesterday I added feeling nauseous to the mix. Moving my head, actually any head movements can exhibit the symptoms somewhat. It is now March 25th, so almost 3 weeks of this. Sometimes I feel like it’s getting better, but then bam it’s back again. I have been to PCP, starting OT Friday, and getting a referral for ENT. My right area around my mastoid bone seems to be swollen so I will discuss this with my PCP on Friday.
I had the first Moderna shot in February. Not much reaction. Second Moderna vaccine one month later. The next day, I had severe pain at injection site; swelling about 4 x 5 inches around injection site; red, hot around injection site. This lasted for 3 days. Then on the 17th day after the second injection, I got up in the morning, and felt dizzy; fell suddenly backwards into the bed – like I was being sucked into the bed. Dizzy episodes that last less than a minute; spinning sensation when lying in bed. Severe for two data. Went to doctor; same spinning sensation 3 times during appointment – when lying down to have blood pressure taken; tried to get up, sucked back onto table. Had to lie down for ekg and same thing. Given flotasine but it made around my eyes and cheek bones ache and headache. Now it is over two weeks, and dizzy spells continue when lying down or getting up, or turning my head to the left while already in bed. I have an ent appointment coming up on April 21. Praying that we all will be normal again. I have not experienced dizziness / vertigo before this. I am 72 years old, and I have had ear infections; ear fungus in the past but never dizziness. These symptoms have somewhat lessened, but remain after all this time. I am concerned about my three grown children, relatives getting the second shot.
Just want to add my data to the mix here.
I started to have dizziness (not vertigo) 6 hours after my 1st Pfizer shot. I found this site when researching whether it was a common side effect. It’s now 14 hours after the shot and the dizziness has gone away.
I read many of the posts here and the thought of dizziness and vertigo that doesn’t go away is pretty scary and I experienced that fear briefly earlier today before my dizziness luckily went away. I really hope the doctors are able to find a resolution for those whom it is a persistent problem.
I got my first shot of the Pfizer vaccine 9 days ago and I started feeling dizzy the 3rd day. Feels like vertigo which I’ve had before so I took bonine. Does anyone know what helps and how long dizziness lasts? I can’t be out of work too much longer.
Please don’t skip your second dose just because of vertigo.
Herd immunity isn’t strong enough to protect the most vulnerable among us with under 90% vaccine efficacy. Even if you’ve had COVID-19 before, you can still get it again. Naturally acquired immunity from infection with COVID-19 generally lasts less than three months. Even if you had a mild case of COVID-19 the first time, the second infection can be severe enough to kill you.
I live with vertigo every day. I just had my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and my vertigo has not worsened. Vertigo and dizziness can be caused by many things, including seasonal allergies (ear, nose, throat, aka hay fever). Some of us have year-round seasonal allergies and you can develop new or worsened allergies at any point in your life.
If you’re seriously worried about dizziness, get off random internet forums and schedule an appointment to see your primary care doctor. They can send you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist if necessary.
There are so many different causes of dizziness. I’m alarmed and more than a little frightened to see comments from people swearing off the vaccine entirely. Even if vertigo is a side effect, I guarantee dizziness is better than death! Take it from someone who can’t even turn around in place slowly without falling over and whose grandmother recently died from COVID-19. She would agree with me. Get the vaccine.
(You can spread COVID-19 to an immunocompromised person (or any person with or without comorbidities) even if you’re asymptomatic, so even if you feel fine, you could be the cause of death of someone else.)
I had my first AZ vaccine on Feb 27th. The next day I had a slight temp and felt like I had the flu so stayed in bed. Two days later I had my first near fainting spell; since then I’ve been to A&E three times with dizziness/fainting and have been kept in overnight once for observation. I have had nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and so a bit of weight loss. Things feel like they’re improving and then two days later I have another near faint and tons of dizziness. The last two days I thought I was going back to normal and then last night and today I feel awful again. It interferes with my work and looking after my kids/driving etc. I am now nearly one month out and still waiting for it to go away. Extremely nervous about whether to get my second jab (I was very pro-vaccine previously) and the lack of longitudinal data means most doctors are just as unsure.
I had my 1st AZ vaccine 15 days ago. First 24 hours tired and feeling achy but after that felt fine, apart from a little more tired than usual, until about 2 days ago when I started feeling dizzy and vertigo when moving my head and a general light headed feeling. Sorry you are feeling so unwell. I guess we need to know if it is safe for us to have the second dose.
4:13am of the 6th day after the vaccine (moderna, 1st dose) and I can’t sleep. Dizzy and nauseated. So weak that it’s hard to lift my arms. I’ve been so scared for the whole night! I had no symptoms until today. I was so happy that I got the vaccine and only felt a slight pain in the arm on the next day. But then 6 days latter… BAM. And to find this thread and see that people are experiencing the same symptoms and what’s worse, been having them for almost a month made me feel good that I’m all alone, and so hopeless that what I’m feeling might stay for a while. I need someone to come here and say their symptoms disappeared x(
38 year old make and I’m in Day 6 after first Moderna Vaccine and I have slight vertigo, equilibrium is off, and I just feel “out of it.” My initial effect was an immediate bad cold but this seemed to have gone away. Anyone try taking motion sickness medicine? I’m getting desperate lol gotta work!
Thank God I found this website and forum!! People look at me as though I’m over dramatic about the pose side effects I’m having since the 1st dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine! The day of vaccine I was fine, the next 2 days I was holding onto to bathroom sink with severe dizziness and almost passed out! I got the vaccine on March 1 and still having episodes of headache, congested feeling in head, dizziness, pain in my left leg, off balance feeling and heart palpitations! I’m not sure how long these symptoms will last but I didn’t go for my 2nd shot in fear of feeling this way forever! I will not waste my time to go to PCP or ER because I know they will say I’m just being anxious. As I do research most people who are having these reactions from vaccine their doctors and specialists are saying it’s not from the vaccine because there isn’t enough research on the vaccine to begin with! All I want is some opinions on what helped them get through these symptoms and how long do they last??
