Read on Twitter
Ok, I told myself I wasn't going to tweet about getting vaccinated, but I think there's some important information I should share.
(Thread)
(Thread)
WHY ME?
I was vaccinated because I work at a testing site and have potential contact with the virus and clients who may test positive. We take precautions and use PPE, but this is another layer of protection for us.
I was vaccinated because I work at a testing site and have potential contact with the virus and clients who may test positive. We take precautions and use PPE, but this is another layer of protection for us.
VACCINE FACT SHEET
I was originally going to upload a picture of the Pfizer BioNTech Fact Sheet I was given, but the page said, "This Fact Sheet may have been updated. For the most recent Fact Sheet, please see http://www.cvdvaccine.com "
So go there and read it for yourself.
I was originally going to upload a picture of the Pfizer BioNTech Fact Sheet I was given, but the page said, "This Fact Sheet may have been updated. For the most recent Fact Sheet, please see http://www.cvdvaccine.com "
So go there and read it for yourself.
V-SAFE
If you're like me and were a little concerned about the V-Safe app for the vaccine, the paper given to me says it's basically a survey app to check in with you periodically and ask some questions about your experience with the vaccine. Some will be for statistics and
If you're like me and were a little concerned about the V-Safe app for the vaccine, the paper given to me says it's basically a survey app to check in with you periodically and ask some questions about your experience with the vaccine. Some will be for statistics and
some will be for your own health, like stuff about possible side effects. (It is also voluntary. You do not have to use it if you don't want to, although the more data they can collect, the safer they can make future batches of the vaccine.)
VACCINATION RECORD CARD
It's basically just for your records. It's a piece of cardstock with some info on it. It contains:
-Your name, birthdate, and patient number.
-Vaccine product name & lot number
-Date of each dose.
-Name of healthcare professional or clinic site you used.
It's basically just for your records. It's a piece of cardstock with some info on it. It contains:
-Your name, birthdate, and patient number.
-Vaccine product name & lot number
-Date of each dose.
-Name of healthcare professional or clinic site you used.
THE PROCESS
(This will differ at each clinic!)
I waited outside a few minutes, then went in and signed in. (I had previously made an appointment.) They gave me a number and another form to fill out, as well as the Fact Sheet and V-Safe flier. I read through and filled out
(This will differ at each clinic!)
I waited outside a few minutes, then went in and signed in. (I had previously made an appointment.) They gave me a number and another form to fill out, as well as the Fact Sheet and V-Safe flier. I read through and filled out
the form while waiting in a socially distanced waiting room. After a few minutes, they called my number and took me to a room, where they administered the vaccine (shot in the arm of your choosing) and told about common side effects of a light headache and a sore arm. I was able
to ask some questions, and then I was directed to an observation room. It was another socially distanced room, where I was to stay for 15 minutes to make sure I didn't have an allergic reaction or serious side effects. They gave us a bottle of water and an "I got vaccinated"
sticker (Because stickers are fun!) and told us we could sue the time to sign up for the V-Safe app. (I used it to start writing this thread. I'm doing the app at home where I have wifi to use.) Once the 15 minutes had passed, they asked how I was feeling, I said I felt fine, and
then they directed me to the exit.
It was a pretty smooth, safe-feeling experience, and anywhere I had to touch something (elevator buttons, etc.) there was hand sanitizer available.
It was a pretty smooth, safe-feeling experience, and anywhere I had to touch something (elevator buttons, etc.) there was hand sanitizer available.
SIDE EFFECTS (MY EXPERIENCE)
The only side effect I've had is a light headache, and it's been over 3 hours since I got the shot now.
Some people online have been saying that staying hydrated after the shot can help prevent the headache. I can't confirm this, but honestly,
The only side effect I've had is a light headache, and it's been over 3 hours since I got the shot now.
Some people online have been saying that staying hydrated after the shot can help prevent the headache. I can't confirm this, but honestly,
staying hydrated after a vaccine is good advice in general, so I'd recommend it anyway.
ADVICE
-Make an appointment ahead of time if you can. It saves a lot of time and helps keep the clinics from getting too full.
-Stay Hydrated.
-If you feel sick, reschedule. Don't put everyone else in the building at risk by showing up sick!
-Be honest about any side effects.
-Make an appointment ahead of time if you can. It saves a lot of time and helps keep the clinics from getting too full.
-Stay Hydrated.
-If you feel sick, reschedule. Don't put everyone else in the building at risk by showing up sick!
-Be honest about any side effects.
DISCLAIMER
I am not a licensed medical professional or a vaccine expert. There are much better sources of information than me. I just want to share my experience so others can be more informed and not feel nervous about getting vaccinated.
I am not a licensed medical professional or a vaccine expert. There are much better sources of information than me. I just want to share my experience so others can be more informed and not feel nervous about getting vaccinated.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It was a pretty smooth experience.
If you are in an at-risk population and considering getting vaccinated, absolutely do it! It was a very easy process.
Thanks for reading! I hope you can get your vaccine soon!
And remember,
The mask goes over your nose!
-Andrew
It was a pretty smooth experience.
If you are in an at-risk population and considering getting vaccinated, absolutely do it! It was a very easy process.
Thanks for reading! I hope you can get your vaccine soon!
And remember,
The mask goes over your nose!
-Andrew
Here's a great thread that explains how MRNA vaccines (Like the Pfizer BioNTech one I received today) work. They explain it in non-medical terms, so it's super easy to understand, and also pretty entertaining: https://twitter.com/WheatNOil/status/1339624815137722368?s=20
