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I received my first injection today for the AstraZeneca vaccine trial. I joined because science is the only exit out of this pandemic and I wanted to help articulate the process to people who may be skeptical of getting one or are considering joining a trial themselves. Thread 
The whole appointment took about two hours. There’s some paperwork but a nurse walks you through everything. You have the option to provide extra blood samples for genetic research. I obliged and encourage you all to do the same, especially if you are a woman or person of color.
The screening was similar to getting a typical check-up. They ask about your health history, current prescriptions, etc. They draw blood samples for labs and take your blood pressure. Nose swab for a COVID test, obvs. Ladies: be ready to pee in a cup. Here's my cat w/ the packet
The shot was in my shoulder and it hurt just like a needle should. There’s a 66% chance I was given the vaccine over the placebo. The trial conducts a randomization process so I nor my clinicians know which one I received — only the pharmacist who delivered the dose knows.
I got it around 9 a.m. and am so far feeling fine. My arm is sore like when you get a tetanus shot but no other symptoms. My nurse said some people have experienced fever, chills or mild COVID symptoms. They give you a goody bag with a guide, thermometer and a ruler (lol).
Someone will call me in a week to check how I’m feeling and in a month I go back in to get my second injection and more blood work. My calendar extends a 730-day timeline with frequent checkups, lab work, etc. In total it looks like I’ll have to go in about seven times. Timeline:
One of the prerequisites to participating in the study is being at risk of becoming infected, which means no self-isolating. I’m still supposed to wear a mask, be socially distant, etc. but apparently they can’t know if the vaccine works if I hide in my house all the time. Weird
Anyway that’s what my first day being a lab rat was like. I’ll keep everyone updated if I start levitating. Feel free to ask me anything about it. I did this so we can all better understand the process and to do my part in ending this pandemic. I encourage you all to do the same!
Update: fairly certain I got the vaccine over placebo. I started to feel achy and had the chills last night, but a little Tylenol fixed the problem. Woke up feeling fine, just a little stiff. Let the antibody making commence!
