My relative keeps asking if I’ve developed any superpowers since getting vaccinated, so let’s clear that up: No, I’m still not ready to join the Avengers. All my limbs are intact, and there are no lasers or webs shooting from them.
For those curious about mRNA vaccines, the CDC has a helpful FAQ section that’s worth a look.
At my university, healthcare workers, including pharmacy students, were prioritized in phase 1A for vaccinations. While it may sound like being at the front of the line, phase 1A is divided into subcategories, and pharmacy students found themselves in Phase 1A-6. I received my eligibility email around December 20th, which was a pleasant surprise, likely due to some pre-existing health conditions.
First Dose
I was scheduled to receive my first dose on December 23rd at 2:30 PM. The experience of getting vaccinated was thrilling. Having closely followed the vaccine development, seeing it in a syringe was surreal. I received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine. The injection stung a bit, but it was much less painful than my HPV shot. It felt similar to a flu shot, but with one notable difference—the soreness afterward was significant. I decided against taking ibuprofen that evening, expecting the discomfort to fade like the flu shot soreness. I was mistaken, as the pain intensified overnight, making it hard to sleep, since even slight movements of my right arm triggered sharp pain.
The following morning, I took ibuprofen, which helped ease the discomfort considerably, allowing me to tackle some home improvement projects during the holiday break. My advice: don’t hesitate to take that ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen) early on to avoid a rough night!
The good news? By the end of Day 2, the pain was entirely gone.
Second Dose
The first dose provides about 50% protection, while the second dose boosts it to around 95%. Thus, it’s crucial to get the second dose for adequate protection against COVID-19. However, it’s widely recognized that the side effects from the second dose can be more intense than the first. More than half of recipients report experiencing headaches, chills, and muscle aches. Anticipating this, I scheduled my second dose for a long weekend to allow for recovery.
The soreness kicked in about six hours after the vaccine, accompanied by chills, muscle aches, and a slight headache that gradually worsened. Once again, sleep was elusive as the soreness increased. It’s important to note that these side effects indicate that the vaccine is working. They signify my immune system responding to the vaccine, which mimics a “fake” virus to prepare my body for real exposure.
I won’t sugarcoat it—the day after my second vaccine was tough. My body ached, I had a splitting headache, and muscle pain would flare intermittently. The discomfort was so severe that even distractions like my phone or TV couldn’t help. I took some extra-strength Tylenol, which provided significant relief, and by evening, I felt well enough to enjoy a few episodes of my favorite show.
As I write this on Day 3, I’m feeling great, with only slight residual soreness in my left arm.
Important Note:
I did not experience any severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, dry cough, or loss of taste, which is a stark contrast to the actual experience of contracting COVID-19.
Advice for Your Vaccination:
- Stock up on Tylenol and take it at the first sign of soreness.
- Get the vaccine in your non-dominant arm. I made the mistake of getting my first dose in my dominant arm (right), making daily tasks challenging. For my second dose, I opted for my left arm, which was sore but manageable.
- Plan for at least a day of rest after your second dose. I was fortunate to have a long weekend to recuperate. If you can’t take time off, avoid scheduling important meetings or tasks the following day.
- Remind yourself and others that a few days of discomfort from the vaccine is minor compared to the potential effects of COVID-19. I’d take the vaccine a hundred times over to avoid infection.
Looking Ahead
I am now fully vaccinated, and soon it will be your turn. There’s a renewed sense of hope in the air. Let’s continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks—I’ll certainly keep mine on. I’m optimistic that by the end of 2021, we’ll be able to gather in person once again.
If you’re interested in more about home insemination kits, check out this article on home insemination. For further information, Healthline provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. You can also find comprehensive information on impregnator kits which could be helpful for your journey.
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Summary:
In this article, I share my personal experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine, detailing the side effects and my advice for others. After receiving both doses, I emphasize the importance of being prepared for potential discomfort and the significance of vaccination compared to contracting the virus.
Keyphrase: COVID vaccine experience
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