OBSOLETE COVID THREAD Getting Vaccinated Today

[Anniesantiago]

As I've said more than once, I have been SUPER paranoid about getting the COVID vaccine, not because of the vaccine itself but because of what fillers might be in it.

Though I've had all the childhood vaccinations required in the 50's (not NEARLY what's required these days!), when working at Providence Hospital, I was required to get a flu vaccine. This was after my MCS had manifested, and I had a severe reaction. I extremely ill, and said I'd never get another vaccine. According to my specialist, it was the fillers, or extra ingredients, in the vaccine that made me ill.

The current CDC guideline says that people who meet the following criteria should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine

Since we weren't sure WHAT component of the flu vaccine made me ill, and since I had such a severe reaction when they changed my Letrozole prescription, my doctors suggested I not get the COVID vaccine until we watched and waited a while to see how it went with others. It was weird with the Letrozole and was surely an issue with ingredients, because I took it for 6 months with no issue at all, then my drug store changed brands and it threw my body into reaction. With MCS, once a reaction begins it won't "turn off" like it does in normal people, and even though we tried switching back to the original brand, my body refused to accept it. So now I cannot take any brand of Letrozole. It's just a weird touch and go with this danged MCS.

Having gone through cancer, a double mastectomy, the issues with Letrozole, the stress of moving and caring for my mother, my MCS, and issues with past vaccinations, I just wanted to wait and see how this vaccine panned out. In my mind, the risks outweighed the benefits until I took the time to watch and wait and research.

I've been watching and waiting, as well as picking the brains of all my friends, including my fiends with MCS, and after discussing it with my oncologist and other doctors, I've decided to go for it. Joe (my ex and best friend) is here for a few days in case I do need help, so it's a good time.

I've compared the ingredients in each vaccine and read everything I can get my hands on. It appears MOST people who react are reacting to the Polyethylene glycol. Pfizer DOES contain polyethelyne glycol, which is the ingredient causing most of the problems with people who react violently, but I have no history of reaction with that substance personally.

I've spoken with many friends my age and older, and they pretty much all had no reaction whatsoever no matter which vaccine they took. I spoke with my mother's friends, all in their 80's, and they had no problems. I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Several people in my family have had COVID, including my mother's 84 year old sister, and all of them sort of shrugged and said, "it was just the flu," and that also was a factor in not getting the vaccine. I have been more afraid of the vaccine than of COVID itself.

However, the new Delta variant has a big part in this decision and whether or not it's worth the risk to vaccinate.
In addition, I have two groups booked for Caminos in Spring 2022 and I need to be able to fly.
I also don't want to be the person who exposes other people to COVID.

I know this is a lot of blathering, but it helps to write it down.
Anyway, the point is, I've decided to get the vaccine.
I have an appointment for this morning, so wish me luck.
I'm a little nervous - but telling myself it will be ok, it will be ok, it will be ok.
I'm hoping to come back here later today and say, "It was piece of cake!"

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[natefaith]

I'm glad we can be here for you to download your thoughts to .
Happy vaccine day. Hope it goes smoothly and you feel just fine afterward. That's a terribly frightening reaction you had to the flu vaccine.

 

[trecile]

I hope that it goes well for you. Do be prepared to feel unwell for a few days and take it easy. I'm one of the rare people who had some gastrointestinal symptoms - they didn't show up until four days after my first shot, and weren't really horrible. I just needed to stay close to a bathroom for a couple of days. Other than a slightly sore arm I had no side effects after my second shot.

Thank you for doing your part to help end the pandemic!

 

[nathanael]

As I've said more than once, I have been SUPER paranoid about getting the COVID vaccine, not because of the vaccine itself but because of what fillers might be in it.

Though I've had all the childhood vaccinations required in the 50's (not NEARLY what's required these days!), when working at Providence Hospital, I was required to get a flu vaccine. This was after my MCS had manifested, and I had a severe reaction. I extremely ill, and said I'd never get another vaccine. According to my specialist, it was the fillers, or extra ingredients, in the vaccine that made me ill.

The current CDC guideline says that people who meet the following criteria should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine

Since we weren't sure WHAT component of the flu vaccine made me ill, and since I had such a severe reaction when they changed my Letrozole prescription, my doctors suggested I not get the COVID vaccine until we watched and waited a while to see how it went with others. It was weird with the Letrozole and was surely an issue with ingredients, because I took it for 6 months with no issue at all, then my drug store changed brands and it threw my body into reaction. With MCS, once a reaction begins it won't "turn off" like it does in normal people, and even though we tried switching back to the original brand, my body refused to accept it. So now I cannot take any brand of Letrozole. It's just a weird touch and go with this danged MCS.