My mother had the Moderna vaccine on 3.16. She started experiencing dizziness about 3 days later….no other reactions. She went to the ER as she is 79 and a cerebellar stroke survivor. They did an MRI and blood work, found nothing. Prescribed her Meclazine and 3 days later…she is still experiencing the dizziness. I hope this eventually subsides. Thinking about taking her to ENT next week, if the dizziness does not subside.
I got my first shot of Pfizer on 3/6. Six days later I was hit with vertigo, which has lessened in severity, but not gone away completely over the last two weeks. I’m 37, healthy, and this is a new, scary feeling for me. I’m fully pro-science, pro-vaccine, etc., but I’m very nervous about my second shot this weekend.
got second Moderna shot 3/14 last night3/24 fainted fell backwards 18 stiches,never had anything like this happen before, hope it is a side effect and will not happen again. Bp is normal!
Dizziness and vertigo and general woolly headedness has commenced 12/13 days after the first AZ vaccine. If it doesn’t clear up quickly I will have to rethink whether I take up the 2nd shot.
I had Astra Zeneca on March 15th & was fine apart from feeling a bit tired, but yesterday the 24th, my arm became all red, itchy, hot & swollen where I had the injection. Apparently everyone is different so my GP says not to worry but 10 days after does make me worry !!
I also had Astra Zeneca on the 15th March. One week later, neck pain and inflammatory headache started suddenly and continues (it’s now April 2). Acetaminophen and Advil helped (not needed today since pain somewhat lessened). Seeing my doctor next week and will decide about second dose that’s not until July (Canada) depending on how these side effects play out and what other information becomes public.
I took Covishield on 24th March.Next morning I suddenly fainted with numbness in my arm and legs and mouth also.
Got Moderna vaccines. 10 days after second vaccine, was hit by vertigo on March 4. It is now March 25 and it is still here. I cannot work. The only thing that make me feel better is to lay down. What has happened? How do I fix this?
I received my 1st shot on Feb 25. A week later Feb 4th I fainted and now March 25th, still feel a bit dizzy. Last time I fainted was yesterday. I have fainted a total of 12 times. Have gone to Er twice, cardiologist, going to a neurologist next week. Feel weak, neck and shoulders feel sore. I didn’t get the second vaccine.
I wish I knew some answers.
How many have received their second dose of Pfizer with still having previous side effects to their first shot? If so, any worsening symptoms or new?
I have NOT previously contracted COVID-19 to my knowledge (when I get sick, I get really sick). I’ve been a hermit and have social distanced.
I’m a 32 year old female and I’m due to get my second Pfizer vaccine on April 2nd and I’m really nervous. I didn’t have many side effects in my arm right after the shot other than it being really sore for about 20 min after leaving while I was on the way home. Other than that, it just felt like I had a bruise at the injection site. I ran a slight fever of 99.4 on and off for the first few days but felt okay. No longer have a fever (but hard to tell because I’m taking Tylenol around the clock) but symptoms have progressed since the first few days and not getting better. Now for the bad…
I’ve experienced tightness in the middle of my chest randomly, extreme fatigue, feet turning more blue/purple than the usual, sleeplessness, and headaches that are in the middle front part of my head (don’t experience these types of headaches. Usually I get more of a pressure headache to the left side of my head). My watch is constantly telling me to breathe. I’m having random shooting pain and tingling under my eyes where the eye socket/cheekbones are (not usually correlating with my headaches). Started with the left side and now both get random shooting pains. I’ve never felt the pain under my eyes before until I got the vaccine.
Random falling/rising stars (usually falling stars indicates a migraine) just happening more often than normal. My lymph nodes in my neck where my throat is, have been swollen on both sides (similar to how they react with strep or cold). All I see are people with symptoms of swollen lymph nodes by armpit for first few days which is not the case for me.
My joints and muscles have been worse than ever and swollen all over. Already had issues with my knees but now can hardly walk up and down stairs. I’ve also had ringing in my ears that can sometimes be intense. I’m almost a week away before my scheduled second dose.
*** A little background on myself***
I was recently diagnosed with positive autoimmune but still waiting to meet with a rheumatologist to get a firm diagnosis. PCP and PT are thinking it’s RA. I’ve always had a terrible time falling and staying asleep as well as fatigue. Symptoms are just worse than my previous normal symptoms. I’ve now been taking 2-4 Tylenol pm or Benadryl and 15 mg of melatonin every night because I’m so miserable. Still doesn’t help much. I was prescribed Medrol 21 day pack for my previous joint/muscle issues right before my first vaccine was scheduled but was told to hold off until a week after my second dose due to it possibly making the vaccine less effective. I also had a brain tumor removed last year about a year ago.
Getting covid terrifies me so I was super excited about the vaccine. This and another forum are the only two forums I’ve found with people having similar issues or any issues at all other than what they’re claiming. Now I’m highly questioning the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. I really want the second one but afraid symptoms will get worse. I’m afraid if I call my PCP they will tell me not to get the second shot, but again, I also don’t want covid but also don’t want to get worse and possibly die from the second shot. I just don’t know what to do….
Hi Deb and Elizabeth
I have received my first shot on March 23rd and am experiencing tingling sensation in different parts of my head the past few days. I would not say my head hurts but I do feel some pressure in the forehead area. I have also felt a tingling sensation in the base of my throat. I haven’t seen much on the tingling symptoms. Other than that I haven’t felt bad. Some soreness at the injection sight and that’s about it I hope its resolved soon. I wonder if I should get some tests done?!
