I got vaccinated. This is my story.

Raise your hand if you spent countless hours researching the COVID vaccine ?‍♀️ Raise your hand if you were super nervous about getting the COVID vaccine ?‍♀️ Now raise your hand if you put on your big girl panties and booked your appointment to get it ?‍♀️

If you follow me on Instagram you know that it is no secret that we have been basically isolating since March 2020. I have tried to go out shopping or to appointments but my anxiety takes over. Let me tell you, anxiety and masks do not get along. A few times I had to leave everything and tell my mom or husband I would meet them in the van as I run outside to rip off my mask and get my breathing under control. My poor husband has been having to bring my mom to all of her appointments as I just can’t do it.

The Lead Up To Appointment Day

When I heard we were finally getting the vaccine I started paying close attention to all the stories and the research. I ruled out a certain vaccine for myself and my mom, even talked my dad and stepmom out of it as I did not like reports I was hearing. Because of this getting vaccinated at the pharmacy when we were one of the cities chose as a pilot for the pharmacy program was a no go.

I waited with baited breath for my turn to get the vaccine. Two days before I would qualify with my age I managed to qualify with my anxiety. I quickly hopped online and booked my appointment. Then the nerves REALLY set it. My husband and I spent countless hours researching both the possible vaccines I would be getting. Reading studies, adverse reaction reports etc. basically anything we could get our hands on to make the best decision we could for me. I made my decision. I was keeping my appointment and getting the COVID vaccine.

I could not fall asleep the night before my appointment. When the time rolled around to actually leave I asked my husband if he could drive me. Between my lack of sleep and my anxiety I was not doing this alone and I was not driving. Thankfully he agreed to take me. YAY Love!

Appointment Day

Thankfully there really wasn’t a line up. I got to say our city is doing amazing at making sure we don’t have crowds. There were only 5 people in front of me to get in to the screening area. I had a good laugh at the process to get into the building.

1. Sanitize hands
2. Walk to screener
3. Sanitize hands
4. Remove mask
5. Sanitize hands
6. Put on provided mask
7. Sanitize hands
8. Answer questions.
9. Proceed into arena area.
10. Sanitize hands
11. Get told to follow the arrows and wait in line.
12. Sanitize hands before entering rink to proceed to your seat

Anyone keep track of how many times I had to sanitize before getting to sit down and wait my turn to get my vaccine. SIX TIMES! It was crazy but as the screener pointed out to me “We don’t want to get an outbreak at the vaccine clinic now would we” I see their point.

I sat down and the anxiety attack started. The tears flowed and the breathing difficulties began. I wanted to run out of there and rip my mask off but I knew I had to get through this no matter how difficult this was. So I took slow and controlled deep breaths, well as deep as one can wearing a mask. Once I got myself under control I pulled out my phone and waited my turn.

Vaccine Time

After about 20 minutes it was finally my turn. There was a nurse and a registration person going up and down the aisles. The registration person made sure all my information was correct while the nurse got the needle ready. The nurse let me know I would be receiving Moderna and asked if I had any questions. I didn’t have any but I did let her know I was scared of needles. The registration lady told me she was as well and distracted while the nurse gave me my vaccine.

It was super quick and surprisingly not painful. No pinch, no sting, no feeling the vaccine go into my body. I was amazed. Best needle I have ever received. The nurse handed me a paper with side effects to look out for and what side effects I should seek medical help for if I got them. I was then told to wait 15 minutes then I could go home. There were clocks set up at the front of every aisle. I won’t lie. I made it to 12 minutes then I left. Close enough ?

The 24 Hours Post Vaccine

When I got home I promptly passed out. Between not sleeping the night before and the anxiety I was wiped. I put my head on the pillow and didn’t remember anything else. I woke up about 4 hours later and my arm was throbbing. I could not even touch it. Even worse it was my left arm which is the side I sleep on. Was a difficult night as I would wake up every time I rolled to that side. The soreness started to fade the next evening and by the next morning I was fine. I later saw a Facebook post that said you should move your arm around after getting the vaccine to help with the soreness. A little late there Facebook. But hey at least I know now for when I got in for my second dose.

TLDR

I am now a member of the first dose club and am looking forward to being fully vaccinated. A sore arm for 24 hours is nothing to know that I am vaccinated and can help keep myself, my family and my community safe.