Having gone through cancer, a double mastectomy, the issues with Letrozole, the stress of moving and caring for my mother, my MCS, and issues with past vaccinations, I just wanted to wait and see how this vaccine panned out. In my mind, the risks outweighed the benefits until I took the time to watch and wait and research.

I've been watching and waiting, as well as picking the brains of all my friends, including my fiends with MCS, and after discussing it with my oncologist and other doctors, I've decided to go for it. Joe (my ex and best friend) is here for a few days in case I do need help, so it's a good time.

I've compared the ingredients in each vaccine and read everything I can get my hands on. It appears MOST people who react are reacting to the Polyethylene glycol. Pfizer DOES contain polyethelyne glycol, which is the ingredient causing most of the problems with people who react violently, but I have no history of reaction with that substance personally.

I've spoken with many friends my age and older, and they pretty much all had no reaction whatsoever no matter which vaccine they took. I spoke with my mother's friends, all in their 80's, and they had no problems. I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Several people in my family have had COVID, including my mother's 84 year old sister, and all of them sort of shrugged and said, "it was just the flu," and that also was a factor in not getting the vaccine. I have been more afraid of the vaccine than of COVID itself.

However, the new Delta variant has a big part in this decision and whether or not it's worth the risk to vaccinate.
In addition, I have two groups booked for Caminos in Spring 2022 and I need to be able to fly.
I also don't want to be the person who exposes other people to COVID.

I know this is a lot of blathering, but it helps to write it down.
Anyway, the point is, I've decided to get the vaccine.
I have an appointment for this morning, so wish me luck.
I'm a little nervous - but telling myself it will be ok, it will be ok, it will be ok.
I'm hoping to come back here later today and say, "It was piece of cake!"

I'll let you know how it goes.

Good to hear you are getting your vaccine, I get my second vaccine tomorrow and am sure we will be safer. I hope to resume doing the Camino next year after a two-year lapse. Buen Camino.

 

[WanderingBrian]

As I've said more than once, I have been SUPER paranoid about getting the COVID vaccine, not because of the vaccine itself but because of what fillers might be in it.

Though I've had all the childhood vaccinations required in the 50's (not NEARLY what's required these days!), when working at Providence Hospital, I was required to get a flu vaccine. This was after my MCS had manifested, and I had a severe reaction. I extremely ill, and said I'd never get another vaccine. According to my specialist, it was the fillers, or extra ingredients, in the vaccine that made me ill.

The current CDC guideline says that people who meet the following criteria should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine

Since we weren't sure WHAT component of the flu vaccine made me ill, and since I had such a severe reaction when they changed my Letrozole prescription, my doctors suggested I not get the COVID vaccine until we watched and waited a while to see how it went with others. It was weird with the Letrozole and was surely an issue with ingredients, because I took it for 6 months with no issue at all, then my drug store changed brands and it threw my body into reaction. With MCS, once a reaction begins it won't "turn off" like it does in normal people, and even though we tried switching back to the original brand, my body refused to accept it. So now I cannot take any brand of Letrozole. It's just a weird touch and go with this danged MCS.

Having gone through cancer, a double mastectomy, the issues with Letrozole, the stress of moving and caring for my mother, my MCS, and issues with past vaccinations, I just wanted to wait and see how this vaccine panned out. In my mind, the risks outweighed the benefits until I took the time to watch and wait and research.

I've been watching and waiting, as well as picking the brains of all my friends, including my fiends with MCS, and after discussing it with my oncologist and other doctors, I've decided to go for it. Joe (my ex and best friend) is here for a few days in case I do need help, so it's a good time.

I've compared the ingredients in each vaccine and read everything I can get my hands on. It appears MOST people who react are reacting to the Polyethylene glycol. Pfizer DOES contain polyethelyne glycol, which is the ingredient causing most of the problems with people who react violently, but I have no history of reaction with that substance personally.

I've spoken with many friends my age and older, and they pretty much all had no reaction whatsoever no matter which vaccine they took. I spoke with my mother's friends, all in their 80's, and they had no problems. I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Several people in my family have had COVID, including my mother's 84 year old sister, and all of them sort of shrugged and said, "it was just the flu," and that also was a factor in not getting the vaccine. I have been more afraid of the vaccine than of COVID itself.

