After a year of being extremely cautious about protecting myself and others through social distancing, self-isolation, and so many masks, I’ve been looking forward to any opportunity to get vaccinated. I figured it wouldn’t happen until the summer, but I’m so grateful for the rate at which medical companies have been producing the vaccine in the US and the distribution plan implemented by the Biden administration.
As a result, I was able to get vaccinated yesterday. I heard about a small pharmacy outside of St. Louis that had a “waste list” for extra vaccines that would otherwise be dispose, and Megan and I signed up at the earliest opportunity.
While I had no doubts about getting the vaccine, I was a little worried about (a) the possibility of an allergic reaction and (b) the symptoms we’ve all heard about. Such symptoms are normal–they’re your body’s way of showing that its immune system is working–but no one looks forward to getting a fever, chills, or aches. My mom said even that her eyes hurt.
We got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Neither of us had any immediate reactions other than a desire to celebrate. (We got cookies.)
A few hours later, Megan did start to feel chills and aches, and she had a mild fever. Those symptoms have persisted into today, but Tylenol and ramen have helped.
I’m lucky, though, because I haven’t felt anything at all. I feel great. And apparently I’m not alone–my parents rattled off a list of people they know who didn’t have a single side effect.
I’m writing this partially because I’m really happy I was able to get the vaccine and not let a precious dose go to waste, but also to let you know if you’re dreading the vaccine, there’s a good chance you’ll join me in not having any unfortunate symptoms.
I’m going to continue to practice proper mask safety, but I very much look forward to the possibility of actually sharing food, drink, and games with vaccinated friends in a month or so.
Have you gotten the vaccine? How was your experience?
Also, Walter (pictured here) did not receive the COVID vaccine, but he did provide comfort to Megan after her shot.
I was vaccinated on March 9 the same exact way. Waste dose 5 minutes before the pharmacy closed. Also the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Most of my friends have been vaccinated in the weeks since. So we are hoping to have a game day with vaccinated people only sometime next month. After over a year and only leaving the house a few times, I’m ready to starting doing a few things I’ve missed for so long. Won’t be going crazy with it anytime soon but a few things with other vaccinated people I think is fine.
Yes! I have heard the CDC say that fully-vaccinated people are safe to be indoors/maskless with other fully-vaccinated people. I really can hardly wait. I never thought I would miss people so badly, but yeah – I’m ready to be able to entertain small groups or couples. I’m ready to hug people again. I’m way ready for it to be safe to do those things – even if it’s just a few people.
Oh, I had an extremely severe headache the next day, and some chills but no fever. I was kind of dehydrated and I think that played a big part in that. I’ve heard if you are fully hydrated you won’t likely get that headache.
Richard got Moderna. No side effects for the first shot and his second he felt pretty ill starting 6 hours after the shot and lasting about 24 hours. Way better than having Covid though!
Feeling extremely thankful.
You know, I almost mentioned that in the post–I drank a LOT of water before and after the shot, just in case (literally just on a whim). I wonder if that made a difference. I’m glad you two are vaccinated!
My husband and I just got our first shots today! Moderna. I was “patiently” waiting my turn, but also anxious about it. I had one flu shot in my life and was dead sick for a full 6 weeks after – a month of that was me barely being able to get out of bed. I figure if there’s going to be a reaction of any kind, I’d get it. I’m now 8 hours post-vax and have had no symptoms so far. I’m exhausted, but I think that’s due to how amped up I was in anticipation. My husband was tired enough to take a nap – I think that was also due to anticipation/anxiety, but he thinks it was the vaccine.
Something that illustrated how upsetting the last year has been was the fact that I burst into tears of relief when I got back in the car after getting the vaccine. Maybe some of that was the fact that I had to listen to my coworker yesterday tell me all about how she had covid and ‘didn’t even know it’ which (to me) illustrates the extreme caution people need to take. Nope – the opposite. Because she and her whole family (91 yr mother included) had mild symptoms and came it with no apparent lasting issues, she thinks the media has blown everything out of proportion and exaggerating deaths. I suppose that should have been for another post, but it still sucks listening to someone say they essentially have zero problem spreading covid around. I’m just done.
