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Post by maryland on Apr 26, 2021 17:28:50 GMT
I was extremely worried about my daughter who is highly allergic to foods and has asthma, but tolerates vaccines. She and her husband were given Pfizer at the same time, so he could drive if she had a reaction, she had her Epipen, and they stayed an extra 15 minutes in the observation area after the shot. Her only reactions both times were fatigue. My son-in-law had a head ache. A family member who receives dialysis was given Moderna without complications. Family members who have been treated for cancer have received Moderna with little or no side effects. I had Johnson with minor problems but a co-worker had Johnson and the next day Johnson was paused. She had flu-like symptoms for three days and mine were 24 hours. I will worry until she is post three to four weeks because the clotting issue seems to occur at two weeks.I am six weeks post-vaccine. In the meantime, a 34 year old friend contracted COVID from her toddler going to nursery school and is hospitalized on a ventilator.Her toddler is getting better. I understand your reservations, but COVID is a very real danger now. You are protecting yourself and your family by receiving the vaccine. Better days ahead. That's helpful hearing about your family members and friends doing well after being vaccinated.
I hope your young friend recovers, that is so scary. My high school daughter's aquaintence from school lost her dad and grandfather to covid last week. And my husband knows at least 4 people who died of covid. I keep telling myself that healthy people can die from covid, and by getting covid, you may be more likely to suffer from severe covid related issues or other problems in the future. That's why I am so mad at myself for being nervous about the vaccine.
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Post by maryland on Apr 26, 2021 17:30:39 GMT
I have no advice but I wanted to offer you love and support. It is scary when you accept something into your body that could be harmful. Don’t let anyone try to tell you how to feel. I have developed a deep respect for Dr. Fauci and reading what he says makes me feel better is there anyone like that for you? Yes, I love Dr. Fauci! I trust him the most! (And him being a Washington Nationals fan is a bonus)!
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Post by maryland on Apr 26, 2021 17:38:32 GMT
Thank you all so much for your kind and reassuring responses! It has helped so much. When in doubt, I will read this thread over and over!
I was worried that people would find in 6 months from now, or a year from now, some diseases would be more common and they would be linked to one of the vaccines. But you all are reassuring me that that is just my anxiety talking. I am fine with side effects for a few days, but I worried about future issues. I am so relieved to know that that's not an issue.
I am also more educated about Pfizer v Moderna and it sounds like neither is safer, they are pretty much the same (I guess like Advil and Target's version of advil for example).
Yes, I should stop watching the news, that's probably making it worse!
Thanks again, so much for your kindness. It really means a lot to me that you understand my concern. Please keep replying with any reassurances you have. I am going to be reading this thread a lot before and after I get my first dose of the vaccine!
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Post by flanz on Apr 26, 2021 17:38:37 GMT
In my area, you didn't get to pick. You got whatever they were giving that day. Several people in my family got Pfizer, DH and I got Moderna and my brother and SIL got J&J. Now that the vaccine is more readily available, I don't know if that's changed or not, but we were happy to get one and would have taken any of the three. This! Happy with any of them. DH got Moderna, DS and I got Pfizer and DD got J&J. DD and DS live far from us and from one another. We all took the first one offered to us.
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456
Jun 26, 2014 23:58:32 GMT
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Post by sassyangel on Apr 26, 2021 17:56:27 GMT
Nothing wrong with questioning something so new. I don't think that those questioning or even not choosing the covid vaccine should be labeled anti vaxxer when they've gotten all their other shots. I also don't think you should take any shot available to you if you are not comfortable with that. From what I know the Pfizer and Moderna are the same since they are both mRNA. I'm waiting for Moderna after talking to me two pharmacists and the one with the Astra Zeneca said he didn't want to give it to me, he said if there are any doubts I don't give it we both have to feel confident with it. So I'm on the waitlist at the other pharmacy, Moderna isn't open for my age group yet but they get cancelations everyday. Good for you, milocat. Comfort with your choice (if you have one) is definitely important - I’m glad you were able to make decision you were comfortable with. Hope you get an appointment for it soon.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Apr 26, 2021 18:15:49 GMT
(((Hugs)))
You are not stupid, and it is rational and understandable to have concerns about a new vaccine, especially with the uncertainty and enormity of the past year+.
