I GOT IT
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | January 10th, 2021
Last month, on the blog titled, It Has Been Approved, I told you to stay tuned. I had spent time educating myself on the COVID-19 vaccine and had made a decision that I would get the vaccine when it was offered to me. On Monday, January 4, 2021 I rolled up my sleeve and got the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna. Since that time, the questions have been coming in and I thought I would share the questions and my response.
Why did you get the vaccine?
We have not gotten full control of COVID-19. We have lost over 370,000 people in the United States to COVID-19. We are averaging about 3,000 people dying each day in the United States. There are so many more people currently hospitalized fighting for their lives. This virus does not discriminate. I know physicians who have succumbed to this virus. We still do not know the long term effects for those who survive. I chose to get the vaccine because I felt that getting the vaccine was much safer than getting the disease.
What symptoms did you have after getting the vaccine?
My arm was sore for 48 hours. I chose to receive the vaccine on my non-dominant arm because I had heard from others that I would be sore. I was told to take Tylenol prior to getting the vaccine to help, however I did not take Tylenol. The pain was tolerable. I was able to work all day without a problem. After the vaccine, I was told to wait for 15 minutes to make sure that I would not have an allergic reaction.
Why did you choose Moderna?
I did not have a choice. It was what was available in my hospital. I have colleagues who have gotten the Pfizer vaccine and are doing well. Both vaccines require that you come back for a second dose.
Should you get the vaccine if you are pregnant?
This is a decision that you have to make with your physician. The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologist recommends that COVID-19 vaccine should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination.
What happens next?
We do what we have been doing. Just because you got the vaccine does not mean that you throw caution to the wind. There have not been enough people vaccinated. The vaccine is not a cure. It is not 100% effective. It will prevent you from getting severe disease. You still need to wear your mask, maintain social distancing and wash your hands frequently.
What is your best advice?
IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE VACCINE, TAKE IT.
I was on the fence about the vaccine but now you have convinced me to get it!!
I truly appreciate you and all that you do for our sisters.
Thank you. I appreciate you.
Thanks for taking the time to educate your subscribers. It is very important that they see you getting vaccinated.
Thank you for your support. I appreciate you.
Thank you so much for sharing! I think teachers are slated to get the vaccine soon. You have made me feel much more comfortable about that.
Teachers are essential and it is vital that we get them vaccinated so that they and the students can be safe. Thanks for all that you do.