However, the new Delta variant has a big part in this decision and whether or not it's worth the risk to vaccinate.
In addition, I have two groups booked for Caminos in Spring 2022 and I need to be able to fly.
I also don't want to be the person who exposes other people to COVID.

I know this is a lot of blathering, but it helps to write it down.
Anyway, the point is, I've decided to get the vaccine.
I have an appointment for this morning, so wish me luck.
I'm a little nervous - but telling myself it will be ok, it will be ok, it will be ok.
I'm hoping to come back here later today and say, "It was piece of cake!"

I'll let you know how it goes.

I feel a lot of your concerns and I share them.

If I must, I probably will do the J&J as its a viral vector vaccine and I feel a bit more comfortable with that then mRNA. But that's me.

 

[Bala]

Wishing you all the very best, Annie. May it go smoothly, with no side effects.

 

[mspath]

Wishing you all the best Annie.
Do let "your digital fridnds and family" know how today and tomorrow évolve.
As we say in France "Courage",
Margaret

 

[rdcalhoon]

My best wishes to you on your vaccination journey. Here's to a short recovery and to getting on with your plans.

 

[Marbe2]

Annie, I stopped getting flu shots years ago, because I had terrible reactions to them! I wound up having flu like reactions 3 times and that was it for me.

I found myself with a bit of a sore arm for a couple of days at the sight and some fatigue from the Covid 19 vaxes. . . . That was it. Hope everything goes well for you! FYI , I had the Pfizer shots.

Do let us know how it goes!

 

[naplesdon]

All the best to you, I had the Moderna vaccine in February and March without any adverse reactions. I have a compromised immune system and suffered a heart attack in January that required a triple bypass. Be Positive!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Annie, I stopped getting flu shots years ago, because I had terrible reactions to them! I wound up having flu like reactions 3 times and that was it for me.

I found myself with a bit of a sore arm for a couple of days at the sight and some fatigue from the Covid 19 vaxes. . . . That was it. Hope everything goes well for you! FYI , I had the Pfizer shots.

Do let us know how it goes!

I’m doing Pfizer. I’m here right now and I’m really scared

 

[Marbe2]

I’m doing Pfizer. I’m near right now and I’m really scared

I was a bit nervous too! Let the nurse know you are anxious and ask her/him to monitor you closely. This may reduce some of the tension. Take some deep breaths and breathe slowly.

 

[Marbe2]

I was a bit nervous too! Let the nurse know you are anxious and ask her/him to monitor you closely. This may reduce some of the tension. Take some deep breaths and breathe slowly.

We will wait to hear from you after you have been monitored.

 

[trecile]

The needle is so thin I barely felt it when I got my Pfizer shots.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

All the best to you, I had the Moderna vaccine in February and March without any adverse reactions. I have a compromised immune system and suffered a heart attack in January that required a triple bypass. Be Positive!

Although I'm sure that needing a triple by-pass was disturbing and an unpleasant worry for you , they certainly have become a very successful and practically a "mainstream" procedure for most who need them.

 

[Anniesantiago]

The needle is so thin I barely felt it when I got my Pfizer shots.

I know. I couldn’t believe she was done. Monitoring now.

 

[Marbe2]

I know. I couldn’t believe she was done. Monitoring now.

Great! Let us know when your out!

 

[wisepilgrim]

Godspeed!

As it happens, I too got Pfizered today. It was an incredible thing to witness. Here in Santiago most of the vaccines are administered in the City of Culture, and today the place had a traffic flow like you would expect at a professional sporting event. It was staggering to see level of coordination and professionalism put into making it all work.

It took me longer to park than it took in line, and the line was hundreds of people long. Absolutely phenomenal. And now, we are two people closer to putting this behind us.

All of this to say, THANK YOU for overcoming your fears.

 

[Shakey]

Hope all goes well!

 

[grayland]

Thank you for doing your part to help end the pandemic!

Echoing @trecile (above)

Thanks Annie and Michael!

 

[Anamiri]

As I've said more than once, I have been SUPER paranoid about getting the COVID vaccine, not because of the vaccine itself but because of what fillers might be in it.

Though I've had all the childhood vaccinations required in the 50's (not NEARLY what's required these days!), when working at Providence Hospital, I was required to get a flu vaccine. This was after my MCS had manifested, and I had a severe reaction. I extremely ill, and said I'd never get another vaccine. According to my specialist, it was the fillers, or extra ingredients, in the vaccine that made me ill.