The tingling head lasted over 2 weeks with headaches all over, that is now only occasional. Now it’s constant ringing ear issue. No one knows. Everyone will have to ask their own doctors and pursue tests if needed. Seems though that most who have had tests are normal. I had a head scan and labs which were normal. But, clearly this is not normal
I agree it’s not normal. I will be contacting my doctor tomorrow to go over how I have been feeling in prep for shot 2 if I decide it’s right for me. Most of my family members who have gotten I have only experienced injection site pain. I seem to be the only one out of 15 people who have this sensation. I hope you continue to see an improvement
Hi Deb, I am a nurse too and have developed the tingling scalp only on the right side of my head as well as my right eye feels heavy and weird. My blood pressure too is on the low side and I feel dizzy mutliple times a day. I was completely healthy before the vaccine, had first shot on Feb 12th and second on March 12th. Headache and tingling started beginning of March, hoping everything settles down soon.
i had my first Pfizer injection. on 3/24/21. Five hours later as I decided to take a nap I awakened to extreme extreme vertigo. The entire room and my head were spinning out of control. This re-occured 5 times in the following evening every time i awoke and turned my head to the right. Not only would the room spin but that which I saw moved back and forth vividly and quickly from right to left each time numerous times . I also have severe dizziness and lightheadedness and brain fog. It’s only 24 hours now. It appears that many of you had similar symptoms. I was going to go to the ER and as my wife was driving I decided to go home. I have never experienced anything like this and know that it is vaccine related. Not finding fault and greatful to have the vaccine but curious to know if anyone has seen a healthcare person who has offered any anatomic or explanation of any nature. I feel as though I am experiencing a neurologic disconnect.
I had the Moderna vaccine Thursday at about 11 am.
At 12 Midnight Friday I suddenly felt acute flu symptoms and from fatigue, slept.
I awoke maybe 2 hours later with severe vertigo, and nausea.
Complete supine- flat positions or hyper extended neck over the pillow, made the vertigo worse with a visual experience of the room moving back and forth around me, as if I had nystagmus.
I’d vomit then feel a little better and fall back asleep.
This state of flu like s/s lasted 28 hours and resolved as quickly as it came.
But I’m 58 and hate to go through this again.
I know that the flu can cause inner ear inflammation that results in vertigo.
[https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw265594]
but, it’s a-lot to have tolerate with aches pains and walking ot the bathroom when you feel like you’re falling over and going to vomit.
I haven’t decided if i am going to get the 2nd vaccine.
Maybe I’ll room prep everything (newspaper on the floor in case i vomit) and buy a bedside commode.
Sorry to be so graphic but it really was like having a bad flu for 28 hours.
First Moderna 3/2. Sick ever since. 15 mins after dizzy, metal taste. Day 2, slept like drugged. Day three, pain shoulders, neck, headach, arms, whole body really. Temperature 3 or 4 days. So weaK, light headed, hard to stand or just get dressed. Difficulty even thinking.. Week later temp again fir a day. 3 wks later still awful, nauseous, went to Dr. thought maybe my heart. Said will be the same after second vaccine, but worth the risk. I am not so sure. What else is going to happen. I am barely functioning. I don’t thing they know enough about this. I think if my body is not tolerating first, it might be telling me not to do second!
I have the same, had my vaccine, Astra Zenica Sunday 21st, started feeling dizzy/nausious wednesday! Hope it doesn’t last too long but it’s reasuring to know I am not the only one & it is
just a side affect! 🙂
Most of my tingling was on the right side too, but occasionally base of skull and left side. Mine started though right after my first shot on March 2nd. Pretty intense for about 2weeks, then faded out to the intense vertigo spell March 15th, and now chronic ringing ears. Different annoying continuous sound in my head ears tonight. I wish I knew this would stop and is not permanent.
Six days after my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine & I am still having constant headaches.
I am having to take round the clock pain meds. Is anyone having these horrendous headaches?
I am on Day 15 since my 1st shot of Moderna. I did experience some bad vertigo, nausea, anxiety, and feeling of little circulation in my legs. This all started 6 days after receiving my 1st dose. I went to ER a couple of times and everything checked out normal. The only finding that I really had in my bloodwork was a slightly elevated glucose level (113), where it should be under 100.
So since I first went to ER 9 days ago, I have eliminated all types of non-natural sugars from my diet, including beverages. I have been taking Meclizine for vertigo, Ativan for anxiety, and Bayer every 4 hours for any headaches and for better blood circulation. I have made it a point to eat healthy meals (grilled chicken, vegetables, fruits, avocados, with small amounts of bread for carbs). Vitamins-wise, I have been taking fish oil pills just about every day, for better brain function. I have also been walking every single day, as much as possible, which is typically 30 to 45 min a day, which is about 5,000 steps per day. Going to aim soon for daily 10,000 steps.
Here on Day 9, my vertigo appears to be subsiding. It is nowhere near as intense as the first few days that it started. I was taking 3 Meclizine per day and am now down to 2 per day. I can feel that pretty soon I will be down to 1 per day. Anxiety meds, I am down to about half a 0.5mg pill per day now instead of 1 per day. I have not had anxiety panic attacks like I was experiencing 9 days ago. Still taking Bayer throughout the day.
Not saying this is the anecdote for everyone, but its worked for me. Just passing along.
Vertigo started the morning after my 2nd Dose of Pfizer vaccine. Now on Day 2, Vertigo remains. Two questions: 1) does anything work to minimize side effect of Vertigo? 2) how long will it last (if anyone has experience with this subsiding please respond!) ? Thanks! There is no doubt this is due to the vaccine, we all on this forum aren’t going crazy!
Try EmergenC. I have read it helps. I am experiencing all the same vertigo and I even fainted. Just tried the Vitamin c. Will check back later and let you know.
I have literally just ordered emergenC after reading taking vitamin C helps.. also apparently 400mg Ibuprofen yet to try that.. the scary part of this is not knowing when it will stop! I’ve suffered vertigo in the past but when it goes away it stays away for months/ years even. This vertigo following Pfizer vaccination keeps coming back! But early days fingers crossed 🤞
I have taken Astrazeneca vaccine first shot , I did not have any reaction for first few days . My dizziness started after 5 days and it has increased from day 10 , now it is day 17 and dizziness makes me uncomfortable for 3-4 hours every day. Under Vertin 16 mg twice a day but no relief. Feeling miserable and un productive.
