← Return to COVID-19 vaccine confidence and the importance of that second dose

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@jmryder

I reacted to the PEG, in my first Pfizer vaccine, with chemical sensitivity to products typically not bothersome to me for the last 10 years or so. Prior to that, since 1989, I could not be around perfumes, lawn chemical sprays, laundry detergents and softener fragrance, etc, etc, without getting severe headache, sore throat, nasal passage sores, insomnia. I was afraid that in getting the second dose, I would get even more sick. I have recovered since February 18 dose. I would be willing to get the second dose if I could recover in several weeks. I hope you understand that not recovering means withdrawing from life as I once had to do. I had itching for several hours following the injection, later, a painful lump in my armpit, below the injection site.

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Replies to "I reacted to the PEG, in my first Pfizer vaccine, with chemical sensitivity to products typically..."

Hello @jmryder and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear that you had a reaction to your first Pfizer vaccine. Many people have reported swollen lymph nodes from the vaccine in their armpit on the injection side. Something that can be beneficial is a lymphatic massage. It is actually very easy to perform on yourself and in 1-3 days you will see improved drainage and circulation speeding up the process. I had an unexplained swollen lymph node a couple months back and used this technique and it helped immensely. I will include a link to a video tutorial in the event that you might need that if you go back for your second dose.


Have you heard of this technique before? Do you feel having some tools in your "toolkit" may help reduce some anxiety about getting your second dose? How can members best support you?