Reaction to Covid vaccine.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (37444)
February 20, 2021 11:51pm CST
So, I went and had the first vaccine in January. No reaction, at least not right away. After 8 days, my upper arm turned bright red, hot to the touch, and HURT. Did the doc online thing, he said it was called Covid Arm, and it usually hit about a week or so after the shot. It finally went down after a few days, and all was well. I figured the second shot would be a piece of cake after that.
I went Wednesday afternoon for the second shot. Honestly you can hardly feel it go in, no issues ever with that, they watch you for awhile to be sure you aren't going to faint or be sick, then you are good to go. They made me stay longer since I had a reaction the first time, I was prepared and had a book in my bag, so I read until they let me go home. All seemed fine to me.
Then that night my upper arm started to throb, and by Thursday it was the same as it was the first time, just didn't take me as long to get there. It's still like that, and it's been 3 days. Had to do the doc online thing again, he thinks it is because I am allergic to so many things--dust, pollen, cats, and so on. One of my friends had a swollen and hot arm the second time, so I guess I am not alone.
Thought I had better pass this on to all of you good people, if you have a reaction like the one I am having, you will be fine. I was just surprised as I just didn't think about having a reaction. But I am certainly glad to have the vaccines and possibly have a tad bit of freedom to do a few things.
46 people like this
46 responses
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
21 Feb 21
how concerning. i'm glad you're alright now. but were you advised to still follow health protocols even after the second shot?
also, were the 1st and 2nd shot the same brand/maker?
11 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle are you allowed to choose which brand/maker? does it have to be same brand both times?
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
My son in law is a doctor and I trust him as well as some of the other medical people in my family. They all leaned toward Moderna, and from my readings about the vaccines that was the one I wanted to get. Luckily, that was the one offered here at the first vaccine clinic I qualified to sign up for. And yes, from what I have read and heard on the news stations, you are to get the same brand both times.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
I had the Moderna vaccine, both times. They scheduled my second one when I got my first one. And yes, they stress that it is 2 weeks until you have the 95% immunity from the virus. And to still wear a mask, which I plan on doing anyway. My doctor feels like I am allergic to a lot of things and I know when I got tested the list was endless, so I really wasn't surprised on the reactions. Just glad to not have the virus!
8 people like this
@1creekgirl (41427)
• United States
21 Feb 21
Good to hear you're okay now. I had a bad reaction to the first Covid shot...felt like the worst flu I've ever had. Hurt all over, slight fever, but was better after a week. Sure hope I do better with the second one.
7 people like this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
21 Feb 21
Hubby has had his first one. I will get mine this week. I reacted horribly to my last pneumonia shot, over a year ago. It was much like you are describing your arm. Doc had me alternate hot and cold treatments and take tylenol or ibuprofen. My doctor said a strong reaction possibly means I will have a strong immunity. Let's hope it is that way for you.
5 people like this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
22 Feb 22
@MarieCoyle Did you get a booster? Hubby got a lot of arthritis like symptoms the doctor blames on that.
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
That's what my son in law said, that it means the virus is working and doing what it is supposed to do, to keep me from getting sick.
I am very glad I got it.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
22 Feb 22
Yes, I had the booster as soon as it was available last fall. NO reaction at all to it. I do have a ton of allergies to many things, and I get reactions to all kinds of shots and meds, so I wasn't surprised. I even had a bad reaction to a plain tetanus shot last summer. I have lost so many to Covid that I will never regret getting vaccines. Plus I have too many health issues, it's just something I had to do.
I have heard of people having arthritis symptoms as you describe. I hope he is feeling better soon.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
21 Feb 21
@sharon6345 Me too. If it truly does work and is tested and true, then I may consider it but right now, it is not guaranteed or tested enough. My health cannot risk the compromise.
4 people like this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle Oh, I totally understand and I wish nothing but the best for you honestly. I have a weak immune system due to having Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and some other non diagnosed things going on right now. I just want to be sure because I have been so sick about a year ago and once again last September and was in the hospital for a week at that time. I thought I was going to die then.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
The doctor said if I got the virus, he didn't think I would survive. So I wanted the vaccine. I understand it's a personal choice, and we will still be wearing masks for awhile, I'm sure. But at least now I can see some of my family that I haven't been able to see for months, and for that I am very grateful.
4 people like this
@akalinus (43196)
• United States
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle I'm glad that you got the vaccine and won't infect others or get sick with it. That is worth sore arms for a short time.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
I've been told by my doc that mine is a textbook reaction of what can happen. Plus my reaction is good, so they say, as it proves the vaccine is working. So I can more than live with it. Thank you!
4 people like this
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
21 Feb 21
I didn't have any reaction at all that I noticed, not even an ache at the injection site (which I have had only once with the flu jab). My wife felt very tired for a few days, however. Of course, reactions are a pain but mostly they can be dealt with as we deal with minor inconveniences like a cold or a persistent headache. Just coddle yourself for a bit and it'll be fine. I'd much rather feel ill for a few days than have to be in hospital with Covid!
5 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
Me, too! A swollen sore arm is LOTS better than a ventilator!!!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (180678)
• United States
21 Feb 21
Sorry you had such a reaction. I will take my chances. I would much rather have a vaccine than a chance of getting or giving Covid.
5 people like this
@crossbones27 (49432)
• Mojave, California
21 Feb 21
My freind got one and his wife and they both said their arm ached. I do not know how bad because they both like me like to hide the pain. She will if you are with her will complain nonstop, but I have not been with them in person for months so hard to say. Thanks for your first hand knowledge though. I knew there was some kind of price to pay but hey you get to live.
5 people like this
@crossbones27 (49432)
• Mojave, California
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle Yeah both of them work with kids and stuff why it was important for them to get one. Glad you good overall though. I think post like this will help people so again Thank You
3 people like this
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
21 Feb 21
Good to now that everything went well aside from the minor issue. Different people may have different reactions to a foreign thing being placed inside our body. Perhaps age has something to do with it too. I have no allergy on any medicine so far but I can't tell because I am already growing older. If the vaccine is already available in our place, then it is good to have it too. Stay safe!
5 people like this
@cindiowens (5120)
• North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
21 Feb 21
Oh that's awful. So sorry you had a reaction, but at least it wasn't a life threatening one.
5 people like this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle
Thank you for the tip. I usually do not respond to shots. When I have gotten the flu shot no reaction. I got my first one and will get the second one in March.
5 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37444)
•
21 Feb 21
I don't like to complain because I know that so many people have lost loved ones to the terrible virus. I lost some elderly family members to this. One of my very good friends lost her son, he was only 40, he worked out, coached baseball, and was a lineman for an electric company. He left a wife and 4 children. He fought for 2 months on a vent, and he really fought! But he lost the fight. That's just one story out of thousands out there, and it breaks my heart.
5 people like this
@macayada (1497)
• Cavite City, Philippines
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle Yes true, but we can not get the fear out of those still unaffected by virus because one news whether true or not is causing doubt.
2 people like this
@almostoveryou (4778)
• Philippines
21 Feb 21
@MarieCoyle heartbreaking. This is such a wicked virus.
4 people like this