I had the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday, March 23. about 6 hours later I felt drunk and unable to move much. Arm hurt so much. Day two arm pain was mild and I felt fine otherwise. Day 3 dizzy and drunk feeling in afternoon. Woke up on day 4 so dizzy with waves of vertigo and dizziness and what felt as if having panic attack. stumbling around house. My head feels like it weighs a hundred pounds ( maybe it does ?) I have had a history of migraines and vertigo but nothing in past year until the shot. It is certainly from the shot. It’s hard to type this and I feel completely drunk and out of it. This is very hard and hope it fades soon. Anyone feel better after a week or so? I fear I cannot drive or work much .
I had the Pfizer vaccine. Normal for 4 hours and then everything got heavy, relaxed, breathing slowed and got heavy. Total feeling of being high like I had taken a pain pill. I thought at first it would get worse and that I was having an allergic reaction. It never progressed but did last over 8 hours and intensified when I laid down to go to sleep. The next day I woke up just a bit tired and my arm hurt only if I rolled over on it. Anxious to see what the 2nd dose does. I reported it to my Dr and on the vaccine app. He said he hadn’t heard of it but with so many getting the vaccine there are bound to be lots of different reactions. The only thing I could find googling was these posts and that people who had the Astra Zeneca vaccine reported feeling drunk.
For Dizziness go to YouTube put in brad and Bob two most famous physical therapist on the Internet they help Vertigo dizziness . Helps your brain adapt
Simple Exercises For Vertigo You Can Do At Home-Cawthorne Cooksey Look this one Brad and Bob two most Famous physical therapist on the Internet YouTube . Your brain need Need to adapt Vertigo . Stop it rooming Spinning . Internet YouTube stop ear ringing one use two spoon tap back neck . Works I swear by it . Ask Dr first see safe . I just Receive the Covid shot today and yes I have numbness in my gums tongue and lips and my scalp . I had stay longer because of it . Right after shot given.
2nd Pfizer vaccine wednesday. No side effects from 1st. Today, friday, working in the kitchen and suddenly very dizzy, disoriented. Barely made it to a chair without falling. Never experienced anything like that in my 70 years. Hope it passes soon. It’s been an hour and I’m still dizzy.
I have had Vertigo for 3 days now, 4 days after Pfizer vaccine. I read somewhere to try Vitamin C and ibuprofen. Well I took some EmergenC because that is all I had, felt better after an hour. Actually feel A LIT BETTER.
THANK YOU WHO RECOMMENDED VITAMIN C.
That’s great to hear. Mine arrives tomorrow so will take it immediately. Hopefully vertigo will subside.
I received my first does of the Pfizer vaccine one week from yesterday. However, I am still experiencing extreme fatigue (so tired I want to cry…I know that sounds ridiculous but its true) and a low grade fever (I also want to note that I do have Lupus). Has anyone else experienced longer side effects?
1st dose 12/23/20; 2nd dose 1/24/21 Moderna followed by headache and typical symptoms of fever and body aches for 24 hours. 1/15/21 and 1/19/21 I fell forward bending forward to pick something up again at work climbing stairs, both without hitting head. 2/26/21 severe vertigo and vomiting, unable to walk called 911 and seen in ED. Head CT and labs normal. Four weeks modified Epley’s maneuver with persistent daily vertigo, vague disequilibrium and headache that I am calling a “sore jello” feel when my head moves. It is a relief to find this website and others are experiencing the same symptoms.
1st dose of Moderna last Saturday. Immediate pain and burning in the arm – was told that was normal. Went home, fatigue, chills, nausea. Sunday fever, nausea, chills, headache. Monday same now add horrific headache. Was told by nurses not permitted to take Advil for 2 days. Took the Advil as it was two days. Woke up in a puddle of sweat. Ate, nausea, headache, fever returned. More advil. Wednesday same. Thursday hives itching on the left side of my neck accompanied with numbness ont he left side only. Today woke up sick again like I have the flu.
Not liking Moderna at all.
Where does one report side effects???
https://vaers.hhs.gov/
Hope you feel better soon
I received my second shot early February. Last week on March 20 I experienced some vertigo. Eyes felt heavy especially on my left side. Because iWork in a hospital one of our docs wanted me to get checked out for a stroke. I had an EKG, CT of head, neuro exam etc….. all negative. This whole week the vertigo comes and goes. I tried to see a neurologist as recommended but will have to wait for three weeks. I called an ENT doc friend and he saw me today. They wanted to try manipulation but since I had been taking Meclizine they told me to wait 48 hours drug free. I am going for am MRI on Monday. I am completely debilitated. Can not work or drive. I had not thought of the vaccine but after reading the comments I am having second thoughts. I hope this goes away soon. I received the Phizer vaccine. No complications after both shots until now🙀👌🏽
I received my second shot early February. Last week on March 20 I experienced some vertigo. Eyes felt heavy especially on my left side. Because iWork in a hospital one of our docs wanted me to get checked out for a stroke. I had an EKG, CT of head, neuro exam etc….. all negative. This whole week the vertigo comes and goes. I tried to see a neurologist as recommended but will have to wait for three weeks. I called an ENT doc friend and he saw me today. They wanted to try manipulation but since I had been taking Meclizine they told me to wait 48 hours drug free. I am going for am MRI on Monday. I am completely debilitated. Can not work or drive. I had not thought of the vaccine but after reading the comments I am having second thoughts. I hope this goes away soon. I received the Phizer vaccine.
