How I’m Feeling (Physically and Emotionally) After Getting My Second COVID Shot

I've been fortunate enough to have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Here's how I'm feeling about it.

Like many people, I had been trying for about six weeks to book an appointment to get the COVID vaccine. I am immuno-compromised, and was placed in the 1B category when the vaccines started to become available. But securing an appointment was an exercise in patience. Getting up early to log on to the AtlantiCare website, getting stuck in a queue for hours, and appointments disappearing before I came next in line. I wasn't mad about it, not even for a minute, just hopeful that eventually my time would come.

And then it did. I went to the mega vaccine clinic at Atlantic City Convention Center in late February to receive my first dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. Before I move on, can I just say how WELL RUN that whole operation is? Between the National Guard and the AtlantiCare staff, it is a well-oiled machine. So efficient.

I'm not gonna lie. I got a bit emotional after receiving my first shot. My arm was super sore after, and I was quite tired, but that's about as far as my side effects went.

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On Monday, I returned to the AC Convention Center for my second dose. I had heard, whether someone received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, that the second shot left you feeling a bit worse than the first. I hydrated well beforehand, and even doubled up on my Vitamin C and Elderberry.

Sitting in the observation area after receiving my injection, a wave of relief rushed over me. WOW. This ACTUALLY happened. I'm protected, about as best as I can be, from coronavirus. Even though a year has felt in eternity, I'm still amazed by how quickly scientists were able to invent, test, and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.

As I walked out of the convention center, I notice a 'Finish Line' sign hanging above the exit door. Yay!

I had no after effects the day of my second shot, other than a growing tenderness in my arm. It was the NEXT day that I was really wiped out. I woke up to an intense headache, so I took acetaminophen and went right back to bed to sleep it off. When I woke up again a few hours later, my body was pretty achy. Before bed I took one more Tylenol, and by the time I woke up the next day, I was good! So, if that's as bad as it got for me, I feel pretty lucky.

But do I suddenly feed 'invincible'? No. In fact, I don't know when or if I'm going to feel comfortable being out in public without a mask on. I guess it's kind of become like a security blanket. I'll just continue to follow CDC guidelines and do what I feel comfortable with.