Monthly Highlights | May 2021

Earlier in the month, I received my second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination. I am beyond thankful that I had little to no side effects and that I was able to give my body stronger protection against the virus.

I do understand, as I hope others understand as well, that the vaccine does not translate to being immune from the virus. Fully vaccinated individuals can still get the virus, and can still spread the virus to anyone else. Being vaccinated at least allows our body to prevent the virus from fully taking over and helps to contain the symptoms that are typically expected to arise.

With that being said, I am still going to wear a mask outdoors, especially when I’m in a space that multiple people visit. I will continue wearing a mask until I personally feel safe and comfortable to not wear one, which might take months.

(My experience taking the vaccine) …

On the day of my first dose, I didn’t get any sleep at all, as I was very nervous about any side effects I could get. After eating a good breakfast, and a 30-minute ride to the vaccination site, I was surprised to see many people waiting in line. When I booked an appointment, there was a section to choose my time of appointment, and so I believed that there wouldn’t be that many people around the same section of time.

Apparently, the appointment time didn’t matter.

As I got closer to the actual vaccination building, I saw two other line formations I had to stay in. One was an incredibly long, zig-zag line. After about 30 minutes, my feet reached the platform of the vaccination building. At this point, I was very sleep-deprived, tired, and cold as it was drizzling. I was greeted by whom I assumed were volunteers who asked me general questions about my health and requested to see my appointment confirmation. I then proceeded to enter the building into a room where I was met with another zig-zag line. This one was much shorter and went by quicker.

Finally, after a total of about 50 minutes, I got my injection (didn’t hurt), and waited an extra 30 minutes for observation (I have an allergy, and those with allergies are required to wait an extra 15 minutes). Thankfully, I felt fine throughout the entire observation and was able to head back home.

I began feeling soreness on my vaccinated arm towards the end of my ride home. I took Tylenol after eating dinner to be prepared in case a fever was coming. Over the next 48 hours, the soreness increased for a whole day and decreased by the second day. I had no other side effects, and a fever didn’t appear.

My second vaccination had a whole other story.

I was able to get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy breakfast. When I got to the vaccination site, there was barely a line, and I was able to get my vaccine within 10 minutes. The injection, again, was quick, and I didn’t feel anything during my 30-minute observation period.

This time, I took Tylenol after eating lunch just to be on the safe side. During the early evening, I did notice that my injection area was redder than usual, and felt warmer than the rest of my body. I figured it was simply the vaccine, so I wasn’t worried.

The next day, I woke up to excruciating pain on the right side of my neck (the same side as my vaccinated arm). It was extremely difficult for me to turn my head, and I was basically on bed rest the entire day. I actually stopped taking Tylenol after taking it twice, which was a bad idea, as signs of a fever began showing the next night. So, I took the medicine again. The following morning, the pain in my neck decreased, and I was able to move my head better. My fever began slowing down, but I still took my medicine at the appropriate times of the day.

Other side effects I had from the second dose were: morning nausea, tiredness, and an increase in appetite. All of these symptoms thankfully went away by the fourth/fifth day after I got vaccinated.