Second Dose Report
Hi everyone! It’s been a while. As of now, I have reached the post-two week mark since my second dose, which means I am likely at full immunity. Given that availability of the vaccines are expanding to more and more people, I just wanted to update you on how I fared after my second dose on 2/5.
Day of Vaccine (Friday, February 5th)
Immediately after the vaccine, my arm hurt considerably more than it did for the first dose. This may have been due to the second dose, or it could have been a result of differences in the nurses administering the vaccine. Either way, my arm definitely hurt a lot.
Other than that, I felt totally fine! I took some Tylenol before bed for the arm pain, and fell asleep no problem.
1-Day Post Vaccine (Saturday, February 6th)
When I woke up the day after, I fully expected to feel ill and terrible, based on what I had heard about other people’s doses. Thankfully, I woke up feeling totally ok! I even went on a walk with my brother, my sister in law, and their dog.
Upon getting back, however, I lost steam. Maybe the walk was over-exertion given my state, but I had to lie down in bed for a bit, as I felt pretty significant fatigue. The fatigue began at around 12:00 PM on Saturday, which was about 10 hours after I had received the second dose. As the day went on, I had significant joint aches, chills, hot flashes, and fatigue. At around 5:00 PM, I took an hour long nap (and I am not a napper by any means) because I was so tired.
The nap definitely revived me, because I was up and helping my brother with dinner at this point. Once again though, after exerting myself, I felt another wave of fatigue that only went away after waking up the next morning.
Overall, I would say my side effects Saturday were noticeable, but not terrible. I do know other people have had similar fatigue and joint aches. Some in addition to those side effects have had long-lasting fevers as well.
2-Day Post Vaccine (Sunday, February 7th)
On Sunday, I woke up feeling great! No side-effects, and just a little bit of arm pain. It seemed like my side effects basically lasted from 10 hours post dose until 24 hours post dose, which isn’t terrible at all.
Takeaways
Overall, I would say while the side-effects are certainly more noticeable and significant than that of the flu shot, they are short-lasting and bearable. Just be sure to drink plenty of water, and block the day after you get your vaccine to rest. Plan ahead with meals or takeout so you don’t have to worry about cooking, put on a good TV show or movie, and take the day off. The one day of side effects is so worth the vaccine! Be sure to sign up if you can, and feel free to ask any questions!
If anyone else has gotten both doses, and wants to write anything about their experience, let me know! I would love to have multiple people’s accounts to help assure people about the vaccine.
I had my 2nd Moderna. Chills started after 12 hours and 101+ temperature persisted for another 18 hours or so and accompanied by nagging headache. Drank water. Was talking 500 mg tylenol, every 6 hours. Had couple of bout of sweating in the night. Now back to normal.