All COVID-Vaccinated…. Minimal Side Effects
Went to CVS and got the Johnson and Johnson "Janssen" vaccine a couple days ago. Waited to write about it until I felt like I had experienced any and all side effects, so that I could speak on it intelligently from a first hand experience. I purposefully waited until this version of the vaccine was available in our area because I didn't want to have to go get two shots a few weeks apart. I wanted one and done. Plus I've heard horror stories about those who do the 2 shot versions--that when the second shot happens it causes bad side effects. So this was the one for me!
Gwen actually made the phone call and got us added to the waiting list for a day they had extra vials of the vaccine because someone didn't show up for their scheduled appointment or cancelled. Just so happened that the day she called--we were able to get in that very same day since they had the right amount of cancellations. I am not one who typically has any side effects from any medications and I don't usually have any kind of adverse reaction when getting a vaccine injection. So I was pretty optimistic about how this was going to go.
The actual process was pretty painless--from the initial paperwork down to getting the actual shot. Went pretty quickly. And of course--they make you wait 15 minutes afterward to insure you don't have a bad reaction and need medical attention. Once everything was said and done, I headed back to the office to do some more work. My arm wasn't even sore. What I DID have was a metallic taste in my mouth-so having some mints around turned out to be a Godsend.
It wasn't until late that night that I actually experienced some discomfort in the opposite shoulder from where I got the injection. Put some icy hot on it and went to bed. Woke up the next morning and experienced some nausea and was hot and flushed.... Felt better after a shower. Have had a few "twinges" of pain near where the injection site was but otherwise for the most part--I think that's been about it. I'm hoping I've turned the corner now and things will be better from here. My wife on the other hand--who got the shot with us--felt very run-down and "ill" with some stomach issues yesterday--along with a low grade fever. But she seems to be on the mend today and hoping the corner has turned for her as well.
All in all--worth it if it means we're covered from catching this, or from having it as bad as it can potentially get for some. I feel better having done it and feel more secure in my daily travels than I did before. Still wearing my mask in public (personal choice) but definitely recommend it. I think the Johnson and Johnson shot is the way to go!
LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions
While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.