Need reassurance - vaccine related

I think you are worried because you have a choice.
To my knowledge, there is no real difference in the Moderna vs Pfizer (both protect you equally as well).

In our market, at the time I received mine, the client got whatever the county was giving that day.
I wanted Moderna because that was what Dr. Fauci had received. I figured he had the knowledge to discriminate. Luckily that was what I was given.

The majority of the health care professionals are getting the vaccine.
The vaccine is better than the virus and possible death. Both DH and I are in the high risk for death if we contract the virus, so I was happy to get it and feel safer going out in the world.

When I got mine I didn’t have a choice, had to take what was available and it happened to be Pfizer.  I’m glad it was since everyone I know who got Moderna complained of chills, fever, fatigue, headaches after the 2nd dose.  All I had with Pfizer was a bit of fatigue and a sore arm that lasted about a day.  My 93 our old dad experienced nothing.

WE didn't have a choice -- well, we could have waited longer to see if a different vaccine became offered. As I understand Faucci said get which ever vaccine was on offer. We got J&J - before the pause - and would totally do it again. One and done baby!
If you can easily get Moderna -- get it. But get vaccinated! Quit dithering and go get stabbed!

I got what was available, because my pulmonologist said to get whatever I could as soon as I could!

You need to remember that not getting the vaccine and getting Covid is far worse with long haul issues.

It’s ok to be nervous. I really wanted the vaccine and the days leading up to my first appt had me questioning my decision. I think it was more fear of getting side effects than anything else but it was a totally normal response.
I got the Moderna vaccine but I didn’t have a choice at the place I got it (my doctors office). I amped myself up by telling myself I got a little bit of Dolly Parton in me know since she helped fund it. Lol
The first shot was easier than I thought it would be. Had a bit of a headache the first day but Tylenol took care of it.
I just got the second shot Friday. I had a pretty bad headache and a low grade fever by the end of the first day, I still managed a 2.5 mile walk and went to DD’s track meet. Saturday was the worst day, headache, slight cough, the injection site felt like I had rocks in it and the lymph nodes in my arm pit on the injection side were inflamed and tender. And I was tired but it didn’t stop me from doing my normal mom things (track practice and college move out day). I did go to bed early Saturday night and took Tylenol cold and flu to get ahead of the side effects.
Sunday was armpit pain and today it’s sore but I’m back to my normal routine.
I think my big personal failing was not hydrating enough leading up to the vaccine. I’m usually pretty good about it but had slacked off a bit because of the cooler temps and a lot of running around that week.

You won’t make the wrong choice in vaccines. Something is better than nothing. Personally I would have made the active choice not to get the J&J but my family has a history of blood clots so that one made me nervous to get. I was happy to get either Moderna or Pfizer. DH and I are team Moderna and all the kids will be team Pfizer.

It will be ok with whichever you decide. I can tell you I felt a sense of relief after getting it. My DD is to young to get hers so I feel like the rest of the family is doing their part to keep her safe until they approve the vaccine for 15 year olds.

You will be okay, and thank you for overcoming your fear! The biggest difference between the two is the amount of time between the 2nd and 3rd shot. So, if you want to plan to see someone, travel, be more active you may want the Pfizer. 

I picked a place that was giving out Pfizer. The location was closer to home. 5 minutes away vs 30 minutes away for a Modena shot.. Which ever one you pick, you’ll be fine! Don’t overthink it. Just go!

There is no efficacy reason to get one over the other. It’s seems like the fact you have a choice is what is paralyzing you with indecision, and not giving you full confidence in your choice. That’s the actual data on them, I mean we can give you our anecdotal experiences, but that may actually increase your lack of confidence in what you choose hearing that it went fine for each. Some people had strong reactions to Pfizer and some to Moderna, so there seems no real *edge* of one over the other for that. I took what was most convenient for me (Pfizer) but I would’ve taken either.

I think what I’ve learned from seeing experiences here is at the end of the day, both are equally safe overall - and I would’ve been happy to get either. Also, I would’ve been fine getting the J&J myself too. I trust the scientific process on these here.

You’re not being stupid but I do think you’re overthinking it. It’s understandable- it seems every time I turn around someone is talking about the vaccine. The news, social media, family, radio, tv. You can get away from it.

My doctor told me the best one to get is whichever I can get the soonest. I had Moderna and I had a few side effects, but they weren’t bad and they only last a day or two. It was a good excuse to take it easy and read a book or watch a movie 😀. You can do this.

I had no choice on which vaccine to get if I wanted to get it immediately. I ended up with Moderna and got my first dose on Friday. My arm was noticeably sore until Sunday morning and I had some fatigue on Friday night, but that could also be from taking care of a newborn, so I can’t say if it really was because of the vaccine.

I think your anxiety will go away once you actually get your first dose. There’s so much talk about it all and so much anticipation, I think you’ll feel relief once you go through with it and you can stop thinking about it.

I think that many things we do in daily life and many medications or other vaccines we take have many of not more side effects but they aren’t magnified in the media right now. Since these vaccines are magnified in the media you’re stressed about making a decision. The only wrong decision is to not get one. Try not to overthink it. The best one for you will be the one you get.

And don’t listen to this - this one gave me side effects and this one didn’t. All of my experience within my family is opposite what I’ve read here. Have your own experience.

I am assuming by your Pea name that you live in MD? I am in DC and we haven’t had a choice up till recently, but now more appointments are available and it is possible to find out which locations have the different versions.

When my dh and dd were vaccinated, they didn’t have a choice. DD got the Pfizer vaccine, and DH was given the Moderna vaccine. Both got their 2nd shots on Saturday, and have had minimal to no reactions. 

I think the choice might be causing your anxiety. The Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J are all good options, we are lucky in the USA that we have three vaccines available. Good luck with your choice, you will be so glad once you are vaccinated!

Maryland - I totally understand your concern. Are you leaning more towards one ? Is there one you really wanted in the beginning of all of this. Like a gut choice. In some instances, when I give advice to others, I ask them - what do you really want to do ? In your heart of hearts, you know. Which one would you choose, if you weren’t afraid ?