Those who have had Covid vaccine please advise

[MFM008]

Ok, I have a panic disorder and getting this vaccine scares me
not as much as having Covid but still, when you panic because you can't remember if you
fed the cat you get the idea....
Any advice on how to deal with it and any side effects?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I would suggest that you remind yourself that this vaccine will help you!

It will help keep you safe from catching the virus. That's the main reason for taking it.

You will be part of the solution that will enable our society to re-open!

[MFM008]

3. thanks

your right of course.

[msongs]

2. have someone go with you and hang out with you for awhile afterwards perhaps nt

[MFM008]

4. my DILaw is going with me

and ill spend the night with my son.
I know its just fear but a panic disorder is a terrible thing to deal with.

[eleny]

5. I've only had the 1st shot and it was a breeze

That night when I rolled onto my right side in bed my arm felt a slight ache at the vaccine location. So I rolled back over and the vaccine spot felt perfectly fine.

I had no body aches of any kind. No fatigue. It was as if I never got the vaccine.

I hope this helps you. All the best always.

[MFM008]

7. thanks

thats really good to know.
My son had a sore arm and a slight headache.

[kiranon]

21. Same here and I have Bell's Palsy at the moment and still went ahead.

There were a few people who got Bell's Palsy after getting the vaccine but the numbers were said to be within the statistical number for the population in general. So . . . was concerned but more afraid of Covid-19. Vaccine had no effect on my Bell's Palsy. Hope this helps. The worst part was the wait in line in the car for almost 2 hours. But the radio was on and the car was warm (I am in snow country) so all went well.

[eleny]

30. Sorry about that wait time

I'm glad that it went well for you.

[MFM008]

57. thank you

all the encouragement helps....
I wish I could have it right now lol.

[Ms. Toad]

6. Do you have medication - or calming techniques -

to help you when a panic attack hits? Perhaps taking the medication in advance - or mentally walking through your calming techniques - envisioning yourself getting the vaccine would help.

Consider seeking out videos of people getting shots - Ohio has 2-5 people videoed getting shots every Tuesday/Thursday as part of DeWine's press conferences. They talk to them ahead of time, talk to the person giving the shot, then chat with them briefly afterward. Perhaps you can watch and imagine yourself getting the shot.

FWIW - my parents have each had both doses. My mother didn't feel the first one at all and if she worked hard she could find the tender spot for a day or two. The second she barely felt going in, and didn't have to work to find the tender spot. That's it. My father had a bit more of a sore arm both times. FWIW - this matches how they react to the flu shots (my father more than my mother). Both had less reaction to the COVID 19 vaccine than to the annual flu vaccines.

Fortunately, I got to age 64 before I had my first panic attack. My first (and only, so far) was a doozy. I guess I'm glad I at least know what my daughter and my students experience, but you have my empathy.

[MFM008]

10. thanks

Now that you mention it my last flu shot hurt for days and left a good size bump.
I had forgotten that.
Thanks for jogging my memory.

[FarPoint]

8. I can share my Moderna vaccine experience...

I have now completed by 2nd-dose Moderna vaccine as of 1/21/2021....My first dose was 12/24/2020...Felt fine that evening, had an English style Prime Rib dinner with Figgi Pudding.. ...In the morning, I felt a little chilling, temperature was low grade 99.4...took Aleve, drank fluids, rested...chills were gone with the Aleve, yet I felt fatigue, malaise, muscle aches....slept most of the day and watched Netflix...by 4:30 AM the next morning, 1/26/2020 I woke up feeling energized, frisky and my normal self...My injection arm was sore...sore for 3-4 days..

My second dose on 1/21/21...was very mild and vague side effects, no chills, no fever, no muscle aches...a little fatigue...yes the arm hurt for about 3 days...I did hydrate and take CYA/ Aleve.

So, relax...have Benadryl with you...At our administration site...the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio...very, very well organized, great with social distancing, lots of support/informative people to answer any questions, direction prompters....They waiting area/ Observation area post injection was fine, they gave out water bottles...all was fast, no longer than 1 hour from start to finish...

[MFM008]

11. Thanks

I dont even know which one im getting.
Benadryl. good idea.

[electric_blue68]

9. Write yourself a little note of what California Peggy said

so you can just look at when you feel your particular panic attack symptoms

If you feel like it add a smiley face at the bottom, too. 🙂

[MFM008]

13. thanks

I should know better Im 62 right.....

