Post-Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention After Moderna Shot

After receiving the vaccine

Hello, doctor.
I recently received my second dose of the Moderna vaccine, and it's been five days.
I've been experiencing pain in my arm when making larger movements (like shaking, running, or jumping), but it doesn't hurt much when I'm resting.
I also have nasal congestion and chest pain, which is particularly noticeable in the morning.
When I move around, I feel pain, and when I take deep breaths, I hear a strange sound (like phlegm or something similar).
Sometimes my breathing feels slightly obstructed, and I have a tight sensation in my throat (I'm not sure if it's psychological).
My stomach feels a bit uncomfortable, just slightly bloated, but I have had bowel movements.
My blood pressure readings are approximately 95-103 for systolic and 47-53 for diastolic, with a heart rate of 60-80.
Is this considered normal? Should I see a family physician or a cardiologist?

BEN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/02

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, these are indeed possible phenomena after vaccination.
It is not necessarily required to seek medical attention immediately unless the symptoms become more pronounced or if you experience fever, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/08/02

More Info

After receiving the Moderna vaccine, it's not uncommon to experience a variety of symptoms, especially in the days following the injection. Your description of symptoms such as pain in the arm when making large movements, chest pain, nasal congestion, and a feeling of tightness in the throat can be concerning. However, it's essential to understand how these symptoms relate to the vaccination and when to seek medical attention.

Firstly, common side effects of the Moderna vaccine include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days. However, the symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the chest pain and difficulty breathing, warrant closer examination.

Chest pain, especially if it is persistent or worsening, should not be ignored. While it could be related to the vaccine, it could also indicate other underlying conditions that may require medical attention. The fact that you mentioned the pain is particularly noticeable in the morning and during deep breaths, along with a sensation of tightness in the throat, could suggest a few possibilities:
1. Musculoskeletal Pain: Sometimes, the pain can be due to muscle strain or tension, especially if you have been more active than usual since receiving the vaccine.
2. Respiratory Issues: The feeling of nasal congestion and tightness in the throat could indicate an upper respiratory infection or an allergic reaction.
3. Cardiac Concerns: Given your symptoms of chest pain and the specific blood pressure readings you provided (systolic 95-103 and diastolic 47-53), it is crucial to consider cardiac issues. Your blood pressure readings indicate low diastolic pressure, which could lead to inadequate blood flow to the heart and other organs, potentially causing symptoms like chest pain and fatigue.

Given these considerations, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should contact your primary care physician or a cardiologist to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may recommend further evaluation, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or other diagnostic tests to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while some symptoms post-vaccination can be expected, the specific symptoms you are experiencing—especially chest pain and difficulty breathing—should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or fainting, you should seek emergency medical care immediately.

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