I can't tell you if there is a better or best vaccine, only that I trust the scientists and Dr. Fauci, and they have put these out here for us, and encourage us to get them.
My family has taken whatever is available.
Parents had Pfizer.
I & my adult dd have had 1st dose Moderna. Made us feel cruddy for about 24 hours, then just sore arm for another day.
My teen will get 1st dose Pfizer this week.
The minute that younger kids are approved for the vaccine, I will take them for it, no hesitation.
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Post by chlerbie on Apr 26, 2021 19:25:01 GMT
I had a lot of anxiety before having mine as well. I had tried to get an appointment for a long time, so when one opened up, I didn't care which one it was. I had Moderna. I've only had my first shot as did DH and neither of us had any symptoms other than a slightly sore arm. I think we're both anxious about having more effects from the second one as neither of us is really ever sick, but we know it will just be a day or so, so are going to power through.
You can do this!
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Post by littlemama on Apr 27, 2021 0:51:02 GMT
I had a lot of anxiety before having mine as well. I had tried to get an appointment for a long time, so when one opened up, I didn't care which one it was. I had Moderna. I've only had my first shot as did DH and neither of us had any symptoms other than a slightly sore arm. I think we're both anxious about having more effects from the second one as neither of us is really ever sick, but we know it will just be a day or so, so are going to power through. You can do this! I had more of a reaction to the first dose than the second, while dh and ds had more reaction to their second dose. Drink plenty of water. Like crazy amounts of water.
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Post by refugeepea on Apr 27, 2021 0:55:42 GMT
I had the Johnson and Johnson shot. The next day it was put on hold. No worries though! No blood clots.
ETA: I was achy for about four days. That feeling you have when you've overcome the worst of the flu and you feel a little weak. Nothing too bad.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,378
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Apr 27, 2021 1:05:41 GMT
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. That is exactly right! I have a choice and I am terrified about not picking the safest option.
I trust they they will protect from covid. That's not my fear.
I worry that picking the "wrong" one could lead to future health problems (not covid related). That picking the "wrong" one could lead to non covid related health problems because of something in the vaccine - heart disease, etc. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I am more anxious and I can't sleep because of worry. I am so scared. I am thinking of calling an uber to take me to my appt. because I don't even think I could safely drive there. I am so mad at myself for being so scared.
Have there been any reports of long-term side effects? I haven’t heard anything of that nature from any reputable source....not even a question. I’m genuinely curious....
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Post by Laurie on Apr 27, 2021 2:05:01 GMT
((Hugs)) I understand how you feel and validate your hesitancy. I have the same worries long term. I had the J&J one and didn’t have side effects other than chills for about 15-30 minutes on the second post vaccine day. I wouldn’t have minded the sleeping for a large chunk but waking up feeling rested when I woke up. No such luck. I definitely didn’t want it and hate that I was pressured into it just to shut people up. I am still bitter but it is what it is. I will say that I like that this flu season no one has been sick in my house so next winter I might wear a mask at work when around people and they damn well better mask up if they want to come near me or family members that want to stop by my house for a visit. I put a possible toxin in my body to shut them up so they can wear a fricken mask next year when I ask them. I would not be opposed to masks being worn in public going forward. There is no reason people can’t put one on when going in to a store. FTR, I am not a person that confronts someone if they aren’t wearing one or nose dicking it. I am however judging hard especially if they are pushing the vaccine but can’t be bothered to wear a mask or not wear it properly. Okay rant over. Apparently I have some pent up feelings that I need to work through.