The current CDC guideline says that people who meet the following criteria should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine

Since we weren't sure WHAT component of the flu vaccine made me ill, and since I had such a severe reaction when they changed my Letrozole prescription, my doctors suggested I not get the COVID vaccine until we watched and waited a while to see how it went with others. It was weird with the Letrozole and was surely an issue with ingredients, because I took it for 6 months with no issue at all, then my drug store changed brands and it threw my body into reaction. With MCS, once a reaction begins it won't "turn off" like it does in normal people, and even though we tried switching back to the original brand, my body refused to accept it. So now I cannot take any brand of Letrozole. It's just a weird touch and go with this danged MCS.

Having gone through cancer, a double mastectomy, the issues with Letrozole, the stress of moving and caring for my mother, my MCS, and issues with past vaccinations, I just wanted to wait and see how this vaccine panned out. In my mind, the risks outweighed the benefits until I took the time to watch and wait and research.

I've been watching and waiting, as well as picking the brains of all my friends, including my fiends with MCS, and after discussing it with my oncologist and other doctors, I've decided to go for it. Joe (my ex and best friend) is here for a few days in case I do need help, so it's a good time.

I've compared the ingredients in each vaccine and read everything I can get my hands on. It appears MOST people who react are reacting to the Polyethylene glycol. Pfizer DOES contain polyethelyne glycol, which is the ingredient causing most of the problems with people who react violently, but I have no history of reaction with that substance personally.

I've spoken with many friends my age and older, and they pretty much all had no reaction whatsoever no matter which vaccine they took. I spoke with my mother's friends, all in their 80's, and they had no problems. I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Several people in my family have had COVID, including my mother's 84 year old sister, and all of them sort of shrugged and said, "it was just the flu," and that also was a factor in not getting the vaccine. I have been more afraid of the vaccine than of COVID itself.

However, the new Delta variant has a big part in this decision and whether or not it's worth the risk to vaccinate.
In addition, I have two groups booked for Caminos in Spring 2022 and I need to be able to fly.
I also don't want to be the person who exposes other people to COVID.

I know this is a lot of blathering, but it helps to write it down.
Anyway, the point is, I've decided to get the vaccine.
I have an appointment for this morning, so wish me luck.
I'm a little nervous - but telling myself it will be ok, it will be ok, it will be ok.
I'm hoping to come back here later today and say, "It was piece of cake!"

I'll let you know how it goes.

I don't get the flu injection for the same reason. Turns out I have inherited all my fathers allergies. We went in as a family to get vaccinated for flu, and he and I instantly collapsed on the spot- freaked out the doctors (and us). Not sure why they went ahead and did Dad after I passed out. Again they said it was the fillers. We were both seriously ill with difficulty breathing for ages afterwards, and I gave myself a concussion as I dropped to the floor and knocked my head.
Needless to say I haven't had one since. People don't believe me when I say I'd rather have the flu.
So very glad that you're OK.
My age group comes up in a month, my husband has had both of his. Pfizer here as well.

 

[CWBuff]

Good luck Annie and I can definitely sympathize with your apprehention. I am not for any vaccines myself so this was somewhat tough to swallow...but in the end (just like many of us) had to give in if for no other reason but traveling.

I had Pfizer and (TG! ) nothing both times. My wife just had her 2nd shot this Saturday. (Moderna)
Nothing 1st time but she was letargic for the reaminder of the day and all day Sunday. no fever or pain just sleepy so she spent most of the time in bed dozing off
Pretty much "normal" Monday morning

So... as @trecile stated - be mindful and be prepared to perhaps feel]\experience "something" but hopefully you will be just fine!

Buen Camino and, heck - maybe we'll run into each other come Spring 22

 

[nycwalking]

Pray you come through okay.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Another data point for you - A friend of mine in Barcelona with MCS - male, late 50s, physically active - received two doses of Pfizer vaccine without serious side effects. He was nervous about receiving the vaccine, but he decided that he needed to do it because he felt that he could not risk getting sick with COVID and everything that might entail. Take that for what it's worth.

It appears that you have access to physicians who recognize the condition and try their best to work with you to find the right solution for you. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you.