[electric_blue68]

26. I hear you and it's been such an abnormal time...

..not that hard to be off kilter from time to time!

And slow, deep belly breaths, too.

[rso]

12. Vaccine

Had the first Moderna dose last week. Nothing to it, painless shot, and only very mild arm soreness afterwards, with no other symptoms. Best of luck to you and you’ll realize afterwards that your anxiety about the vaccine was not warranted, though I know it’s much easier said than done.

[MFM008]

16. thanks

like I said it doesnt take much to make me panic.... burnt toast...late paper.... you get the idea....

[Polly Hennessey]

14. I was a little anxious at first. My sister, an ICU nurse,

reminded me that having COVID is far worse and it can remain in the body with devastating consequences for a long time. The shot was painless and the after effects minimal. My arm was sore and the next day I was tired. I go for my second shot on February 17. Remember many, many people have already been vaccinated. My vaccine was from Pfizer. Have someone go with you. Remember you are not alone in your anxiety.

[MFM008]

17. Thanks

your right.

[Kitchari]

15. Sending best wishes

For your comfort and peacefulness.

[MFM008]

19. thank you

[Kitchari]

24. We are all pulling for ya

[MFM008]

58. thanks

ill update if i survive...

[Kitchari]

63. I guarantee

you will

[Laffy Kat]

18. Do you think your doctor could prescribe a short-course of a benzodiazepine?

The first shot won't cause anything more than a sore arm. If you've gotten a flu shot in the past, it will be exactly the same. See if your care provider will order a mild sedative such as Ativan or Xanax for a day or two.

[MFM008]

22. Ive got klonopin

and ativan... Will resort to it if need be!

[Laffy Kat]

25. Yes, that's exactly what it's for and it will take the edge off.

As you said, it's better to get through the vaccine than to get covid. Good luck!

[albacore]

62. Don't "resort" to it. Take it proactively.

I understand panic attacks, and I know that chemistry is central to them.
The benzos simply put you back in charge of your own chemistry set.

Had the 1st shot... no sore arm..a little tired is all.

You'll be fine. I never lie.

[mwooldri]

20. Only side effect that my wife reported...

... was sleeping very well the night after receiving the vaccine.

[MFM008]

23. great side effect!

thanks.

[LizBeth]

27. I am a baby with needles. Can NOT even feel it. I always feel and did not this time. Sore arm

first shot. The pain grows the first 24 hour, but not biggie, just sore. By the third night I was able to lay on that side, no problem. I hear the second shot has the chance of causing one to not feel good. I am going to walk neighbors dog if she is not feeling well, and then after I get my second one, she will do the same for me.

Having the facts and knowing what will come will totally reduce the need for that panic attack. I always do better when I ask lots of questions to be well informed without surprises.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

28. My son got the vaccination and it turned me into a Lizard Person with a space laser.

Seriously, he said his arm was sore for a few days. His wife reported the same. That's it.

[MFM008]

29. oppps

anxiety raising on lizard exposure...
lowering on covin vaccine.

thanks.

[MFM008]

31. thanks

im just a fraidy cat old broad.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

34. My wife and I are both scared of needles but we'll get the shot when it's available.

When the time comes, I'll just grit my teeth and get it over with while telling whoever does the deed that I have been known to pass out -- faint -- after getting stuck with a needle. Nurses seem to be especially good at handling that. Remember they've seen it all and they are there to help YOU.

[MFM008]

59. oh boy

fainting...theres always a first.
I hope my son doesn't see that he will claim he doesn't know me and walk over the body....

[roamer65]

47. ..

Did someone say space lasers?

[Squinch]

32. I have a real needle phobia. I told them not to show me the needle

(I'm really a big baby that way) and the jab itself was no big deal.

I got Moderna. Most people I know had no reaction or some soreness. I had a little more than that, but even what I had was no big deal: after about 5 days, the injection site got hot and red and itchy and sore and there was a bump in a circle about 2 inches around the injection site. I iced it and moved my arm a lot and it got progressively better and was gone on day 10.

I read that a mild reaction is a sign that your body is building up resistance to the virus.

It was not really painful and in no way debilitating. It was as if I had bumped my arm on the corner of something.

I'll let you know how dose 2 goes in mid February.

[MFM008]

36. thanks

sounds like my last flu shot.
I had forgotten.
good luck on dose 2.

