Currently, many Americans are pre-registering for the COVID-19 vaccination. And as supply increases to meet demand, more people who want the vaccine will receive it. However, many people are still unsure if they want to get vaccinated. Some of these people may have fears about the process, side effects, or long-term impact. I would like to share my experience in order to ease some fears about the vaccine, at least in regards to the first two areas of concern listed. I know that my experience is not universal, but I hope that reading this will be reassuring.
On April Fool’s Day, I received the first dose of my COVID-19 vaccine. After weeks of waking up at random times to hunt for appointments on the Walgreens website, I was finally able to get two appointments: one for April 1 and another for April 30. Because I was worried about my arm being sore, my mother drove me to a Walgreens near our home in Potomac, Maryland. During the car ride, I was super excited about getting the first dose of the vaccine. I live with two high-risk family members, and anxiety about their safety defined my 2020 experience.
Despite my excitement, receiving the shot was anticlimactic. The insertion of the needle felt like all of the other vaccinations I have received over the years. Some people report feeling more pain than usual, but I did not have that experience. I felt very safe getting my shot, as the store’s maximum capacity was 21 people. Luckily, the store was nearly empty, so I went straight to the pharmacy and checked in. During check in, I was asked to show my ID and insurance card. Since I completed my paperwork ahead of time, I did not have to fill out anything else.
After check in, I waited for ten minutes before I was led to the vaccination room. I opted to get the shot in my left arm since I am right handed, and I felt no pain at this time. I was told to wait in the store for 15 minutes in order to make sure that I did not react to the vaccine. After fifteen minutes, I had no reaction or pain and I was able to go home. The man who gave me the vaccine told me to hold onto my vaccination card because I would need to bring it to my second appointment.
The card acted as proof that I received my first dose of Moderna, which is a two-shot, MRNA vaccine. It is also important to hold onto because some stores, like Krispy Kreme, are giving rewards for people who are vaccinated. In fact, Krispy Kreme is offering a free glazed donut every day of this year as long as you show your vaccination card. Talk about motivation to hold onto your card! And, as society reopens, it is likely that venues will be able to ask for vaccination proof if they want to.
As I am writing this, it has been more than twenty four hours since I received my first Moderna dose. My arm is a little sore, and I am experiencing chills. However, these two symptoms are highly preferable over COVID-19 and more than manageable with Tylenol. I am so happy with my decision to get vaccinated, and cannot wait to receive my second shot! If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I would be happy to talk with you about what it was like to receive my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Featured Image courtesy of Markus Spiske via Unsplash
