Yes, That Second COVID Vaccination Really Is Intense

Read the news, flip on the TV, drive along a busy road with billboards and odds are, you're going to begin to see more and more promotion of COVID-19 vaccinations. The choice is yours whether or not to receive one-- I respect that. The great news, however, is that promising research on these vaccines continues to be released each day it seems. Of course, Johnson & Johnson being removed from use in the United States hasn't helped the overall feeling towards the vaccine for some.

With the removal of the Johnson & Johnson product from the United States (for now), those who are being vaccinated here in the Treasure Valley and beyond will be receiving one of two brands: Pfizer or Moderna. Both of these vaccines require two-doses.

By now, you've heard of "COVID arm" and that the second dose is more intense than the first. The real fascinating part is that there seems to be no "method to the madness", so to speak. You just don't know how you or anyone will react to that second dose. The general consensus is that you notice it a little more than the first--at the very least. I'm here to tell you by experience that yes--that second dose can be real intense.

Friday morning of last week, I made my way to the health provider that gave me my first dose of Moderna, for my second. I knew it might make me a little sick but I had no idea what to expect. Let's just say I'm glad that my dose was on a Friday. About 12-hours later, I was sicker than I have ever been A fever of over 100 degrees, throbbing eyes and headache, body aches, I couldn't stop sweating--but still felt freezing cold! Yes, enjoy that visual.

i found out for myself that the second dose, as I have read and heard of, really was more intense than my first round. While for me, it was an extreme--for you, it may just mean a little more arm soreness. I hope that you don't have to experience what I did.

Several friends of mine that work in the medical field recommended some ibuprofen during the day of my vaccination and I simply didn't listen. Who knows if it would have helped--obviously, check with your doctor before you follow that advice, but I sure do wish that I would have done SOMETHING to potentially get ahead of the sickness that I felt.

My biggest pro-tip is this: if you can, get that second dose going into the weekend or whichever days of the week are your easiest. Communicate with your employer before hand that you MIGHT come down with the crud after this dose. I never could have gone on the radio in the condition that I was in on Friday and Saturday--so I am thankful I didn't get that dose mid-week.

Interested in scheduling your vaccine (hopefully I didn't scare you out of it)-- CLICK HERE.