Got my first dose of Moderna on Monday March 8th. No real side effect other then a sore arm. Then Saturday March 13th started feeling very dizzy and foggy. By Monday I had vertigo so bad I couldn’t get out of bed. Nauseas too. It seemed to get better the next few days then it came back with a vengeance Saturday Sunday and Monday. Saw an ent and really had no answers as my hearing tests were fine. I mentioned I got the covid shot but he blew it off because it didn’t happen 48 hours after the shot. I already have titinitis and it has gotten worse since the shot. After reading all these comments I am
not getting my second shot I can’t chance this getting any worse
I had the astrazenica 27th of Feb that night I kept waking up in cold sweats and the day after it really set my fibro pain and neuropathy off, I was in agony and really fatigued, felt better the day after but still tired then after a few days the dizziness started and the fatigue seems to get worse every day. 4 weeks now since the vaccine and I’m even more fatigued, and dizzy..I started with a cold 2 weeks after the vaccine and can’t shake it off, although I usually have a good immune system. Finally gave in and spoke to the Dr’s on Wednesday 24th March and now on antibiotics and if nothing changes they are going to start doing tests. I was only around 5 or 6 weeks post covid when I had the vaccine so thought the side effects were worse because I’m.post covid but seems like a lot of people are still suffering from dizziness and fatigue weeks after the vaccine
Headache try drink more water . No Alcohol . Hope Help use ice pack for head . One Dr told stand in shower under hot water then turn to ice cold go back fourth get your blood circulating on your head works . Nauseous ice cream helps . Your dizzy get cane better then falling breaking bone . Youtube Brad & Bob two most Famous physical therapist on the Internet . Look for Vertigo exercises helps out tremendously . Arm hurts from shot ice use bag pea at store cheap . The minute I walked in the door my service dog knew something was wrong with me and never left my side from shot got on 3/26/21. I Severe blurriness in my right eye . For fatigue try Vitamin B 12 or B complex .
I had my first Moderna vaccine on February 2, 2021 the second shot was followed up on March 4, 2021. On Monday, March 22 I woke up from a dead sleep to the most horrific spinning I have ever experienced in my life. I have a mild headache , ringing in right ear, and extreme disequilibrium with vertigo. I began researching a cause and came across this site with vaccine and vertigo side effects.
At first I thought I had a sinus infection with fluid on my ears that began with allergies but that was not the case as determined by my ENT.
The cause of my vertigo seems to be unknown but now I’m questioning if it’s the vaccine. I hope this doesn’t last too long but it been five days now.
I had my first Pfizer shot on March 08th. Just a sore arm and tired for four days. Was in bed by 9pm when I’m normally in bed by 11. No other side effects. Had my second Pfizer shot yesterday (17 days later). Arm more sore than first shot. Used gel ice pack on and off all of today which greatly helped. Have not had any other side effects but have been taking tylenol and motrin on and off today. Been drinking lots of fluids, taking B-12, D-3, multivitamin, and probiotic as this is my regular regimen. Tired but expected that. Took the day off work today to lay around and took a two hour nap early in the afternoon to combat the fatigue. Seems that my side effects were a sore arm and tiredness which I would expect from any vaccine since my immune system has been “woken” up to do its job.
POSSIBLE ANSWER, I’ve been posting my symptoms here following 1st moderna shot on March 2, about 18 days of headaches and tingling scalp issues, 2 weeks after that faded and severe vertigo episode, moving I to ear fluid, tinnitus ringing ears. Obvious vaccine side effects. I’m a nurse and always try to get to the bottom of any issue. Reading lots of things and everyone else’s symptoms here, I see several who also had head tingling like me. One person said to look up Vestibular neuritis, steroids had helped them. So, I look up vestibular neuritis and it also brings up Labyrintinitis. I suggest everyone look both of those up, it sure appears that the vaccine is causing one or both of these as a side effect. Sounds like the vestibular neuritis causes lots of vertigo and the labyrintinitis causes, vertigo, but also can cause scalp tingling, tinnitus ringing in ears and vertigo. No wonder the ER doesn’t know what to do with us when labs and scans are normal and primary doctors haven’t seen enough side effects from the vaccines yet to know. Sounds like most times within 3 to 4 weeks those issues resolve on their own, or steroids help. I just wanted to put this out there if it would help anyone, as all these various side effects can feel scary. Please do your own reading on these topics and do get checked out by your doctor for any other possible causes. If mine does not calm down, I will be seeing a ENT. Just all makes sense to me for myself that Labyrintinitis was developing 18 days of scalp tingling headaches, evolving into vertigo, then ear fluid and tingling. I will be sure to post any treatment or if resolves. Good luck to everyone
Thank you, Deb. Very helpful
Deb, thank you so much for posting. After 1st Moderna vaccine on March 9th I have been dealing with debilitating vertigo, couldn’t walk unassisted, slurred speech, fullness, ringing and pain in ears. After several ER visits and short hospital stay they said it is labyrinthitis and was put on 60mg prednisone for 5 days then taper down 5 more days. After day 7 I am finally feeling a bit better. Now I can say without question this had to do with vaccine.
I agree with Deb. I had vestibular neuritis 12 years ago, and the absolute worse thing I did was stay in bed. It eventually resolved itself over the years, but since taking the 1st dose of the Pfizer vaccine on 3/25/21, it’s been 48 hours, and The last 12 hours have been the worse. I feel the effects of vestibular neuritis all over again. I feel off when I turn my head from side to side and too much movement gives me motion sickness—even if it’s everyday household chores. THE KEY IS TO STAYING UPRIGHT AND AS ACTIVE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN so your vestibular system can “correct” itself. Laying still for months due to dizziness without knowing what was wrong was actually more crippling and did more harm than good 12 years ago. I had to go to physical therapy to teach my body to be upright again. Since I didn’t know that laying in bed all day was the worse thing I could do for this kind of dizziness, I inadvertently made my vertigo worse.
I was popping meclizine like candy. But the absolute best medication that got me through my most acute stages was Valium. Valium suppresses the vestibular system, but the trade off is you feel groggy and out of it. Based on how the government punishes pain, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe benzodiazepines, smh. Some people are given steroids to be taken short term to alleviate the dizziness if standard protocol doesn’t work such as meclizine (motion sickness) and zofran (nausea) don’t work.
I will be making an appointment with my ENT on Monday to discuss my options. I absolutely do believe this is a side effect of the vaccine. If I can’t get my symptoms under control, I’m not sure if I would even consider myself a candidate for the 2nd dose. I am also treated by a neurologist from Mayo Clinic for POTS. Hoping they will have some recommendations.
