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I debated with whether or not to post about getting the COVID-19 vaccine on my blog, but I am because I want to share my experience for anyone who may need more information or who want to know what to possibly expect. I am not affiliated with any group or network that promotes the COVID-19 vaccine. This is strictly from my experience, and why I am choosing to share it here on my blog.

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. 

– From the CDC Website

I developed adult onset asthma in my mid-20’s, and my family has a history of asthma (my sister has childhood asthma and it runs in my extended family). This is why I have never smoked in my life, and part of the reason I chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, people with moderate to severe asthma are at the highest risk to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. Because of this, I have been taking all of the precautions early on in the pandemic to safeguard myself against the virus (wearing masks at all times outside of my immediate family, safely distancing myself & avoiding large gatherings). Fortunately, I have not contracted the virus, and my family have all tested negative for it, in addition to receiving flu shots.

Another reason I chose to be vaccinated is because my mom is over 75 years old and those in that age group are also at higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. She also has several of the underlying conditions that put her at risk, so she actually received both of her doses in January and February of this year, at the moment appointments were first available here in Arizona. Additionally, my sister is also at risk because in addition to asthma, she has chronic kidney disease, and is on dialysis, which makes makes her very vulnerable. She and her husband received their vaccines about a month before we did.

Side Effects We Experienced

I share my redacted COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card simply to show which vaccine I received and when. I received the Moderna vaccine as soon as it was available to my age group in Arizona.

General information about the Moderna vaccine:

Name: mRNA-1273

Manufacturer: ModernaTX, Inc.

Type of Vaccine: mRNA

Number of Shots: 2 shots, one month (28 days) apart

How Given: Shot in the muscle of the upper arm

Does NOT Contain: Eggs, preservatives, latex

– From the CDC Website

Of the common possible side effects listed on the CDC website, I experienced soreness and redness in the arm where I received the injection, which is intramuscular (in the muscle). After my first shot, my arm was very sore that night, and I felt very warm, as if my body was trying to fight something in my system. I did struggle to sleep that night, so I was glad that we received our shots on a Saturday afternoon, to allow the rest of the weekend to recover.

Prior to our second shot, my husband and I drank plenty of water, as we have read that the symptoms are more pronounced after the second one. We received our injections earlier in the morning, and for the most part of the day, I had no real reaction. Later that night, I did feel a more pronounced soreness in the injection site, along with redness and irritation. It was very difficult to sleep, and I only felt very mild fever-like symptoms. In fact, I was able to run errands the following day with my son without incident (both of us still wearing masks and following CDC guidelines).

Although all the adults in our household are vaccinated, we are aware that the full effects will not take place until 2 weeks after the second shot. Even then, my husband and I are choosing to wear masks when we are out in public, especially when indoors. Once the vaccine tests have been completed for children 12 and older, our son has decided that he wants to receive it.

Please keep in mind that this is our decision as a family to be fully vaccinated. My opinions in my blog post is to share my experience and I hope this is helpful to those who are still deciding what to do. For additional information and guidance, please speak to your doctor or other medical professional.