Being Fully Vaccinated
By-Tay
Hey everyone! I got my 2nd shot a few weeks ago and I wanted to share my experience with you for those who are not eligible or are too young. To get fully vaccinated, it takes about 6 weeks for you to become fully vaccinated. There is one Pfizer shot, then you wait 4 weeks. There is a 2nd Pfizer shot with a little more after-effect, or so says my friends. They are both the same dosage, said the nice Pavilions lady who gave me my vaccine. I will give you some tips, tricks, and advice on how to make your vaccine pleasant.
First Shot
The first shot feels like a normal shot, but after the shot, you will feel like the needle is still inside the skin, but don’t worry, it doesn’t feel bad. They make you wait 15 minutes after just in case there is a reaction. If there is, tell them or call them. This includes nausea, headache, and others. Although these can occur within the days after the shot, getting them 15 minutes after isn’t a good sign. Once you get your shot, relax for about 2 hours. Read a book, watch a movie, or play a game. After that, I would recommend doing physical activity which exercises your arm. Although it sounds weird, it helps circulate the vaccine so it does not stay stiff. I swam for 30 minutes at a swim practice and for the next few days, it didn’t hurt at all. It only hurt when I was sleeping and rolled over that arm, or when my brother would hit my arm to get a reaction out of me.
Second Shot
The second shot feels similar to the first shot, only there is a little more soreness and I could feel it. I swam for 45 minutes, but the next day it felt sore. I swam with my family for an hour the day after. I also swam the next day for 45 minutes the day after that. After those days of swimming, it felt better and all circulated. It only hurts for the same exact reasons above: contact.
Tips
Exercise that arm! Swimming is the best for this tip!
Rest and try not to sleep on the vaccinated arm.
If your arm hurts during the day, try to slowly move it around when writing, dancing, or even flipping a page.
Read about how children under 12 years old can get the Covid-19 vaccine this fall here.