I want to share my story with you; I think given my last post it is important. I am a participant in a Phase 3 clinical trial for a #COVIDVaccine. I did not make the decision lightly; I am a wife and a mom to two young kids. Admittedly, my husband was not happy! #COVID19 1/18

I know that communities of color, and in particular, my community, the black community, has a myriad of reasons to not trust medicine, and to not trust this vaccine. My ancestors have been experimented on and have been hurt by doctors in the name of science. 2/18

For me, this was the most profound reason to join a trial; I wanted to be able to show my community that the vaccine is safe, and that this is a step we can all take to help curb the spread of #COVID19. I reached out to someone who was able to connect me with a study PI 3/18

The PI and I connected and they were very thorough. They answered all of my questions and addressed all my concerns. They provided me with a copy of the informed consent to read before making a final decision, so I would be comfortable either way. 4/18

In early October, I presented for the initial visit. I was asked a series of questions and was also given a thorough physical examination. After that, I went through the entire informed consent process. After the consent, I signed up for the trial. 5/18

The first step was a urine pregnancy test, which was negative. Once that was confirmed, I waited for the study product to be prepared. Based on the informed consent, I knew that I had a 50% chance of receiving the placebo and a 50% chance of receiving the vaccine. 6/18

The study investigators have no idea whether you get the placebo or the vaccine because it is what we call a double-blind study. The investigator does not know, and the patient does not know, thus we are both blinded. I figured I would take my chances. 7/18

Before I got my shot, I had blood drawn (since the studies need a baseline of your health status before the injection). And then the moment was here. I got the injection. I hung out for a bit after to ensure there was no adverse reaction, and then I went home. 8/18

I had to fill out a study diary describing my symptoms on the day of the injection and several days thereafter; the only symptom I had was a very sore arm after the injection. I didn’t have a headache, or swollen lymph nodes in my armpits. I never had a fever. 9/18

I had to take my temperature every day, so that lack of fever was very well documented. I went on about life for the next month, continuing to #SocialDistance, #WearAMask , #WashMyHands, and #StayHome (when not working; I am a physician so I work all the time) 10/18

A month later (November) I went back for another appointment. I took another pregnancy test (still negative) and had more blood drawn. I then received a second injection. I hung out in the office for a bit again to make sure there was no adverse reaction. I went home. 11/18

The arm pain was much worse the second time; I felt like I had received a tetanus shot. The day after the second injection, I had a terrible headache and I was very tired (which there is no time for on a Saturday morning when you have small kids) 12/18

I gave in and took a nap. I pulled a huge blanket over me because I was cold (despite the house being 75 degrees!) and I slept for nearly two hours. When I woke up, I was shivering. I had chills. I took my temperature- 101.5F. I had a fever. 13/18

I freaked out- until I reminded myself that I had an injection the day before. I decided that either I got the vaccine, or I got the placebo and am a highly suggestible human. I still do not know which I received. 14/18

The fatigue and headache lasted another day; the arm pain lasted for several days, but I was able to go to work the following Monday morning with no issues. I have since had other follow up visits, and so far so good! 15/18

I share this because I believe in science. I know as a community #BIPOC have been wronged. #COVID19 has ravaged #BIPOC communities far more than others, and this vaccine, in addition to other public health measures, can add a layer of protection. 16/18

For those who said, ”You get the shot”, it is possible I already have, although I do not know. But I took the chance so that black people would be represented in this study. For me that was the most important thing. Given the chance I would do it again. 17/18

Please consider the #COVID19Vaccine. We have a chance to stop this disease. Please continue to #WearAMask , #SociallyDistance, #WashYourHands , and #StayHome as much as you are able. We can do this-together. If you have read this long thread, thank you! 18/18

Tagging @PathologyPatty @bluehatcomics85 @uche_blackstock @ChaseTMAnderson @BrainsSlicer @choo_ek @DrAkeemMarsh @DrQuinnCapers4 @emilydcline @DrSujanaENT @DrLindaMD @londyloo @TanMohammedMD @DrJenGunter @01sth02 @jennybencardino @Kopper_Onc @

I still have no idea if I got the vaccine or the placebo but there is some work being done to unblind the trials prior to the end of the trial. If unblinding occurs I will find out what I received. If I got the placebo, I will get vaccinated when my turn comes. #COVIDVaccine

Another important point as I have gotten a lot of questions about this. You have to get tested for #COVID19 before the injection. Also, I have to undergo asymptomatic screening for work. I have yet to have a #COVID detected test. I don’t think my symptoms were due to infection.

UPDATE!