The takeaway is that the dizziness does subside. When? I don’t know. With the COVID vaccine, I can’t say how long.with just a regular, run of the mill, post viral vestibular neuritis, it took me months—but that’s because I didn’t know how to treat it and had a very incompetent ENT and PCP. My neurologist at the time actually treated me and was the one to prescribe Valium.
Since COVID attacks parts of central and autonomic nervous systems, a number of our systems could be affected by the vaccine. I’m TRYING mightily to tell myself that what I’m experiencing now is better than getting the virus itself. But after reading this thread I’m having a hard time convincing myself.
I’ll come back and update. I also have POTS, MCAS, and Ménière’s type symptoms. So I already have a few things working against me. Fortunately, POTS isn’t affected. Neither is MCAS. My inner ear is my most presenting symptom with vertigo.
I’ve been leaving updates on my reaction to my COVID-19 symptoms on my IG and FB page which is primarily to document my life with chronic illness in hopes I can give back to my community and help others going through similar experiences. @pots_paradox
Deb thank you for your input, very helpful.
I am glad I’m not the only one feeling what I’m feeling. I have had severe vertigo, severe headache, chills and weakness since my first moderna vaccine and that was a week ago. I see that one of the ingredients is polyethylene glycol which is also in Compazine which I am severely allergic to. I am strongly thinking about not taking the second vaccine
I agree with Deb. I had vestibular neuritis 12 years ago, and the absolute worse thing I did was stay in bed. It eventually resolved itself over the years, but since taking the 1st dose of the Pfizer vaccine on 3/25/21, it’s been 48 hours, and The last 12 hours have been the worse. I feel the effects of vestibular neuritis all over again. I feel off when I turn my head from side to side and too much movement gives me motion sickness—even if it’s everyday household chores. THE KEY IS TO STAYING UPRIGHT AND AS ACTIVE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN so your vestibular system can “correct” itself. Laying still for months due to dizziness without knowing what was wrong was actually more crippling and did more harm than good 12 years ago. I had to go to physical therapy to teach my body to be upright again. Since I didn’t know that laying in bed all day was the worse thing I could do for this kind of dizziness, I inadvertently made my vertigo worse.
I was popping meclizine like candy. But the absolute best medication that got me through my most acute stages was Valium. Valium suppresses the vestibular system, but the trade off is you feel groggy and out of it. Based on how the government punishes pain, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe benzodiazepines, smh. Some people are given steroids to be taken short term to alleviate the dizziness if standard protocol doesn’t work such as meclizine (motion sickness) and zofran (nausea) don’t work.
I will be making an appointment with my ENT on Monday to discuss my options. I absolutely do believe this is a side effect of the vaccine. If I can’t get my symptoms under control, I’m not sure if I would even consider myself a candidate for the 2nd dose.
The takeaway is that the dizziness does subside. When? I don’t know. With the COVID vaccine, I can’t say how long.with just a regular, run of the mill, post viral vestibular neuritis, it took me months—but that’s because I didn’t know how to treat it and had a very incompetent ENT and PCP. My neurologist at the time actually treated me and was the one to prescribe Valium.
Since COVID attacks parts of central and autonomic nervous systems, a number of our systems could be affected by the vaccine. I’m TRYING mightily to tell myself that what I’m experiencing now is better than getting the virus itself. But after reading this thread I’m having a hard time convincing myself.
I’ll come back and update. I also have POTS, MCAS, and Ménière’s type symptoms. So I already have a few things working against me. Fortunately, POTS isn’t affected. Neither is MCAS. My inner ear is my most presenting symptoms with vertigo.
I received second Pfizer shot March 3. No side effects until THIS! (20 days later). Severe vertigo. Came on sudddenly 4 days ago. Originally thought it might be allergies but then saw this article. originally came on just with head movement but seems to be getting worse. Mostly dizzy and tired. Slight tinnitus. Regretting the second shot.
I got the second pfizer vaccine on March 3rd. Within a few days of the vaccine I have had vertigo and dizziness. It is now the 28th of March and I am still having vertigo when I go to lay down or roll over in bed but not quite as bad and also having dizziness when I am up and around. Learned to manage it by moving slowly and great caution. Very annoying.
I received the vaccine 3 days ago and I’m experiencing dizziness and numbness on my feet. Is is normal?
How long it will last for?
Got my first moderma shot February 27 no side effects at all not even sore arm Went back and got my second moderma shot March 27 had sore arm a couple hours after getting second shot I woke up the next day having tingling feelings in my head , lightheaded hoping this will pass soon
I hope it will pass soon for you, too long for me to type again but you can look back at my previous posts. About 18 days of headaches and tingling head after 1st Moderna shot . Switching to vertigo and now constant ear ringing, 27 days later
Severe dizziness and vertigo 3 days after taking Pfizer shot. Why isn’t CDC reporting this as a symptom on their website. The reaction was debilitating for 24 hours. Couldn’t stand up or walk.
Rcvd 1st Pfizer on 3/10. Severe vertigo and nausea within 2 mins, Epipen, then ER twice with BP over 200/111. Vertigo, arrhythmia, nausea, tinnitus, tension migraine and head pressure continues. It is worse when trying to sleep, so rest is nearly impossible. I took Ibuprofen at 4:00am. I’ll see if that helps. I was healthy before this. I hope this goes away soon. It is debilitating and frightening.
Keep in mind that many reports from people who already had covid (or were suspected to have had covid) said their first shots were terrible, bc it was acting like a booster to your immune already having been exposed to Covid. The second shots were not like the first shots in those cases. Please keep your shot appointments.