 

[Mycroft]

I don't get the flu injection for the same reason. Turns out I have inherited all my fathers allergies. We went in as a family to get vaccinated for flu, and he and I instantly collapsed on the spot- freaked out the doctors (and us). Not sure why they went ahead and did Dad after I passed out. Again they said it was the fillers. We were both seriously ill with difficulty breathing for ages afterwards, and I gave myself a concussion as I dropped to the floor and knocked my head.
Needless to say I haven't had one since. People don't believe me when I say I'd rather have the flu.
So very glad that you're OK.
My age group comes up in a month, my husband has had both of his. Pfizer here as well.

Good grief, Anamiri! I'd find a different clinic if they weren't prepared for anyone to have a reaction as demonstrated by how they let you collapse to the floor!

 

[Mycroft]

As I've said more than once, I have been SUPER paranoid about getting the COVID vaccine, not because of the vaccine itself but because of what fillers might be in it.

Though I've had all the childhood vaccinations required in the 50's (not NEARLY what's required these days!), when working at Providence Hospital, I was required to get a flu vaccine. This was after my MCS had manifested, and I had a severe reaction. I extremely ill, and said I'd never get another vaccine. According to my specialist, it was the fillers, or extra ingredients, in the vaccine that made me ill.

The current CDC guideline says that people who meet the following criteria should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine

Since we weren't sure WHAT component of the flu vaccine made me ill, and since I had such a severe reaction when they changed my Letrozole prescription, my doctors suggested I not get the COVID vaccine until we watched and waited a while to see how it went with others. It was weird with the Letrozole and was surely an issue with ingredients, because I took it for 6 months with no issue at all, then my drug store changed brands and it threw my body into reaction. With MCS, once a reaction begins it won't "turn off" like it does in normal people, and even though we tried switching back to the original brand, my body refused to accept it. So now I cannot take any brand of Letrozole. It's just a weird touch and go with this danged MCS.

Having gone through cancer, a double mastectomy, the issues with Letrozole, the stress of moving and caring for my mother, my MCS, and issues with past vaccinations, I just wanted to wait and see how this vaccine panned out. In my mind, the risks outweighed the benefits until I took the time to watch and wait and research.

I've been watching and waiting, as well as picking the brains of all my friends, including my fiends with MCS, and after discussing it with my oncologist and other doctors, I've decided to go for it. Joe (my ex and best friend) is here for a few days in case I do need help, so it's a good time.

I've compared the ingredients in each vaccine and read everything I can get my hands on. It appears MOST people who react are reacting to the Polyethylene glycol. Pfizer DOES contain polyethelyne glycol, which is the ingredient causing most of the problems with people who react violently, but I have no history of reaction with that substance personally.

I've spoken with many friends my age and older, and they pretty much all had no reaction whatsoever no matter which vaccine they took. I spoke with my mother's friends, all in their 80's, and they had no problems. I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Several people in my family have had COVID, including my mother's 84 year old sister, and all of them sort of shrugged and said, "it was just the flu," and that also was a factor in not getting the vaccine. I have been more afraid of the vaccine than of COVID itself.

However, the new Delta variant has a big part in this decision and whether or not it's worth the risk to vaccinate.
In addition, I have two groups booked for Caminos in Spring 2022 and I need to be able to fly.
I also don't want to be the person who exposes other people to COVID.

I know this is a lot of blathering, but it helps to write it down.
Anyway, the point is, I've decided to get the vaccine.
I have an appointment for this morning, so wish me luck.
I'm a little nervous - but telling myself it will be ok, it will be ok, it will be ok.
I'm hoping to come back here later today and say, "It was piece of cake!"

I'll let you know how it goes.

Any update?

 

[Anamiri]

Good grief, Anamiri! I'd find a different clinic if they weren't prepared for anyone to have a reaction as demonstrated by how they let you collapse to the floor!

It was a long time ago - but I have a long memory. And a history of serious allergy. But they did tell us Nobody ever has a reaction - even after we clearly had a reaction..

I have a lot of allergic reactions to things that people routinely get, like cortisone injections for instance. I'm always surprised by how hard doctors try to persuade me, even when it is their notes. I think the time slots are so short they don't routinely read them.

I once wore contact lenses, and had an extreme reaction to one of the preservative ingredients (mercury based) that was once used in some solutions. For years I had to heat disinfectant using plain saline, until better solution products came out.
On several occasions a doctor prescribed me eye ointment containing the offending preservative, which would have damaged my eyes. I discovered this by asking the pharmacist to check ingredients, and he phoned the doctor to allow substitution.
I check with the pharmacist whenever I collect any new prescriptions, as they seem to have a much better grip of ingredients than the doctors do. I find I also have to check any packaging that has changed, because every now and again, an ingredient changes.

