My Second Dose of COVID 19 Vaccine

In India, January 14th marks the celebration of Uttravan, an incredible kite festival that has always been special to me. This year, though, January 14th was special for a more personal reason; that was the day I received the 2nd of the two required injections needed for the Covid-19 vaccine. More than just a simple medical procedure, this event is a contribution to the health and safety of my family, my community, and people everywhere. The vaccination efforts are our only hope in eradicating this virus and, as such, I feel a responsibility to participate and to inform others about the experience, in the hope that I can minimize misinformation and can motivate others to have themselves and their loved ones vaccinated as well.

I had no problems arranging to receive my 2nd vaccination shot and found it all to be quite easy. I made arrangements through Sonoma County, and the entire process took me just over 20 minutes from the time I entered the building to the time that I was able to depart the facility. This includes not only the administration of the vaccine but also a full 15 minutes observation period. That observation is required of all participants who receive the vaccine as a precaution to detect any of the rare side-effects associated with the procedure. Throughout the entire time I was there, I found the staff to be friendly and very helpful.

It was the possibility of those initial post-vaccination side effects that gave me some concern prior to the procedure, as I had heard varied accounts and experiences from many colleagues who had taken the second dose ahead of me. It was that unsure feeling that compelled me to write this piece, detailing my own experience. I hope that this exploration, along with the suggestions I provide, will be of use to others as they prepare to receive their 2nd injection.

Day 1: I took the vaccine around 2:00 p.m. I did not experience any pain at the injection site, nor did I have fatigue, nausea, or a headache. I felt fortunate to be free of symptoms, as I had actually experienced a headache for a few hours after receiving the first injection.

Day 2: In the morning, I had a slight feeling of fatigue, but I elected to go to work as usual. I had some worries as I entered the building about how the day would proceed. The first patient I saw that day was a particularly complicated QME evaluation (Medico-Legal Evaluation for Industrial Injury claim). The typical QME evaluation consists of a long, detailed interview, and it requires maintaining a high level of focus and energy for around two or three hours. I managed to perform well despite the fatigue and concluded it without incident. My staff and I then engaged in a productive team meeting where we processed the impact of the Capitol Building upheaval that had occurred a few days earlier in Washington DC. I found Team Siyan to be very thoughtful, and everyone gave their perspective in a mature and respectful way. It was a great feeling to be leading such a mature team.

In the afternoon of Day 2, I suddenly felt more fatigued, and I began experiencing a headache and mild chills. I did not have a fever. This was not surprising, as these are expected reactions with any vaccine, and I considered leaving work early to go home and rest. Instead, I was fortunate to have a staff member offer a couple of Tylenol, which were very helpful, and I was able to continue working.

In the evening, at around 11:00 PM, I again felt a bit of chills. I also had some burning in the eye and a headache. In response, I took my temperature and found it was 100.2. This revelation actually made me feel good inside, as I knew that a temperature is a typical sign of immune response and that your body is “Developing Immunity”. At that time, I took a second dose of Tylenol. I wound up sleeping very well (seven or eight hours continuously) after that.

Day 3: The morning of Day 3 was great. I felt well and had no issues as I started working on my reports. I also had an excellent personal training session with my trainer, Layne. He is so supportive, and I felt great that we were able to push through so well in the sessions. There were no physical limitations or discomfort from the vaccine at that point. That evening, I went on a three-mile walk. I did that with even low-grade fever (99.5). The fatigue was much less pronounced.

Day 4: The fourth day following my vaccine was a good day I spent with my children. I also did usual household chores, prepared my Medico-legal evaluation reports, and worked on a few practice-related administrative tasks. Throughout it all, I felt like my usual self.

I also wanted to include some suggestions and treatment measures that help with common reactions or issues with some of the side effects of the COVID 19 vaccine.

a. Diet and Fluids: Please ensure you take enough fluids. Orange or other juices that are high in minerals and vitamin C are helpful. Drinking about one-liter of water, depending upon your age and activity level, is also helpful. Please ensure that you take in enough calories to sustain your energy. It is common for us to forget eating when we have a headache, are tired, or have little nausea.

b. Fever: I recommend taking 500 to 1000mg of Tylenol if you have a fever. I wound up taking this dose twice during my recovery. One can also use Ibuprofen or Naproxen

c. Gastritis/Nausea: Over-the-counter Pepcid (Famotidine) 20-40mg can be helpful. Other over-the-counter preparations like Maalox (Alum-Mag Hydroxide-Simethicone) may also help.

d. Injection Site Pain: Application of ice works well, especially if you can use it two to three times a day, it will quickly relieve mild tenderness. I did not have to use ice or any other remedy for this symptom, as the pain was very mild for me.

e. Chills: Very few people experience this. If you do, you may find using Tylenol (Acetaminophen) helps.

I was also curious about the reaction that senior citizens (above 75) were having to the vaccine, so I spoke with family members of mine who are in that age range to see how they reacted after taking the vaccine. Of the four or five people I spoke with, every one of them was doing well. I found this information to be very reassuring.

I am excited to see that Moderna and Pfizer have started clinical trials on children aged 12 and above. I believe they will get approval for an extended age group through these bridge trials quickly, which will bring the much-needed safety we all are looking for to return our children to the regular classroom setting. This return will be a big step toward helping our children with the mental health issues so many are experiencing during the current pandemic.

Although it is infrequent and seemingly sporadic in nature, the COVID 19 vaccine does carry the possibility that an allergic reaction can occur. If that happens to you or someone in your care, it is critical that you contact your primary care physician and seek help immediately. Please note that drug allergy is a treatable condition. Physicians and healthcare providers have years of experience in evaluating and treating these reactions, whether it be minor allergies or severe forms of anaphylaxis.

I leave you with this, another plea to all of you to get the vaccine. It is so important that we do. Remember, these facts about the COVID-19 vaccines:

1. The vaccines actually prevent you from getting a severe case of COVID-19 infection!

2. The vaccines are highly effective (90-95% success)

3. Getting a vaccine not only protects you but also the people around you.

4. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without experiencing sickness.

5. Both vaccines were carefully and adequately evaluated in Clinical Trials: Pfizer studied 140,000 patients and Moderna studied 30,000 patients

6. The combination of getting vaccinated and following social distancing and other recommended norms are our best chance to win over this deadly pandemic. It provides us with the hope that we can overcome this and all have a great year in 2021.

I am confident that you will join me and the millions of informed citizens and medical professionals who are getting vaccinated and encouraging others to follow. Thank you for being a part of the fight against Covid-19. Together we will not fail.