Got my first Pfizer shot on March 24 at 2 pm. The first day I felt way off like I was drunk or on some kind of drug that gets you high with bouts of dizziness and some major hypertension. My back and neck were very tight the whole time. The tension finally subsided around 11 pm that night but I was still uneasy. The 2nd day I felt ok in the morning and throughout the day until about 3 or 4 pm I started getting really nauseated and tired. I went to lay down and sleep and felt a little better when I woke an hour later. Day 3 I started feeling extremely tired and fatigued with some major chills. Basically slept most of that evening and throughout the night. Woke that next day and couldn’t get that dizzy foggy feeling out of my head the whole day. Day 4-5 still bouts of dizziness, chills and fatigue with some nausea also I noticed I developed a wheezing dry cough which points towards respiratory distress. Day 6 still feeling yucky, tired, fatigued, some nausea and that dam cough. I’m going to see a Dr tomorrow to get checked out, but to think I have one more shot to go in a couple weeks is very discouraging right now. I’m hoping these symptoms will pass soon but I’m also concerned that the vaccine may be too stressful on my heart. I’ll have to see what the Dr says.
Also forgot to mention on day 2 and 3 I had some major tingling on the right side of my head for most of the day. Felt like spiders crawling on my head and face. The last time I felt tingling like that I got shingles which also got me very sick and put me in the ER and ICU years ago. So there is also some post traumatic stress from that as well.
I had my second dose of the Pzifer vaccine on Sunday, March 28th and was feeling fine until Monday evening when I felt dizzy and a biof nausea. It is still with me on Tuesday morning. My balance is totally off.
Contributing because it was comforting finding others with this same side-effect… I have had a history of vertigo which over the last decade, I’ve had events 2 or 3 times. No recent events until…
First shot went off without a hitch. Just felt like a normal flu shot with a sore arm that went away in the first 48-72 hours. Got my second Pfizer shot on 26 March.
Day 1 – I felt fine for the first 12 hours after the shot and then started to feel the tightness at the shot site (arm) and armpit areas. Thought I escaped the bad side-effects…
Day 2 – Tossed most of the night felt feverish and sometimes cold. Woke up with body aches and headaches. Slept here and there throughout the day. More annoyed than anything. Started to feel nauseated at the end of the day.
Day 3 – Tossed most of the night, no fever, just body aches uncomfortable. During the day body aches and headaches subsiding, but now subtle dizziness. Whenever I look around it feels like I’m about to enter into a spin. Nauseated for most of the day. Sleeping helps.
Day 4 – First good night of sleep (head/shoulder elevated, not on side). Body aches and headaches are gone, but the dizziness persists. Using a neck brace to keep my head stable which seems to help remind me not to turn up/down too quickly. Without the neck brace I feel discombobulated. I walk fine but sometimes feel like I’m tipping if I move/turn too quickly. No sever spins, just uncontrolled feeling (discernable movement). No medication.
Day 5 & 6 (today) – Same as day 4… starting to get worried though. No noticeable improvement.
In fact, today I feel a little worse than yesterday. I keep waking up hoping for a ‘concrete’ solid feeling of stability. I will try taking some vitamin C as I’ve read around these forums that it has helped some people. Haven’t taken my blood pressure throughout this so I might try to get that done as well.
Had my first Astra Zeneca jab on the 26th February, immediately had a headache for 20 days non stop. Then the dizziness and vertigo started and won’t go away and its the 2nd April. I certainly will not risk having my second dose of the jab. Also have constant tinnitus in both ears its very uncomfortable.
I am no stranger to tinnitus, but after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, I felt a lot of pain in the shoulder and neck. This morning I have strong ringing in that side with “stuffy ear,” and a little dizziness… well, a lot of dizziness, but not full vertigo. The neck pain is giving me a headache and I am miserable. I’ve had dozens of vaccines in my life and nothing as bad as this. I pray it goes away. I can deal with arm pain, but I have arm, shoulder, neck, shoulder blade and headache pain. It may have been the technique rather than the vaccine.
I too have been having dizziness and vertigo.. Had my first Pfizer shot on Tuesday stated feeling super tired on Wednesday.. Not sure I want that second shot now either, I hate this feeling!!
One week after having the Astra Zeneca shot (March 15), I suddenly experienced neck pains and a feeling of inflammatory headaches that have persisted for some ten days now. These effects fortunately appear to subside at night but soon return and continue variously throughout the day. Since America is keeping all of its vaccine supply to itself, here in Canada where we are spread thin, I have until July to decide whether or not to take the second shot. If this response to the first one doesn’t satisfactorily go away, I may trust to my mask.
Had Pfizer #1 on March 21. Twenty minutes later was leaving the observation area and got confused–thought I had left my hat in the amphitheater. The attendant at the door said “it’s on your head”, and it was. Then while walking to the car I had a clicking and clacking sound in both ears, for several minutes. Then drove to a restaurant and had a meal but while waiting for the check suddenly felt hot and sweaty, and weak. Drove straight home and collapsed in bed. Was OK after that until a week later when a neighbor brought me a pie. While escorting her out, I slipped and fell on the foyer stairs, landing on my right hand and have had a very sore and swollen joint at the base of the thumb since then. Then this morning at 4 AM I awakened and needed to urinate and with sitting up in bed had the most extreme episode of vertigo I have ever experienced (and have had every few over the years). The room was spinning around me and my eyes were jerking back and forth (nystagmus) and I was nauseated. I thought first it was a stroke (I am a retired physician, age 82) but when I laid back down the symptoms remitted, so I realized it was vertigo arising from the inner ear. After a while I carefully got up and got to the bathroom and back to bed and slept until 9 AM and then seemed OK, with no more vertigo, and no dizziness. I think the falling and also the acute episode of vertigo are almost certainly side effects of the vaccine. I may forgo the second shot–not sure yet what to do.
David Stage, M.D.
Vertigo plus light headed, dizzy for the last two days. Second dose of Moderna April 2. Ringing ears. Nauseated. Glad I found everyone’s post. I didn’t know what was wrong. I received no paperwork with the second vaccine.
Anyone here get dizziness/vertigo after the 1st dose and still get the 2nd dose? I’m curious what the experience has been for those with the 2nd dose (when the 1st dose caused vertigo/dizziness). I really want to get my 2nd dose so I can be fully vaccinated and as protected from COVID-19 as possible, but I have to admit I’m scared and no one (not even PCP) has been able to reassure me.