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Post by gizzy on Apr 27, 2021 2:20:16 GMT
I don't think your question is dumb. It's understandable to be nervous. Especially when it comes to something new. I am a huge fan of Dr Francis Collins, he's the Director of the NIH. If he says it's okay, then it's okay. I trust him. If I'd had a choice, I would have gone with Pfizer. Only because it is a smidge higher than Moderna.I had a slight headache and felt tired after my 2nd Moderna shot. 2 of my other kids had Moderna. 1 had a slight temp afterwards. The other had nausea and tiredness. Another kid had Pfizer and had no reaction other than being tired. DH had Pfizer and had chills and headache. Be at peace with whatever decision you make knowing that millions of people are right there with you. Which one did he say was okay? Is Moderna developed partly by NIH? I thought I read that but I have read so much I could have misunderstood. I believe he got Moderna but he says he would get any of them. That one just happened to be the one they were giving out that day. Yes, I believe Moderna was developed with the NIH.
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Post by kraft4fun on Apr 27, 2021 3:33:01 GMT
We had Moderna... first dose me no effects... husband who has major needle phobia sore arm for a 36 hours. Complained about said sore arm for 2 weeks. Second does, me... sore arm for a couple hours, tired for 2.5 days then fine. husband... has complained about sore arm, tiredness and anything known to man possible symptom or not since 5 minutes after the shot on Friday.
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Post by Judie in Oz on Apr 27, 2021 7:18:14 GMT
We mainly have the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia. I have autoimmune diseases, and I couldn't wait to get my first shot. I didn't even get a sore arm, whereas DH did. Lasted a couple of days for him. Our second shots are early July. I have allowed myself out a little bit (with mask) since the shot and love the feeling of not feeling quite so vulnerable.
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milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,423
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
Mar 18, 2015 4:10:31 GMT
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Post by milocat on Apr 27, 2021 13:52:28 GMT
Thank you all so much for your kind and reassuring responses! It has helped so much. When in doubt, I will read this thread over and over! I was worried that people would find in 6 months from now, or a year from now, some diseases would be more common and they would be linked to one of the vaccines. But you all are reassuring me that that is just my anxiety talking. I am fine with side effects for a few days, but I worried about future issues. I am so relieved to know that that's not an issue. I am also more educated about Pfizer v Moderna and it sounds like neither is safer, they are pretty much the same (I guess like Advil and Target's version of advil for example). Yes, I should stop watching the news, that's probably making it worse! Thanks again, so much for your kindness. It really means a lot to me that you understand my concern. Please keep replying with any reassurances you have. I am going to be reading this thread a lot before and after I get my first dose of the vaccine! I too was (am) worried about something long term with this being so new. That's why I had brought up a question to about the Astra Zeneca to the peas and got some good information. You have to find a balance between being informed and being too informed. I don't consume that much news and information and I feel overwhelmed.
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Post by maryland on Apr 27, 2021 14:42:09 GMT
I had a lot of anxiety before having mine as well. I had tried to get an appointment for a long time, so when one opened up, I didn't care which one it was. I had Moderna. I've only had my first shot as did DH and neither of us had any symptoms other than a slightly sore arm. I think we're both anxious about having more effects from the second one as neither of us is really ever sick, but we know it will just be a day or so, so are going to power through. You can do this! I had more of a reaction to the first dose than the second, while dh and ds had more reaction to their second dose. Drink plenty of water. Like crazy amounts of water. Would iced tea count? I have a hard time with water unless I am really thirsty. But I will try! Thanks for the tip!
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Post by maryland on Apr 27, 2021 14:43:17 GMT
That is exactly right! I have a choice and I am terrified about not picking the safest option.
I trust they they will protect from covid. That's not my fear.
I worry that picking the "wrong" one could lead to future health problems (not covid related). That picking the "wrong" one could lead to non covid related health problems because of something in the vaccine - heart disease, etc. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I am more anxious and I can't sleep because of worry. I am so scared. I am thinking of calling an uber to take me to my appt. because I don't even think I could safely drive there. I am so mad at myself for being so scared.
Have there been any reports of long-term side effects? I haven’t heard anything of that nature from any reputable source....not even a question. I’m genuinely curious.... I haven't heard, but thought I would ask in case I just didn't hear of any reports. I wanted to make sure I have as much info going in as possible.