 

[Mycroft]

It was a long time ago - but I have a long memory. And a history of serious allergy. But they did tell us Nobody ever has a reaction - even after we clearly had a reaction..

I have a lot of allergic reactions to things that people routinely get, like cortisone injections for instance. I'm always surprised by how hard doctors try to persuade me, even when it is their notes. I think the time slots are so short they don't routinely read them.

I once wore contact lenses, and had an extreme reaction to one of the preservative ingredients (mercury based) that was once used in some solutions. For years I had to heat disinfectant using plain saline, until better solution products came out.
On several occasions a doctor prescribed me eye ointment containing the offending preservative, which would have damaged my eyes. I discovered this by asking the pharmacist to check ingredients, and he phoned the doctor to allow substitution.
I check with the pharmacist whenever I collect any new prescriptions, as they seem to have a much better grip of ingredients than the doctors do. I find I also have to check any packaging that has changed, because every now and again, an ingredient changes.

You are smart!! You are correct on all points. Good charting makes a difference and now that everything is electronic, they should have on every page in RED all your allergies!
So glad you are taking care of yourself.

 

[Anniesantiago]

It was a long time ago - but I have a long memory. And a history of serious allergy. But they did tell us Nobody ever has a reaction - even after we clearly had a reaction..

I have a lot of allergic reactions to things that people routinely get, like cortisone injections for instance. I'm always surprised by how hard doctors try to persuade me, even when it is their notes. I think the time slots are so short they don't routinely read them.

I once wore contact lenses, and had an extreme reaction to one of the preservative ingredients (mercury based) that was once used in some solutions. For years I had to heat disinfectant using plain saline, until better solution products came out.
On several occasions a doctor prescribed me eye ointment containing the offending preservative, which would have damaged my eyes. I discovered this by asking the pharmacist to check ingredients, and he phoned the doctor to allow substitution.
I check with the pharmacist whenever I collect any new prescriptions, as they seem to have a much better grip of ingredients than the doctors do. I find I also have to check any packaging that has changed, because every now and again, an ingredient changes.

I have had similar experiences. We must advocate for ourselves.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Any update?

So far I’m fine. A strange feeling of a tight chest and really tired but otherwise ok.

 

[trecile]

So far I’m fine. A strange feeling of a tight chest and really tired but otherwise ok.

The tight chest could be from subconscious anxiety. For those that I know who had a reaction it occurred around 12 hours after the shot.
My son had no reaction. He could barely tell that he had had an injection. Since he is a bit high strung, he was concerned that since he had no reaction that he may not have actually had the vaccine. About a month later he donated blood, and here in the US they are testing blood for Covid antibodies. The test can come back as reactive - antibodies are present, or non-reactive. He was relieved that his came back as reactive.

 

[Kanga]

Looking forward to hearing from you in a day or two @Anniesantiago. I've had one shot, with a slight reaction for a couple of days after, but nothing serious. It feels good to have done it. Waiting now for the follow up jab.

 

[trecile]

Those of us who got our shots a few months ago are wondering when/if we will need boosters! I realize that the science on this can only move so fast - we need to wait for the data from the first trial groups to receive the vaccines.

 

[VNwalking]

Good for you, Annie! Thank you.
Echoing @grayland 's echo:

Echoing @trecile (above)

Thanks Annie and Michael!

I hope you have nothing more than a normal immune response!!

I had AZ, and was lethargic with a very low fever for a day after the 1st jab, nothing much after the 2nd. The only (very) weird thing was that after the fever and lethargy passed, I felt supercharged for a day or so.

 

[Former member 49149]

Annie, all the best as your body absorbs the vaccine. And no matter what you decide re a van or a camino, given that the vaccine opens travel options for you, once you decide, don't look back!

