I too have heard from several sources that it's more likely you will have more serious side effects on the 2nd shot than the first. My wife has PN and got the first shot on 2/5. Just a slightly sore arm for about a day. I hope the 2nd is not awful for her. Best, Hank

Hello @kathleen123, Welcome to Connect. I'm really sorry to hear that your first Pfizer COVID vaccine made your neuropathy symptoms worse. I'm scheduled for my 2nd dose Feb 26th. I don't think anyone can answer your question about the side effects and I agree with your internist that there just is not enough data to know. The CDC does have some information but I think it's still too early.

Local Reactions, Systemic Reactions, Adverse Events, and Serious Adverse Events: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/reactogenicity.html

My personal reason for getting the vaccine and the second one also is that which would be worse - getting COVID or having my neuropathy flare which may not be desirable but the lesser of two evils (IMHO). You might find the following Q&A helpful.

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Neurologic function and COVID-19: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-neurologic-function-and-covid-19/

Hi Kathleen, I have SFN and had my 2nd Pfizer vaccine on 2/10. With the first I experienced a flare a wk. after which lasted a week, I also had a sore arm; this time no sore arm but a persistent new symptom plus a few transient ones appeared right after. Not sure if it is a result of or co-incidental this time, the new symptom is a very annoying continuous buzzing/tingling sensation on my right foot/toes , no numbness or pain but prevents sleep; hopefully temporary. I also dreaded the 2nd vac. but never considered not getting it. I Wish you well whatever you decide. Helen

@kathleen123 Please keep us posted. We care

Good evening @kathleen123, I just noticed your inquiry and wanted to respond. I have Small Fiber Neuropathy with a considerable level of pain.....controlled by medical cannabis. I also am in the throws of Neuropathic Itch which is overwhelming at times. Because of these conditions, I talked to my clinicians and they indicated that I should proceed with the Pfizer vaccine doses. I had no problem with the first injected dose. Last Tuesday, I had the second dose. Everything seems normal. What are the significant adverse effects that you fear might be associated with the second dose? And, if you can...please share what you mean by "exacerbated".

What I was told was not to wait. I think you do need to take the second dose within a certain time for it to be effective? These things are hard to predict when there has not been time to follow up with everyone.

May you be content and at ease.
Chris

This happened to me too. I developed neuropathy 2 yrs ago after taking Levaquin. It improved after about a year and I was no longer on any medication for it. Other than occasional mild flares if I overexerted, it was a non-issue. I got the first Moderna shot Jan 5 and within 6 hrs my feet started to burn. Within 8 hrs it was nearly my entire body and it did not go away. I saw my PCP and said although neuropathy isn't an expected reaction to the vaccine there are too many unknowns to know. She wouldn't advise on the 2nd dose because there are too many unknowns. I ended up not getting the 2nd dose. Unfortunately I still have the neuropathy all over. I've searched my brain to find another variable to blame, but there just isn't one that I can see. I'm now back on gabapentin 3x a day. I did report this through the vaers system. I hope in time things calm and it's not permanent. Every individual is unique and rare doesn't mean impossible, which medical providers often forget. In no way do I want to sway anyone from the vaccine. We all have to choose based on our own health history, risks, etc. My family and friends who received it had no problems. But I did want to share my experience.

Hi. Has your nueropathy flare resolved ? did you get the second shot?

You actually believe big pharma?

I had pain and tingling in my right arm due to peripheral neuropathy. since I had received the second shot, my arm pain is more intense. pain started to get worst about 3 days after I had my second shot.

I didn’t have neuropathy before the shot and after second shot day three neuropathy in my right leg, foot and hand. I knew I shouldn’t have gotten this stupid shot. I have enough health issues and now this.