[Squinch]

38. I know how you feel. I hate this stuff. But, honestly, I felt a little joyful going in for this

one.

Imagine the freedom we are going to have afterward! I know we have to still take precautions, and I absolutely will, but imagine how much safer we are going to feel!

I can't wait for that second dose!

[Quixote1818]

33. I had almost no side effects. My hand started itching a little as I did the 15 minute wait

to make sure there was no reaction. That made me a tad concerned. I felt it was more of a psychological reaction and so I reasoned the worry away and by the time I left the itching was gone. Take some anxiety medicine before you arrive and have someone to talk to who you trust waiting in the car to talk to. If you do start to have a panic attack, remind yourself that stats show its extremely safe and the worst is over!!!! Use logic to fight back irrational fears bubbling up. Focus on the good things, like you will quickly be on your way to being immune from something life threatening. For me it was a moment to celebrate! I felt liberated even though I was a tad nervous about a reaction.

[MFM008]

37. exactly

excellent advice.

[MLAA]

35. Husband had first Moderna shot 10 days ago.

30 mins total time from arriving to leaving the drive thru vaccination center at a local hospital. Very pleasant people explained every step. Husband had zero side effects, not even slight soreness in his arm. He is 85 and I was a little nervous he might have a reaction.

I cannot describe the relief I felt when he got his shot. I felt like a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I know we still need to be ultra careful even after his second shot. But you will be so relieved after you get your first shot.

To relieve a little stress you could do a dry run and drive to your location if you are not already familiar with the location ahead of time.


I probably won’t qualify to get mine until the summer, but since husband has some other health issues I’m just thrilled he is on his way!

You will be also!

💕💕

[MFM008]

39. thank you

hope you get yours sooner than later!

[Ferrets are Cool]

40. The only symptom I've had since getting my first shot was/is a slightly sore

shoulder. My wife, same thing.
Even if this were not the case, it would be worth it to not have to worry as much about contracting the virus.

[MFM008]

44. Thanks

[hamsterjill]

41. I have vasovagel syncope.

Needles are my trigger. I’m going to take a friend and ask that I be able to sit in one chair with my legs elevated on another chair. I’ll have some Gatorade and a wet cloth with me.

I’m petrified, but I’ll do it when I’m eligible.

[MFM008]

45. you get the fear factor

I dont even like using sewing needles lol.
Thanks and like you ill do the same.

[coti]

42. PRN's

Use 'em.

[MFM008]

46. thanks

[Gothmog]

43. I got my first Moderna vaccine on Jan 16

The shot site was slightly sore for a day or two but otherwise no issue. I was more tired due to getting the shot at Minute Maid with 6000 other people. It took three hours and when I left the line was around the stadium.

My son is in the Pfzier trial and got his shots in September and October. His arm was sore and he had a slight fever for a day or two. My son was unmasked two weeks ago and told that he was in the vaccine group.

I am happy to be two weeks out from first shot and I really want my second shot.

[MFM008]

48. thank you

Quite a line. Im getting mine at a small hospital hope there is not quite the line....

[Dorian Gray]

49. My husband had his first dose

no side effects. (His arm was sore for a day, but no worse than any other vaccine.) My niece felt as though her arm was going to fall off it hurt so bad. For a day.

The vaccine will be better than the disease. Keep reminding yourself of that. Utilize breathing exercises. Whatever techniques you use to assuage your anxiety. Listen to peaceful music while it's getting done. And think that you are not only helping yourself but everyone you interact with on a daily basis. You are a part of a larger community and doing what is right for everyone.

Good luck!

[MFM008]

51. you know

im one of the few people I know that can have a panic attack doing a relaxation tape...yup it happened...
I hyperventilate during breathing exercises....
im a first class weenie.
Thanks for the encouragement.

[Dorian Gray]

64. Aw.

Panic is hard to control. It's okay. You don't have to be perfect, and we all panic. If we could predict what always triggered us, it wouldn't be panic.

But you've got this.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

50. How do you normally deal with shots?

I'd say, invoke that coping mechanism.

[MFM008]

53. well good point

flu shot i get it and just go on, some have been almost totally painless...
this one I had in October made my arm sore for days and left a lump and left me feeling not so good.
This may be the same.
I guess its the association with Covid and lets face it , the Flu has historically killed more people .

