Some of us have been chomping at the bit to get the vaccines. If you're like me, you even missed announcements they were available for age 70+ until it was almost time for 65+ to be included.
Luckily, after being told by my local health department that February was all filled up and we couldn't do anything about it until March, or so, an opening came up for last week and I signed up for Pfizer and got my first shot on Sunday (2-21), after a snow day made them postpone from last Wednesday (2-17). Since my wife is a teacher, she already had her second Moderna shot through her school district a week and a half ago.
My wife's first dose gave her a sore arm near the vaccination site and little else. The second one gave her more of a rash on the arm and soreness, along with slight body aches and not much else.
My first dose of Pfizer this weekend gave me some overall discomfort and tenderness in the muscle where I received the shot, but I've had worse experiences with my first half-day of a cold. On Sunday, about 6 hours after the shot, I had some slight body aches, which were in no way debilitating. The body aches disappeared within 2 or 3 hours and I felt fine. I had a lighter reaction and for a shorter time toward evening last night after not noticing much during the day.
I heard from one of my cousins that her first Pfizer dose was not too bad, but the second one was a doozy, so I shouldn't plan anything for 2 or 3 days after that one.
From what I've read, some react more than others, but nurses and doctors all seem to agree that the heavy reactions are good because they indicate that the body is working hard to build up immunity.
My cousin and I agree, along with many others, that the reaction to the vaccine is well worth it against the specter of coming down with COVID-19.
When you get the chance for your vaccine against the coronavirus, even if you have to dig a little or make daily contacts with the health department or whomever to get signed up, do it! That's rule No. 1. Rule No. 2 is that if you get Pfizer or Moderna or another one that requires two doses, be sure to sign up for the second round before you leave the building from your first one.
Stay well and enjoy!