 

[lt56ny]

I’m doing Pfizer. I’m here right now and I’m really scared

Try to remember this Annie and I know you have every right to be frightened. Two things, getting the Pfizer vaccine will open you up to far greater protection to live your life more fully. It seems that you have thought this through with a trusted, experienced, and knowledgeable medical professional. That is what everyone should do who has real questions and concerns. Secondly if you get a stronger reaction to the vaccine, which usually happens after the second dose, as long as it is not serious it can be a good thing. Of course because of your MCS, I would assume because I know nothing about what you suffer with, may make this moot or very insignificant for you.
Here are a few articles to read that may help. I know you probably have read everything already:

Experts Answer Eight Key Questions About Covid-19 Vaccine Reactions

Medical professionals weigh in on why some individuals have different responses to the shots and offer advice on what to expect

www.smithsonianmag.com

Answers to your COVID-19 vaccine questions | UC Davis Health

Our experts answer your frequently asked questions about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

health.ucdavis.edu

Hope to see you in Spain one day soon.

 

[lt56ny]

Those of us who got our shots a few months ago are wondering when/if we will need boosters! I realize that the science on this can only move so fast - we need to wait for the data from the first trial groups to receive the vaccines.

As I think you know, I used to be a drug rep and have some good friends who are really excellent physicians, clinicians and scientists. I am very good friends with a Doctor in Jackson County who studied in France and studied immunology under one of the top doctors in Europe. I also have spoken to a few thought leaders that I know in the field at teaching hospitals.
Their consensus is that at the absolute earliest you will need a booster in 1 year, if the variants do not change to dramatically and then you may need a booster that will protect against that variant. They feel like the evidence that they are seeing from researchers outside of Big Pharma is that a booster may not be needed for another 4 or 5 years. Pharma is pushing for yearly boosters. As they see huge profits when they will raise the prices for boosters. Of course as you said this is a fluid situation and things can change. For me it is not the time period of when I need a new booster. For me it is the possibility of a new more viral variant that is far more deadly and far more contagious that the present vaccines cannot handle. It is the huge swath of people who should be talking to a trusted doctor who has no agenda about the vaccine other then to educate their patients and address their concerns. Not people talking to their neighbors, listening to anti vaxxers who spread misinformation, trying to read studies that are really difficult to interpret without a background in the area, or coming to conclusions without knowing and understanding scientific facts. The fact is that as science learns more conclusions, guidance and knowledge changes. People seem to forget that sometimes. Remember when the earth was flat, when doctors bled patients and babies were not given anesthesia because it was thought they could not feel pain?

 

[lt56ny]

I feel a lot of your concerns and I share them.

If I must, I probably will do the J&J as its a viral vector vaccine and I feel a bit more comfortable with that then mRNA. But that's me.

I am not lecturing you at all or trying to sway an opinion. My question to you and to all including myself (who followed this advice) who had or now have hesitancy is have you spoken to a trusted medical professional who is completely knowledgeable, and caring and has no agenda whatsoever except to clearly and completely answer all of your concerns and questions before you reach a decision? I had some questions about my wife getting the J&J vaccine. We live in Mexico and she didn't want to go back and forth twice. (I did because I was 65 and only the Pfizer and Moderna was available).
I did have a few concerns but I called a friend who is an immunologist and she and I discussed the pros and cons. One thing she said about the clotting (that my daughter pointed out also) was that compared to other therapies like birth control pills the incidence of clotting was tiny. She pointed out and I agreed that she thought the best was the Pfizer but the J&J is excellent also and getting a vaccine was by far the most important thing to do. Hope you get vaccinated and feel safer very soon. Stay well.

 

[keith duke scott]

As I've said more than once, I have been SUPER paranoid about getting the COVID vaccine, not because of the vaccine itself but because of what fillers might be in it.

Though I've had all the childhood vaccinations required in the 50's (not NEARLY what's required these days!), when working at Providence Hospital, I was required to get a flu vaccine. This was after my MCS had manifested, and I had a severe reaction. I extremely ill, and said I'd never get another vaccine. According to my specialist, it was the fillers, or extra ingredients, in the vaccine that made me ill.

The current CDC guideline says that people who meet the following criteria should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at this time:

Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine

Since we weren't sure WHAT component of the flu vaccine made me ill, and since I had such a severe reaction when they changed my Letrozole prescription, my doctors suggested I not get the COVID vaccine until we watched and waited a while to see how it went with others. It was weird with the Letrozole and was surely an issue with ingredients, because I took it for 6 months with no issue at all, then my drug store changed brands and it threw my body into reaction. With MCS, once a reaction begins it won't "turn off" like it does in normal people, and even though we tried switching back to the original brand, my body refused to accept it. So now I cannot take any brand of Letrozole. It's just a weird touch and go with this danged MCS.

