The chatter at work by those who “know someone” who has received their second vaccine injection, is that the side effects in terms of body aches, fever, and overall malaise were worse with the second shot. I got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday afternoon. Once again, I had no immediate reaction - no flushing, weakness, or dizziness. Thirty six hours later I remain symptom free, except for a sore arm that is expected with any vaccine. I have not required any Tylenol or Advil.
Above is my my friendly, competent, efficient vaccine giver. Below is my sticker. I may have taken 2 so I could also put one on the new everyday journal I am getting to initiate.
As unpredictable as this virus is, in terms of how it knocks some people on their butts, while leaving others completely without symptoms, I guess it's no surprise that the vaccine should impact us all differently. Our individual immune systems are just that - very individual.
Consider this a public service announcement. If you are fortunate enough to be offered a dose of the vaccine, I hope you choose to take it. If not, there will surely be someone else in line thankful for the opportunity, and willing to roll up their sleeve. I see no reason to try and "convince" those who don't want a vaccine to take it. Instead lets focus our energies on seeing that those who do want it are able to get it.
Frankly, trying to sway others to my way of thinking on this whole pandemic, is an exercise in futility that only serves to leave me feeling depleted of the energy I need to do my work, and stay healthy. Below is a great link to frequently asked questions about the COVID 19 vaccines. Only for those who are interested.
Thank you dear Carol for your service. I have come to the conclusion that trying to convince anyone of anything is futile. It NEVER works and it's a waste of energy.
Posted by: Emie | 01/15/2021 at 03:49 AM
I am glad you are duly vaccinated! You bet I will get one as soon as I can.
Posted by: Chris Oliveira | 01/15/2021 at 09:32 AM
I am so glad you had no significant side effects and are no vaccinated! This is wonderful news. My husband had his first dose with minor side effects. I am anxious for the rest of us to qualify.
I always enjoy your missives. I am so frustrated by the bizarre responses so many people in our country are choosing. My child’s school has reopened against all common sense. We’ve elected for her to stay on Zoom only but we are a tiny minority. The first full week of in person half her grade had to quarantine after a child tested positive. I guess I just want you to know that I deeply appreciate your perspectives as a knowledgeable and skilled medical professional (I love smart nurses) and as a thinking, caring person. So any time you want to dispense practical advice on food, flowers, art, books, or pandemics, I am here for it.
Posted by: Josie | 01/16/2021 at 01:18 PM
Giving healthcare/essential workers priority with the vaccine is imperative. Period. I'm glad to see your state is doing it's job. I'm currently in FL. The vaccination program here has been organized poorly. A friend who was admitted to a hospital associated to University of FL asked the nurses if they had gotten vaccinated and they actually laughed but not in a funny way. The hospital has no program to vaccinate their own employees, and yes, even those working on Covid units. This is hearsay and I don't have any hard facts to back me up. What I do know is the vaccine was released to anyone over 65 (people outside of FL were booking vaccine vacations) and there was NO mention of putting healthcare/essential workers as a priority, which makes me ANGRY. People I know have gotten the first dose with a follow appointment for their 2nd dose and others have appointments for their first dose. Over the weekend ALL of those people were contacted and told ALL upcoming appointments are cancelled/postponed, no other explanation given. I did some Google sleuthing but couldn't find anything about why this was happening. I'm anxious to hear the local news this morning but I suspect an inept administration at the state level to be the culprit. I'll end my rant here... there's a lot more to say but I've reached my limit to this brain dump.
Posted by: Emie | 01/18/2021 at 02:19 AM