[Sancho]

52. I've had two shots...no issues...

...a little sick feeling after the second one.

As vaccines go, pretty mild compared to shingles and similar things.

We were advised to not take Tylenol or Ibuprofen unless we really had too. Got the vaccine at a teaching hospital in Tampa.

[MFM008]

55. ive heard the Singles shot is harsh

I havent had one of those either...
Thanks for the reply.

[LiberalArkie]

54. Just tell the nurse you are afraid of needles and they will handle the anxiety.

I have severe anxiety with the dentist. They know it and work around it and I take a valium the day before to take the edge off. I live by myself and have no one to drive me. Needles don't bother me as they are so much smaller than what I had as a child.

[MFM008]

56. good point.

I can handle needles at the dentist and just realized look how your mouth hurts then, sometime for days....
maybe the needles are worse than whats in them...
thanks.

[Mr.Bill]

60. I had a needle phobia for many years.

I literally went 50 years without having a needle stuck in me. Age 11 to 61. I volunteer at the local hospital, and they require flu shots or wear a mask whenever you work in the hospital.

My wife is a retired RN and coached me on how to relax my arm muscles and breathe slow and easy before getting the shot. Unless I get someone giving the shot who just isn't very good at it, I don't even feel it. I got my shot today and my arm isn't even sore. The needles are very tiny, not like when I was a kid.

I have a running joke that always gets a laugh from the nurse. I say "I make drinks that hurt more than that."

But I understand your anxiety. But if you let your anxiety tighten you up, you are not helping the problem, you are creating it. Oh, and also, I never look at it. Have you ever had your dog or cat get a shot and they never feel it? That's because they didn't go through all the anticipation and worrying beforehand. In the hours leading up to it, whenever you start thinking about it, just tell yourself it isn't happening right now, so why worry about it? Best of luck to you and let us know how it went.

[MFM008]

61. my cat always

looks at me with annoyance when he gets a shot...
your right though.
Thank you and I will.

[PufPuf23]

66. I had the first shot of the Moderna vaccine on Wednesday.

I had a cv19 vaccine Wednesday AM. Had it about two miles from my home at the Indian Health Service Clinic. The Indian Health Service is Federal and outside the State and County distribution of vaccine.

The appointments are scheduled 1/2 hour apart. They take temperature at the door. After taking temperature at the door, one person/party (there was a married couple after me) is allowed at a time in waiting room and then taken to one of several treatment rooms. I was given a questionnaire about allergies and other conditions. There is another informational form, among other things stated is that the vaccine does not have full FDA approval. The local doctor then talked to me about what to expect and the risks specifically mentioning the recent Sheriff thing in Placer County in the news (I am in California as well) and that the risk of an allergic reaction was extremely low. Also the shot may cause some pain and black and blue following but probably not and some folks might feel a tad ill for a day or two. So had zero wait and my only contact was with three medical workers that I know.

Note I also have a problem with needles and, while haven't gone full pass out in years, have that history and get fainty and anxious with needles. But have learned to inject insulin each day. Have a port in my chest from chemo in 2018 still used for regular labs and requiring maintenance as well. Need to travel several hours for the Infusion Lab.

I had no after effects. When I took my next shower, I took off the bandage from the site with my mind going to why is that bandage there before oh yeah the cv19 shot. Also they gave me a card to carry documenting cv19 treatment status and scheduling the 2nd injection. Note I am a senior citizen that went through chemo for non Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2018 and had surgery (a 6 hur drive to near Sacramento accompanied by a friend) for a separate cancer in January 2020 and have several other risk factors. Was given the card during an exit interview and 15 minute wait to see if any immediate adverse impacts. A staff member sat and chatted with me during the wait for release. I was told that their experience (the staff had all been vaccinated and one had been infected and treated for the virus) was that they had some vague illness with the 2nd shot but nothing of note with the first shot. I was given some informational material to take home we reviewed after the shot.

This shot was as easy as pie. No wait and treated with care.

[MFM008]

67. Thank you

For your story.

[NRaleighLiberal]

65. I had my first Moderna shot a few days ago. I've also had panic attacks, and

am prone to be a bit of a hypochondriac.

I had no issues with the vaccine - in fact, was very excited to get it (I am a scientist, and this whole thing felt big and historic and something I wanted to just do - be part of science and truth, instead of those on the anti vax or anti science side).

