My aunt is constantly bugging me to see if I’ve developed any new powers, so let’s clear that up: No, I still can’t join the Avengers. All my limbs are fine, and none of them are shooting lasers or spinning webs.
If you have inquiries about the mRNA vaccines, the CDC has a comprehensive FAQ section available on their website.
My university prioritized healthcare personnel during phase 1A, which included pharmacy students. While phase 1A sounds like the front of the line, it’s further divided into 1A-1, 1A-2, and so on. According to what I heard, pharmacy students fell into Phase 1A-6. I received an email confirming my eligibility for the vaccine around December 20th, which was quite early. I suspect my pre-existing health conditions may have bumped me up the list a bit.
First Dose
I had my first dose scheduled for December 23rd at 2:30 PM. The experience of receiving my first vaccine was exhilarating. Having closely followed the development of the vaccine, seeing it in a syringe was surreal. I got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine.
The needle stung a bit as it entered my skin, but it was nowhere near as painful as my HPV vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine felt similar to a flu shot. The only noticeable difference was the soreness; my arm was extremely sore afterward. I hesitated to take ibuprofen that evening, thinking the discomfort would wane like with the flu shot. I was mistaken—the pain intensified overnight, making it hard to sleep, as any movement of my right arm sent sharp pangs of pain.
I opted for ibuprofen the next morning, which dulled the pain significantly, allowing me to tackle some home renovation projects I had planned for the Christmas break. My tip: don’t hesitate to take ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen) as soon as you feel pain to avoid a restless night!
The good news was that the soreness completely vanished by Day 2.
Second Dose
The first dose only provides about 50% protection, while the second dose boosts that to approximately 95%. Thus, getting the second dose is crucial for optimal protection against COVID-19. However, it’s well-known that side effects from the second dose tend to be more intense than those from the first. Over 50% of recipients report experiences like headaches, chills, and muscle aches. To prepare, I scheduled my second dose during a long weekend to allow recovery time without missing any rotations.
The arm soreness kicked in roughly six hours after the shot, accompanied by chills. I also started feeling slight muscle soreness and a headache that gradually grew worse throughout the evening. Again, sleep was elusive as the discomfort increased.
It’s important to note that these side effects are a good sign that the vaccine is working. The soreness, chills, and headaches indicate that my immune system is responding to the “fake” viruses introduced by the vaccine.
I won’t sugarcoat it: the day after the second dose was rough. My body ached, I had a terrible headache, and muscle pain came and went throughout the day. The discomfort was so intense that I struggled to focus on my phone or TV for distraction.
I took some extra-strength Tylenol, which helped ease the pain significantly. By the evening, I felt well enough to eat and catch a few episodes of a show I enjoy. Today is Day 3, and I’m pain-free now, with only a little residual soreness in my left arm.
Edit: This was published in the afternoon of Day 3 when I felt great. By that night, I felt quite lethargic and feverish. I had some rashes on Days 5 and 6, but their connection to the vaccine is unclear. As of Day 11+, I’ve had no further symptoms.
It’s worth mentioning that I didn’t experience any shortness of breath, dry cough, or loss of smell/taste—symptoms that differ greatly from actually contracting COVID-19.
Advice for Your Vaccination Experience:
- Stock up on Tylenol and take it as soon as you feel sore.
- Get your shot in your non-dominant arm. I foolishly chose my dominant arm for the first dose, which made tasks challenging. For the second dose, I opted for my left arm, and while it was sore, I managed my day without constant winces. Pain typically lasts 2–3 days regardless of the arm.
- Allow yourself at least a day to rest after the second dose. I was fortunate to get mine on a long weekend, allowing time to recover. If you can’t take a sick day, avoid scheduling important meetings the day after your vaccine.
- Remind yourself and others that 2–3 days of discomfort from the vaccine is minor compared to the effects of COVID-19. I’d gladly get vaccinated a hundred times over to avoid contracting the virus even once.
Looking Ahead
I am now fully vaccinated, and soon it will be your turn! There’s hope in the air. Remember to keep social distancing and wearing masks (I’ll be continuing to wear mine). I’m optimistic that by the end of 2021, we’ll all have the chance to reunite in person.
For more details on home insemination, check out this related blog post. Additionally, if you’re looking for authoritative resources on this topic, visit Cryobaby and Cleveland Clinic’s podcast for insightful information.
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Summary:
This article recounts my personal experience with the COVID-19 vaccine, detailing my journey through receiving both doses, the side effects I encountered, and the importance of vaccination. I offer practical advice for those preparing to get vaccinated, emphasizing the significance of being informed and ready for potential discomfort. The hope for a return to normalcy is palpable, and I’m excited for others to experience the protection the vaccine provides.