Ralph,
The symptoms you describe sound like a classic inflammatory response.
How about this as an alternative explanation:
By taking large doses of vitamin C prior to vaccination, you increase the
likelyhood of an intense localized inflammatory reaction to the vaccine.
In addition, the inflammatory response to insect bites may also be
enhanced.
If this is true I would recommend that people stop taking vitamin C and
rely on a healthy diet which would easily provide sufficient amounts of
the vitamin.
Jay Mone'