So, lots of complex thoughts went into it. I thought back to flu vaccine shots I've had, shingles (the two shot Shingrix) - it always goes fine. I also realize that we are in uncharted territory - a pandemic, vaccines being developed at lightning speed - and there is always going to be a bit of risk...but it felt worth it.

I had no side effects the day of the shot at all - and felt fine on Friday as well. Yesterday for whatever reason I felt just a bit "off" - but just took an ibuprofen, a nap, got a good night sleep - today was fine.

Shot 2 is Feb 25. I know that reports are that side effects may be a bit more with Moderna shot 2, but it will be fine.

You can do it just fine!

[MFM008]

68. Thank you

For your encouragement!

[Chakaconcarne]

69. Perhaps one way to look at it....

Unlike Covid itself, the vaccine you can plan for any potential side effects.... and this is huge in many ways because it puts YOU in control.

I've had both doses and have worked with many who have had both doses and most report any side effects will hit at about 12 hours.. My experience as well.

So you may want to, if possible, time it so you're well asleep at 12 hours... So if you can get it at 2:00 pm, then in the middle of the night if any side effects show, you'll be out of it... and you won't notice.. I didn't.... and just plan to stay in bed and sleep it off...cuz if you have any side effects, you'll want to sleep. Arrange to have the day off the next day or a weekend, etc... and just plan on resting...

The day prior, set up your environment to be comfortable... cook yourself some comfort foods and look forward to eating them.. Line up some movies... Treat yourself for taking this on and totally kicking it's ass... Disconnect from news for a couple days prior.... Consume only media that is positive...music, whatever... Or none at all! No news..no SM if possible. The 'night of' should be planned like any other ordinary night... all of the above is just in case because you are in control.

Drink tons of water starting a couple days prior, take multivitamins..

Putting a sticky note on your mirror or door.... "I can do this and I am going to kick it's ass", repeat it yourself over and over... Sounds totally corny, but it absolutely works! and on the backside of this, you will SEE that you confronted this fear and you overcame it. You are strong and you know you are strong.

Millions of people have had the vaccine...some have had side effects, some have not.... 99.9% have faired for the better and guess what....they're chances of getting COVID just dropped by 94%.. That will be you....

[MFM008]

71. all good ideas

Thank you!

[occupant]

70. Just look away !

Best bet is to just look away ! I didn't even feel the needle, AT ALL. I had the Pfizer shot at a Walgreens store and was stuck by the Pharmacist. He was awesome. I just looked away and all I felt was a little pressure of the vaccine going in. No pain.It actually felt like such a relief to have this process started ! Three days later and am happy as can be. Halfway there...

[MFM008]

72. Thats the ticket.

Hopefully this time next week ill be my old self........no im still waiting to be my old self.......
Thanks!

[greytdemocrat]

73. My wife got it this morning

She feels a little "flu like" but otherwise
is fine.

I have to wait yet for mine unless I drove to
areas that were giving it out without appointments.

I can wait my turn.

[Vivienne235729]

74. I've had both shots. Nothing to be scared about. Everything I experienced

As far as side effects go was to be expected. Sore arm after my first shot that resolved after 2 days. The side effects from the second shot was more severe: fever/chills, myalgia/arthralgia, fatigue. It did level me for 2 days but then it went away. As to be expected.

Not a big deal in the whole scheme of things. I would get it again in a heartbeat. I feel a profound sense of relief. I am extremely thankful to be able to get both shots. Especially when I see there are SO MANY who want it but don’t have access to it. There are people around the world who are paying TOP $$$$$$ to come get it here. It’s so shady, I don’t even know how they are able to do it. But it is happening. So if you have the opportunity to get it, I would RUN. Not walk.

[MFM008]

75. Thanks

For input.

[AwakeAtLast]

76. Take someone with you

I had a minor reaction, and I have an Anxiety disorder. I take Prozac, which has helped me immensely!

I did not feel the injection at all, I was fine for the first few minutes, but then started to shake, felt flushed, and my blood pressure shot up.

They monitored me for fifteen minutes or so. I walked around in the cool air to make sure I was OK to drive, and I was on my way.

I have not had any other issues since, but I do have to take someone with me for my next dose.

I hope this helps!

[MFM008]

77. taking my son with me

That sounds soooo like me. thank you for your imput.

[AwakeAtLast]

78. You're welcome!