COPD & Covid vaccine

[Scandinavian]

Hello,

I have moderate to severe COPD and have had both Covid vaccine jabs (Pfizer). The 2nd one was 4 days ago.

I've felt the side effects after the 2nd vaccine far more than after the 1st.

Has anybody had COPD flare ups after their vaccine, especially shortness of breath?

Thanks

[Hidden]

I don't think many here have had their 2nd jab yet, no trouble at all with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine in my own experience, still waiting to get 2nd jab.

In UK there is a yellow card system for reporting reactions from the vaccine but perhaps speak with your GP first concerning your symptoms.

If you are not living in the UK perhaps your country has some similar set up.

Let us know what action you take and what your doctor advises.

Hope you are feeling better real soon.

[Badbessie]

Hi I have only had one dose of the AZ vaccine. I had a very strong reaction. A high temperature, muscle joint pain, headache etc. My chest felt very tight and I needed to use my rescue inhaler to relief the symptoms. I rang 111 for advice they said get a covid test which was negative. My chest sounded clear etc but my chest felt very tight for about four days. Best advice would be to ring 111.

[Rattle in reply to Badbessie]

Just to say that I had the same reaction to my 1st AZ dose. It didn’t last so long though, I felt better after2 days.

[Response in reply to Badbessie]

Apparently it's not a bad sign, and possibly good - as it shows your body is making antibodies immediately

[Solily]

I do hope you feel better. I have had my first shot and will be getting my second the second week in March. I did not have any issues with the first. I received the Moderna. Take care!!

[Scandinavian]

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

[Fruitcake100]

The scientist say that it is absolutely impossible to get covid from the vaccine.After my first vaccination I did feel unwell for two days, headaches sore joints etc.

Haven’t had the second one yet. Hope you feel better soon.

[Badbessie in reply to Fruitcake100]

My GP thought I could have caught covid. Due to the nature of my symptoms. Obviously once that was ruled out it was the vaccine. Oddly they kept asking if I had had covid as stronger reactions have been observed in those who have had covid.

[Scandinavian in reply to Fruitcake100]

I agree, nobody gets Covid from the vaccine. The question is more about vaccine secondary effects and COPD.

[CDPO16]

Hi, I have only had the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine so far but, like Badbessie, had quite severe side effects within 6 hours of the jab. The worst (shivering, shaking, fever) eased after 12 hours and I felt better the following day. On the second day I felt unwell again with nausea, loss of appetite, headache & dizziness. This has continued for 12 days now and I have also had increased breathlessness and low blood oxygen levels more often than usual. I am putting this down to prolonged side effects of the vaccine but at times, wonder if it is a COPD flare up although it doesn't really feel like one. I will be glad when it all eases and am not looking forward to the second dose. Hope you feel better soon.

[COPD123491 in reply to CDPO16]

Hi

I had the A/Z vaccine with no problem at all except for a few hours soreness at the site - similar to the flu jab. You say that you have those symptoms for 12 days and that, to me, seems a very long time. I would tend to ring your GP and let them know.

Hope you get better soon,

[CDPO16 in reply to COPD123491]

It has crossed my mind but I keep thinking that I will improve and that there is little the GPs can do anyway. My sister knows several people who have felt unwell for over a week post vaccine.

[Saracat23]

I read somewhere (sorry not sure where) that with Pfizer the side effects (if you have any) tend to be worse after the 2nd jab and with AZ it’s the other way round.

[CDPO16 in reply to Saracat23]

I've read varying reports and it gets a bit confusing. An Oxford scientist on TV recently said that they aren't sure about side effects after second doses of the vaccines yet as there hasn't yet been enough evidence to say for sure how they affect people.

[Saracat23 in reply to CDPO16]

Come to think of it, that’s very true, there won’t have been that many yet! Also, I wonder if the space between doses might have an impact on side effects as there were very few with a twelve week gap in the Oxford trials and probably none with Pfizer. Time will tell!

[katieoxo60]

To answer your question , I have only had first jab but have noticed changes in my breathing since, not severe I guess, but persistent. Every night I feel like I have got a cold and my cough is worse than usual. I put some of it down to lowered stamina due to low levels of activity with the lockdown. It will be a month tomorrow since I had my jab. Hope you start to feel better soon.

[Scandinavian]

Thank you all for the answers and good wishes.I am reassured (and sorry) to read that others are experiencing the same effects.

[Lfcpremier]

Hi. I have Bronchiectasis & had the Pfizer jab. I was concerned that 2 days later I had a very erratic heartbeat & breathlessness lasting 2-3 days.I ended up having an ECG & seeing a dr but by then was much improved. I filled in the yellow card online & have been advised to go ahead with the 2nd jab .I’m keen to have it but would like to be sure it’s safe.