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Post by christine58 on Apr 27, 2021 14:48:00 GMT
Have there been any reports of long-term side effects? I haven’t heard anything of that nature from any reputable source....not even a question. I’m genuinely curious.... I haven't heard, but thought I would ask in case I just didn't hear of any reports. I wanted to make sure I have as much info going in as possible. maryland The only long term info I have seen is how long (at 6 months right now if I remember correctly) the vaccine is still providing protection. The one falsehood I have read is that the Pfizer and Moderna's use of mRNA was rushed. That is not true. mRNA has been being studied etc for many years.
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Post by maryland on Apr 27, 2021 14:53:29 GMT
((Hugs)) I understand how you feel and validate your hesitancy. I have the same worries long term. I had the J&J one and didn’t have side effects other than chills for about 15-30 minutes on the second post vaccine day. I wouldn’t have minded the sleeping for a large chunk but waking up feeling rested when I woke up. No such luck. I definitely didn’t want it and hate that I was pressured into it just to shut people up. I am still bitter but it is what it is. I will say that I like that this flu season no one has been sick in my house so next winter I might wear a mask at work when around people and they damn well better mask up if they want to come near me or family members that want to stop by my house for a visit. I put a possible toxin in my body to shut them up so they can wear a fricken mask next year when I ask them. I would not be opposed to masks being worn in public going forward. There is no reason people can’t put one on when going in to a store. FTR, I am not a person that confronts someone if they aren’t wearing one or nose dicking it. I am however judging hard especially if they are pushing the vaccine but can’t be bothered to wear a mask or not wear it properly. Okay rant over. Apparently I have some pent up feelings that I need to work through. Yes, you totally understand how I feel. Rant all you want because I agree! I appreciate your sharing your feelings because I feel less alone in my thoughts about the vaccine. I remember your post about being worried and I felt the same way. And I am getting it because I feel pressured. I am not sure why anyone (family and friends) care if I am vaccinated as they are. But I don't want them to think of me as selfish, so that's a big part as to why I am trying to learn and feel more comfortable getting vaccinated. I think originally I wouldn't have been eligible until late July, so I thought that's a lot of time to learn more and feel comfortable. Then it was April! Which is wonderful, I know, but for me, scary.
I love your idea of requiring anyone coming to your house to wear a mask. I think I will do that too. And I like your reasoning. Even being vaccinated, I don't know when I will feel comfortable being around people and going out to eat and having visitors in the house. And I love masks in public! I usually shudder when I see myself in the cameras at self checkout. But with a mask, I look so much better! And with wearing masks, and not gathering or visiting people, we haven't gotten colds or the usual fall and winter stuff.
And all the responses have been so kind and everyone is making me feel a little better about being vaccinated. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond to my post and share their knowledge.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Apr 27, 2021 14:55:17 GMT
I haven't heard, but thought I would ask in case I just didn't hear of any reports. I wanted to make sure I have as much info going in as possible. maryland The only long term info I have seen is how long (at 6 months right now if I remember correctly) the vaccine is still providing protection. The one falsehood I have read is that the Pfizer and Moderna's use of mRNA was rushed. That is not true. mRNA has been being studied etc for many years. The mRNA technology is anything but new. The difference here is that there was an opportunity to seize to show how well the technology worked due to the sudden global emergency. Scientists have been trying to unblock funds to speed up mRNA technology for cancer treatment for years now. They know they can likely do it but the funds are not coming in. Hopefully, this pandemic will have a silver lining for this incredible tech and we will finally see major money streaming in to complete mRNA cancer cures.
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Post by disneypal on Apr 27, 2021 14:57:05 GMT
Is there any reason to get one over the other? No, they are all good and all effective. The J&J is now available again so if you prefer that and can get it, then you should. Around here, it has been difficult scheduling appointments (getting better though) and the advice is, the best vaccine, is the one you can get. It doesn't really matter and you don't need to be concerned. Whichever one you get, will be fine.