I suppose I’ll update if I have any news to report. Did you sign up with the CDC website that checks in with you periodically to find out how you’re doing and what symptoms you have if any? https://vsafe.cdc.gov/
I had that same sense of relief (and joy), Sara, and I’m so happy it hasn’t impacted you the way that flu shot did. I appreciate the link–I’ll check it out now.
And here I am the morning after. The arm that got the injection started feeling sore last night, and it still hurts this morning. It’s minor and to be expected. I’ll take it!
I am so grateful that my wife and I were able to get our first vaccine dose a few weeks ago (and our scheduled to get our final doses next week.
We got the Pfizer vaccine. Our arms hurt but aside from that had no noticable side effects. We are also looking forward to being able to play games with others in person again!
That’s great, Brent! I’m glad to hear that.
Only 1 dose of Pfzier. I got it because I’m a family caregiver of an elderly parent in long term care. (The long term care home nominated me). My husband got AstroZeneca which is being offered to those over 60 here. Vaccine roll out has been slower in Canada because lack of manufacturing capability. I have to wait until July for 2nd dose because my province is spacing them out in people outside of long term care & retirement homes.
I got a mild reaction, sore arms and mild chills the next morning. I imagine I might have another reaction after the second dose. Still, the disease is far worse.
I really wanted it because my mom’s home was badly hit by Covid in Dec-January. They lost 25% of their residents, my mom lost all 4 of the people she ate meals with. She was very lucky, she only had a slight loss of appetite with Covid. Fortunately her alzheimer’s had shielded her from complete knowledge of the epidemic (she doesn’t really understand it or how long it has lasted.) She and my dad (who lives in a retirement home, they only live apart because of her Alzheimer’s) both got their 2 doses of Moderna. He complained of tiredness the day after his second dose.
I can now visit my mom for the first time in her room in a year but have to have a rapid test each time, wear a mask & face shield and answer screening questions. I hoping eventually, it will become easier & I won’t have to have the nasal swab every time I go.
Anne: Thank you for sharing this, and I’m glad you and your parents are vaccinated (or getting there). Losing 25% of the nursing home is devastating.
I got vaccinated on Monday (Moderna, first dose). My sister got vaccinated Tuesday (Moderna, first dose). Her kids got vaccinated Tuesday as well (Moderna 12-15 year old trials, second dose, but maybe placebo). My mom got vaccinated on Wednesday (Moderna, second dose). Many friends of mine also were able to get first doses within the past 3 days (Indiana opened up to 40+ on Monday). My wife was immunized months ago (she’s an RN).
My mom is riding out a fever right now, somewhat similar to what my wife had (hers lasted 2-3 days). My dad didn’t have any significant side-effects. I had a bit of fatigue, but nothing too bad. All of this is happening against the backdrop of my uncle (mom’s brother) being admitted to the hospital today for COVID after being sick for over a week. He’s been eligible to get the vaccine for months now. It’s just punctuating that the side effects from getting the vaccine are nothing to be afraid of by comparison.
He’s over 65, so I’m definitely concerned for him. At least our hospitals aren’t as heavily burdened now, so he should get better medical care than he would have 2 months ago when they were stretched very thin, or a year ago when we knew significantly less about how to treat it.
That’s awesome, Derian! I hope your mom’s fever goes away soon and that your uncle is okay.
Jamey,
So far, so good. The government is administering Pfizer to employees and contractors in the DC area. I’ll receive my second shot next Monday. Absolutely no issues with shot #1 and hope for the same result with shot #2. I’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
Cheers,
Joe
That’s great, Joe!
I go for my second dose later today ( Pfizer). My first dose I was fine until the next morning and then my arm was sore for a few hours. I scheduled the second dose on a Friday so that if I do get a reaction, I have some time to recover before I have to head back to work! My parents are fully vaccinated and so is my sister. looks like WA state will be opening up vaccines for most in May so hopefully my sister in law and the oldest nieces and nephews can get theirs as well!
That’s wonderful, Julie, and it’s nice you could back up the second dose with a weekend in case you need to recover.
congrats Jamey! I got my first dose of Pfizer on Wednesday when my company held a mass-vaccination event for employees. Not much reaction from that, but I’ve heard the second dose can pack a punch. I’ve got that one coming up in a couple of weeks. Most of my friends got shots around the same time, so I’m looking forward to a month from now when we can have our first indoor game night in over a year.