A Personal Vaccine Experience, Part 2

Our friend, Kris, shared her experience of when she got the first coronavirus vaccine. Recently, she got her second dose and is giving us an update about the procedure.

Can you explain the overall procedure? Did you get a reminder? Was it at the hospital again? Did they use a different arm?

When I went for my first vaccination, I was given a vaccination record card which recorded my first shot and at that time I was scheduled for my second vaccination, which was at the same location in the hospital as my first vaccination.  My coworkers got a reminder call or text or email but for some reason, I didn't.  I received it in my right arm again.

Was the National Guard involved this time?

Yes, they were.

Was there any leeway on the timing of the second shot? Could you have slid the vaccination a day or two in either direction?

I didn't ask for any leeway but I've read that a few days either way don't really make a difference.  I don't remember the article I read to give you a reference, but it did state that you didn't want to allow it to vary by weeks or months because the results of that haven't been tested and the resulting immunity couldn't be assured.

Did you have any instructions before or after the shot?

Nothing new--I had to wait for 15 minutes afterward (which allowed me to catch up with a coworker who was also getting her second dose) and to be aware of the side effects.

What, if any, reactions did you have this time? How does it compare to the first shot?

The second vaccine has the reputation of having worse reactions, but this was not my experience.  If anything, my arm was not as sore as it was the first time around.  Then again, I was more on top of taking Tylenol right away (which I would definitely recommend to anyone planning on getting the vaccine).  

Are your coworkers, who have gotten both parts of the vaccine, having a similar experience to yours?

There has been a great variety in experiences.  I received my vaccine on Thursday.  I worked with a couple of people who had theirs on Wednesday and they were doing fine.  There were at least 2 people who called in sick due to the side effects and another coworker left work mid-morning due to feeling ill.  The symptoms seem to involve fatigue and aching although some also reported having fevers.  

The thing I have found to be most interesting is that I know of two people who previously had covid and who, after getting the first vaccine, felt quite ill (fevers, aching, and fatigue).  My biggest takeaway from these experiences is to anticipate not feeling great if you have had covid and get the vaccine.  Also, be aware that even for those of us who haven't been infected, you may feel ill the day after you receive the vaccine. Everyone I have spoken with says that the symptoms go away after about a day. 

How long before you develop maximum immunity from the vaccine?

7-14 days is what I have been told.

Were you given any information about the new strains of the coronavirus and the current vaccines?

Not officially, no, but an infectious diseases physician working on the floor where I work said that he anticipates the current vaccines will still provide good protection.  He also said that the way the vaccines are made will allow them to be more easily tweaked for new strains than, say, the flu vaccine.  

I think it's too soon to know, but were you given any indication of how long immunity from this vaccine should last?

Unfortunately, no.

How does it feel to have both vaccines now? When the proper time has elapsed to realize full benefit from the shots, will you be changing any of your habits?

I feel a sense of relief, and also of urgency to have others vaccinated, especially those in the highest at-risk populations.

From what I understand, we still need to be vigilant with social distancing and mask wearing, so in the short term, I don't think my habits will change drastically.  My in-laws had their first vaccination this past Friday so I am hoping by the time spring break rolls around that we can visit them (they live 8 hours away and we haven't seen them in over a year).  My mom's vaccination was delayed until February so I want to maintain my vigilance in the hope that I can visit her at some point.  I have toyed with returning to the gym--I have always tried to avoid the busy times, even pre-covid--but I'm not sure yet about the wisdom of that idea.  

Thanks for sharing, Kris. I think this is useful information for all who are considering the vaccination. I know I found your experiences very interesting.