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Post by christine58 on Apr 27, 2021 14:57:10 GMT
Hopefully, this pandemic will have a silver lining for this incredible tech and we will finally see major money streaming in to complete mRNA cancer cures. This is what my niece is working on at UNC Chapel Hill. She's working on her PhD and specifically mRNA and cancer.
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Post by maryland on Apr 27, 2021 14:58:20 GMT
We had Moderna... first dose me no effects... husband who has major needle phobia sore arm for a 36 hours. Complained about said sore arm for 2 weeks. Second does, me... sore arm for a couple hours, tired for 2.5 days then fine. husband... has complained about sore arm, tiredness and anything known to man possible symptom or not since 5 minutes after the shot on Friday. That makes me laugh about your husband! My husband is usually the same. But he had no issues at all with either pfizer vaccine! I guess he has a really good immune system.
I am going to take a lot of pain relief on the day I get vaccinated so maybe the side effects won't be that much. Because if I do (my kids and husband had no side effects at all) they will have a good time telling me that I am faking it. I think being a mom, you aren't allowed to have an off day. So I will do what I can to prevent it!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 27, 2021 15:03:25 GMT
Neither DH nor I had a choice in the matter, we both ended up getting Pfizer from different places. He’s had both shots, I’ve had one so far. No serious side effects at all, a bit of a sore arm and he said he was a bit tired after the first one. I had a sore arm for about a day after my first shot and that was it. We were happy to get whatever was being given since getting any of them is better than waffling and winding up getting Covid which could potentially be so much worse. Since I still have one shot to go, I decided to be proactive and am not scheduling anything critical for the couple days immediately after my second appointment just to not find myself in a bind if I am feeling somewhat off afterward.
The thing is, every person’s body is going to react differently which is why they have clinical trials on these things with thousands of people before they are approved for wide release. Aside from the blood clotting issue with J&J which is quite rare (and J&J was the last one to get emergency authorization), I haven’t heard or read of anyone having any other long term side effects from the vaccines. As others have noted, it’s been my understanding that none of the vaccines are truly new technology, it’s just that they are being applied to a new virus so the efficacy of them against this new virus is what was being tested. I would think if there was going to be any serious issues, they would have started showing up by now in the people who were doing the vaccine trials last year and we would hear about it immediately.
Without getting my official spreadsheet out, it seems just from the responses here that more people have had more slight (albeit temporary) side effects from the Moderna vaccine, but even so I wouldn’t let that put me off or delay getting whatever vaccine I can get an appointment for first.
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Post by maryland on Apr 27, 2021 15:03:37 GMT
Is there any reason to get one over the other? No, they are all good and all effective. The J&J is now available again so if you prefer that and can get it, then you should. Around here, it has been difficult scheduling appointments (getting better though) and the advice is, the best vaccine, is the one you can get. It doesn't really matter and you don't need to be concerned. Whichever one you get, will be fine. The reason I can pick is because there are so many appts. available in our area, and rite aid lists which vaccine they have at the locations. There are so many in our area. I am technology challenged, so that was the only place I could figure out how to schedule an appt. We were in phase 1a for so long as so many in our state are eligible for that phase. A week after they finished phase 1a (2nd wk of april) that everyone was eligible.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Apr 27, 2021 15:04:01 GMT
And all the responses have been so kind and everyone is making me feel a little better about being vaccinated. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond to my post and share their knowledge. Hesitancy is ok. I said this to Laurie too when she discussed her vaccine situation on the board. I don't want people to feel as though they have to pretend they're completely fine getting the jab even though I personally am. The way I see it, you have questions, doubts and you are reaching out to those who might have the info you're after, the positive encouragement you need. If it's any consolation: whichever mRNA vaccine you get should provide you with extremely similar protection. It's also extremely likely you'll be able to get variant-specific booster shots in the future from either lab regardless of your initial vaccine. They will likely be interchangeable due to their shared technology. At some point, you'll just have to decide. I'm envious of the position you're in, I must say. I still have two more months to wait before I can book an appointment and said appointment will likely be several weeks away. Then I'll have to wait 6 (not 4) weeks to get my second shot. I'll likely not be fully vaccinated before September. And I won't be given a choice in vaccine either (no AstraZeneca or J&J due to my younger age in my country). I hope you understand the privileged and luxurious situation you're in, getting to be picky and having such early access. I wouldn't overthink Moderna vs Pfizer-BioNTech, personally. I've followed Covid-19 and vaccine updates daily for over a year now. These two are my top picks of the vaccines currently available on the market. It's Porsche vs Ferrari.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 27, 2021 15:05:59 GMT
I had more of a reaction to the first dose than the second, while dh and ds had more reaction to their second dose. Drink plenty of water. Like crazy amounts of water. Would iced tea count? I have a hard time with water unless I am really thirsty. But I will try! Thanks for the tip! I would avoid anything with caffeine in it because it’s a diuretic and won’t hydrate you as well. I think if you really have trouble with water, juice or flavored sparkling water would be a better choice.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Apr 27, 2021 15:06:54 GMT
We had Moderna... first dose me no effects... husband who has major needle phobia sore arm for a 36 hours. Complained about said sore arm for 2 weeks. Second does, me... sore arm for a couple hours, tired for 2.5 days then fine. husband... has complained about sore arm, tiredness and anything known to man possible symptom or not since 5 minutes after the shot on Friday. That makes me laugh about your husband! My husband is usually the same. But he had no issues at all with either pfizer vaccine! I guess he has a really good immune system.
I am going to take a lot of pain relief on the day I get vaccinated so maybe the side effects won't be that much. Because if I do (my kids and husband had no side effects at all) they will have a good time telling me that I am faking it. I think being a mom, you aren't allowed to have an off day. So I will do what I can to prevent it! It is NOT recommended to take pain relief before your vaccination. It's actually true before any vaccine. Some studies show that in can impact you immune response and formation of the very antibodies you're trying to build. apnews.com/article/can-i-take-painkillers-before-after-covid-19-vaccine-86f03cdeb208e058f82032ed8548a219
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 27, 2021 15:11:53 GMT
We had Moderna... first dose me no effects... husband who has major needle phobia sore arm for a 36 hours. Complained about said sore arm for 2 weeks. Second does, me... sore arm for a couple hours, tired for 2.5 days then fine. husband... has complained about sore arm, tiredness and anything known to man possible symptom or not since 5 minutes after the shot on Friday. That makes me laugh about your husband! My husband is usually the same. But he had no issues at all with either pfizer vaccine! I guess he has a really good immune system.
I am going to take a lot of pain relief on the day I get vaccinated so maybe the side effects won't be that much. Because if I do (my kids and husband had no side effects at all) they will have a good time telling me that I am faking it. I think being a mom, you aren't allowed to have an off day. So I will do what I can to prevent it! I took nothing, and quite honestly barely felt anything when I got my first Pfizer shot. It was less pain at injection than a flu shot typically is. I just made sure that I had been drinking a lot of water before and after so I would be well hydrated. That’s what I would highly recommend, and it’s something anyone can do.
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Post by maryland on Apr 27, 2021 15:12:58 GMT
That makes me laugh about your husband! My husband is usually the same. But he had no issues at all with either pfizer vaccine! I guess he has a really good immune system.
I am going to take a lot of pain relief on the day I get vaccinated so maybe the side effects won't be that much. Because if I do (my kids and husband had no side effects at all) they will have a good time telling me that I am faking it. I think being a mom, you aren't allowed to have an off day. So I will do what I can to prevent it! It is NOT recommended to take pain relief before your vaccination. It's actually true before any vaccine. Some studies show that in can impact you immune response and formation of the very antibodies you're trying to build. apnews.com/article/can-i-take-painkillers-before-after-covid-19-vaccine-86f03cdeb208e058f82032ed8548a219I plan to schedule the vaccine for early in the day. I can ask the pharmacist how many hours I have to wait before taking anything after. When I took my daughter, they didn't mention anything about that. Good to know! Thanks!
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