Having gone through cancer, a double mastectomy, the issues with Letrozole, the stress of moving and caring for my mother, my MCS, and issues with past vaccinations, I just wanted to wait and see how this vaccine panned out. In my mind, the risks outweighed the benefits until I took the time to watch and wait and research.

I've been watching and waiting, as well as picking the brains of all my friends, including my fiends with MCS, and after discussing it with my oncologist and other doctors, I've decided to go for it. Joe (my ex and best friend) is here for a few days in case I do need help, so it's a good time.

I've compared the ingredients in each vaccine and read everything I can get my hands on. It appears MOST people who react are reacting to the Polyethylene glycol. Pfizer DOES contain polyethelyne glycol, which is the ingredient causing most of the problems with people who react violently, but I have no history of reaction with that substance personally.

I've spoken with many friends my age and older, and they pretty much all had no reaction whatsoever no matter which vaccine they took. I spoke with my mother's friends, all in their 80's, and they had no problems. I've spoken with folks with MCS. Some took the vaccine and some didn't but nobody had a horrific reaction. Honestly, that doesn't really matter, though, since people with MCS react to different ingredients, but it made me feel better. It seems the ones who had reactions after vaccinating were all younger, including two of my sons and my son in law. For some reason, we oldsters don't seem to react. Maybe our immune systems are weak or perhaps they're strong, I don't know.

Several people in my family have had COVID, including my mother's 84 year old sister, and all of them sort of shrugged and said, "it was just the flu," and that also was a factor in not getting the vaccine. I have been more afraid of the vaccine than of COVID itself.

However, the new Delta variant has a big part in this decision and whether or not it's worth the risk to vaccinate.
In addition, I have two groups booked for Caminos in Spring 2022 and I need to be able to fly.
I also don't want to be the person who exposes other people to COVID.

I know this is a lot of blathering, but it helps to write it down.
Anyway, the point is, I've decided to get the vaccine.
I have an appointment for this morning, so wish me luck.
I'm a little nervous - but telling myself it will be ok, it will be ok, it will be ok.
I'm hoping to come back here later today and say, "It was piece of cake!"

I'll let you know how it goes.

That's a lot to deal with. I think you are very strong. Which vaccine did you decide to go with?

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

I’ve had my two Pfizer shots and was surprised that I felt so relieved and free when completed. I had not realized how deeply the pandemic effected my psyche! I had no reactions and was happily surprised at how careful staff treated me when it was known I had allergies. I do know people who had reactions several days later so be aware. Best wishes.

 

[Anniesantiago]

That's a lot to deal with. I think you are very strong. Which vaccine did you decide to go with?

I had my first dose of Pfizer yesterday. This morning I’m feeling tired and my arm is sore but otherwise it isn’t bad.

 

[Marbe2]

I had my first dose of Pfizer yesterday. This morning I’m feeling tired and my arm is sore but otherwise it isn’t bad.

Great news! Thanks for letting us know

 

[Anniesantiago]

I’ve had my two Pfizer shots and was surprised that I felt so relieved and free when completed. I had not realized how deeply the pandemic effected my psyche! I had no reactions and was happily surprised at how careful staff treated me when it was known I had allergies. I do know people who had reactions several days later so be aware. Best wishes.

I heard about those delayed reactions. Praying the pass me by.

 

[Albertagirl]

I had my first dose of Pfizer yesterday. This morning I’m feeling tired and my arm is sore but otherwise it isn’t bad.

Those are exactly the responses that I had to Pfizer: the sore arm after both doses and tiredness after the second dose. It is now ten days after the second dose and I am perking up. By Sunday, I shall be officially fully vaccinated. And congratulations for making the right choice for you and that it is going well.

 

[Gadflyparexcellence]

I had my first dose of Pfizer yesterday. This morning I’m feeling tired and my arm is sore but otherwise it isn’t bad.

Great news.

My wife and I as well as most of our friends have had negligible side effects from the first dose (it was Moderna for me and my wife). It's the second dose that tends to produce more reactions, but they do not last more than a day. Also, remember that side effects are a signal that your body's immunity is working.

Now that your body has accepted the first dose, you should not be worried about the second one.

Wish you all the best.

 

[grayland]

Thanks to everyone for sharing concern for Annie's vaccine appointment and sharing their own positive experience with the shot.
Hopefully, it will help some others to make the decision to join in as vaccinated.

The thread will be closed now that Annie (and others) have reported a welcome (as expected) positive outcome.