For context, I got Moderna 1st dose on 3/17. I felt awful the next day, the room spun anytime my eyes were open. Extreme dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting. The next day I woke up much improved, had some dizzy spells that would last a few hours, but overall was ok. After a few days of that I woke up on 3/22 totally dizzy again. No vomiting this time, and slight nausea, but it was totally debilitating. Couldn’t even look at my phone for a minute without spinning, was afraid to walk across the room. Was worried about even going to the doctor as I was afraid to fall. But I did and doctor diagnosed me with vertigo, sent me to Physical Therapy. PT helped, I went twice a week and noticed slight, gradual improvements every day. It’s now 4/8, and I’m mostly functional, my dizzy spells only happen if I move my head too much and are short lived… but I’m still super fatigued and just….off.
So yeah, now I need to figure out what to do about dose number 2. Would love to hear from folks who got the second dose when the first dose gave them dizziness/vertigo. Did you get the same experience after dose number 2? Better or worse? Was your dizziness over by the time you got the second dose?
I have had ongoing vertigo and dizziness that started a few days after my first Pfizer COVID vaccination shot. I am due to get my 2nd shot on 4/12/21. I don’t think I should get it because, this feeling has not stopped and it’s very concerning. I have looked on the CDC’s website, NIH, etc. There is no mention of persistent vertigo, dizziness or weakness as side effects of the COVID vaccine, on any of the sites. When I found this website, only then did I see so many others are experiencing the same thing I am. I’m praying this feeling will subside soon. It’s a distressing feeling.
Thank you to everyone that shared their experience. This information needs to be available to the public.
Hi – so I am reading about the dizziness starting a day or more after the shot. Anyone else get dizzy immediately after the shot?
Within a minute or two of getting my first Pfizer shot yesterday (4/9) I got extremely dizzy, to the point that I barely made it to the chair to sit down. Instead of 15 minutes I stayed 30. My heart started racing, I was sweating, shaky, my throat felt weird, and it felt like my mask was suffocating me. I sat there and just focused on my breathing. I though it could be a panic attack but thought that was odd because I wasn’t really concerned about the shot and for a minute or two I was totally fine and then bam. It scared me to the point that I had someone come get me as I didn’t feel comfortable operating a vehicle. Almost 24 later and I’m still feeling a little dizzy and light headed and just off. Also didn’t sleep much at all and when I did I’d wake up shortly profusely sweating. I’ve never had a feeling like this before with anything. When I looked online to see if anyone was experiencing anything similar this was one of the only websites that came up. I haven’t had covid (that I’m aware of), I’m 40, no underlying health issues, workout, and consider myself in good health. To say this is concerning is an understatement, especially after reading everyone’s similar side effects.
I am a 57 year old female in good health. Got the 1st Moderna vaccine and only reaction was mild soreness in my arm. Got my 2nd dose on 4/7/21… felt a little dizzy and light-headed about 10 hours after getting the shot. Two days later I awoke to “crippling dizziness”. Entire room spinning, couldn’t walk without holding onto furniture. Lying down was intolerable….felt like I was going to vomit. Only thing that helped was sitting upright, eyes closed, and not moving at all. Called the doctor and started on Meclizine… it is starting to help.
I tested positive for COVID back in December…very mild symptoms…. lost my taste & smell and had minor congestion. Going through this now, I regret getting the vaccine. This is absolutely horrible. Thought I might have some side effects that would subside after 1-2 days. I usually have a high tolerance for pain, don’t get sick, and am not one to complain, but this is debilitating…. praying I feel better soon.
Commenting because I’m so glad I found this site. I thought it was just me and it was all in my head as none of the friends around me have this side effect. I got my J&J almost 3 weeks now and I still feel lightheaded, not as bad as some of the people in this group but I can definitely feel the dizziness. I have had a couple of episodes of vertigo in the past so it does sound like the people with vertigo history are more prominent to get this side effect.
Really hope it will go away on its own, not sure what else to do. It seems to get worse at night time….
I will give up caffeine for now and see if that will help….
I got J&J on 3/30. Had nausea on 4/1 and then was ok till 4/6. That night I had bad headache and nausea. Headaches are better but I have had nausea constantly for last 7 days and it is getting worse. Anyone else have that reaction and does it ever go away? I do not have vertigo.
I had my vaccine number 2 3 weeks ago and the 2nd shot hit me 2 days after shot sent me to hospital throwing up and dizzy … they gave me iv with fluids for NAusea and dizzy. Still having problems Dizzy and little nausea…. -any suggestions? Never had vertigo but always in the past stomach upset motion sickness…
Posted a few days ago and posting again now. I had horrible dizziness that left me in bed for 3 days. Took Meclizine and Vitamin C. I am relieved to say the dizziness is nearly gone. To go from debilitating vertigo to this is amazing. Not sure what to attribute it too, though…. just so thankful it has passed. Hope others are this fortunate, too. Praying for all others who are experiencing this!!
It has been exactly two weeks since I had my second Pfizer shot. The morning after my first shot, I woke up and the room was spinning, which never happened to me before. Later that day, I developed a 101 fever, chills, etc. The next day, my fever was gone but the vertigo remained, albeit less severe. It has been two weeks exactly since my second shot, and the vertigo remains when I turn my head quickly, lay down, or get up. I’m 46 years old. I hope it goes away, as it’s beginning to concern me at this point. I even bought Dramamine hoping it would help clear it up, but no luck.
I hade my first dose of Moderna on March 18 in Dallas. I stated having dizziness where my heaed would feel heavy and I almost fainted while driving. This started on the 4th day after the first dose. I am a healthy 52 year old. My dad and mom who are 77 also got Moderna the same day. My dad has dizziness everytime he gets up, he has been taking an aspirin for his heart condition for a while, his diziness is not as bad as mine. My mom had no symptoms, only a sore arm. We all had a sore arm but only lasted 4 days.
I feel slighttly dazed most of the time and I cannot fully focus. I feel like I am about to fall if I stare and my keyboard too long. Anytime I have my head down I feel like a vertigo attack is about to start. I am scared to take the second dose this coming April 15. Will my symptoms get worse? I am glad I found this page.