This past Saturday, I got the covid vaccine. It was being offered for specific people (i.e. healthcare workers, School Faculty and Staff, Emergency Care workers, persons over 65) in my area and I felt like I might as well go and get it. I didn’t want the vaccine to prohibit me from future travels because I decided not to get it. On top of that, I had heard good news from those who recently received it.
PFIZER, MODERNA, OR JOHNSON & JOHNSON
I decided to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. I knew, in advance, that this specific vaccine was only 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe covid-19, but it’s also 100% effective in preventing covid-related hospitalizations or even deaths. Everyone has to do their own research and determine which covid vaccine would be a better fit for them, but taking any is far better than taking none.
Social media has done a good job of scaring people into refusing to take the vaccine. Thankfully, the lines I saw on Saturday tell me that a lot of people are signing up to take the vaccine. Globally, covid-19 has caused a high number of dealths, but this vaccine is a preventative measure that can save your life if you are ever exposed to it.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT OR WALK IN
Schedule an appointment for a shorter wait time or no wait time at all.
This is really up to you. Although, I must warn that a lot of vaccine stations are running out of the covid vaccine due to the high-demand. Last Thursday I went to get the vaccine after work (around 5:30 p.m.) and was told that they had run out. I was able to schedule an appointment for Saturday morning at 10 a.m., but one of the nurses stressed that we needed to come as early as possible. After I scheduled the appointment, I was sent a confirmation email with a QR code.
I arrived at 6:20 a.m. and the station opened up around 7. I was in and out in a blink of an eye. At sign in, a nurse asked me for my QR code and my driver’s license. She gave me a sticker to put on my shirt. I was then led to a room where there was a lot of military personnel that volunteered to give the vaccines.
I sat down and was given my shot. I was told that I might experience fever like symptoms a few days after taking the vaccine. They sent me to a waiting area where I had to wait for 15 minutes, so they can make sure I wasn’t experiencing any symptoms. They scanned my code, asked me if I had any symptoms, and then sent me on my way.
SIDE EFFECTS
I was fine for a few hours after getting the covid vaccine, but then the fever-like symptoms happened and I felt like utter sh*t. I felt weak, achy, and had a massive headache. I took two DayQuil pills to try to ease some of the pain, but it didn’t seem to take. I tried to stay up for as long as I could, but the weakness took over and I decided to get some rest. The next morning I felt back to normal which was a relief.
HELPFUL TIPS
After receiving your vaccine, should you decide to take that route, I would recommend drinking a lot of water. I would also recommend taking Aleve or Tylenol in the event that you feel any fever-like symptoms coming on. My mother received the vaccine, as well, and said she felt a lot better after taking Aleve.
If the fever-like symptoms continue after a few days, then you might need to seek medical help. After the vaccine, please continue to wear your masks. The vaccine is not a cure, but a safety precaution against severe effects of covid-19.
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