I Received the COVID-19 Vaccine, Here’s What You Can Expect

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My experience getting the COVID vaccine. Before, during and after.

Evelyn May, Writer

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as of February 16, about 10% of the Kansas population has received either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. 

This leaves many more Kansans wanting to receive the vaccine than have been able to, as well as many wondering what that experience will be like. 

Because I work for Helper’s Inc. as my sister Aubrey’s Personal Care Attendant, I was lucky enough to receive the Pfizer vaccine early. Being classified as a healthcare worker, I was able to get vaccinated in the first phase of Kansas’s vaccination plan. 

The sign-up link for my first dose was sent to me by Helper’s Inc, but the second came from the Johnson County Health Department. I went to the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center to receive my first dose of the vaccine, and the Okun Fieldhouse for my second because of availability of doses. But, as things are changing daily, it may be different for everyone.

The first thing I noticed when I arrived was the long line. Appointment slots were for 30 minute windows, so there were a lot of people there. The line, however, moved very quickly and I was in and out after only about 20 minutes. Most people had their ID, proof of employment, and vaccine voucher already ready, so the process went quickly. 

After I received my first dose, I didn’t notice many symptoms. My arm was sore for a day or two, but other than that, I felt completely normal. 

Depending on the vaccine brand, the wait for a period of time in between doses differs. For those who receive the Pfizer vaccine, the waiting period is three weeks. For those who receive the Moderna vaccine, it’s four weeks. 

When I received my second dose, I was instructed to wait for 15 minutes before leaving, in case I experienced an extreme allergic reaction. After that time period was up, I returned home and took it easy for the rest of the day. 

Overall, my symptoms were not too bad compared to those others have reported. I experienced a sore arm, like I did with the first dose, but it was sore a bit sooner after the vaccination than it was the first time around. The next day, I was fairly tired, but lucky enough to not experience any fever, chills, or headaches. I was entirely back to normal probably around 24 hours following my vaccination.

I was also able to speak with several others that received the vaccine, including Alyssa Kendrick, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner for Advent Health, who received the Pfizer vaccine, and Faith Vandehaar, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student, who received the Moderna vaccine. 

Like me, Kendrick had a sore arm and was tired following the second dose of her vaccine. However, she also “developed muscle aches and a low-grade fever” beginning at about 16 hours following her vaccination. But, these symptoms only lasted for about 12 hours and she also felt back to normal 24 hours later. 

“I was very happy to receive the vaccine and I’m glad to do my part in protecting the community so we can get back to a more normal way of living,” Kendrick said.

Vandehaar had a sore arm for most of the day, following her dose, and about 11 hours later, she “experienced mild chills and fatigue.” Like Kendrick and me, however, she also felt back to normal the next morning.

“The vaccine gave me a sense of optimism and hope. I feel very blessed to have received it,” Vandehaar said.

Much like Kendrick and Vandehaar, despite mild symptoms following the vaccination, I’m glad I was given the opportunity to receive it. Hopefully soon many more people will be able to be vaccinated as well. 

For more information on Kansas’s vaccination plan and when you may be eligible to receive a vaccine, visit this link