My Experience with the Moderna Vaccine

I wanted to share my experience with the Moderna vaccine, in the hopes that it may help someone to make an informed decision about the vaccine.

I’m in my mid-50’s, with scar tissue in my lungs from pneumonia. I am also a person who is terrified of getting a shot, and I’m serious when I say terrified. I will do just about anything I can to avoid getting anywhere needles, so needless to say I was freaking out about getting this vaccine. By the way, because of the fear of shots, I don’t do flu shots.

I am, however, very familiar with medical ventilation because I have worked with a company that makes the machines, designing their operations manuals, service manuals, etc. Also, my husband works for a hospital, and I know that when a patient goes on a vent due to Covid, they are not always expected to come off of it alive. Because of these things, I decided to get that shot when it became available.

The day came for my appointment, and I can tell you, I was on the verge of throwing up on the drive to the clinic because I was so nervous. When my turn came, I proceeded to the technician who was the nicest person I’d met in a while! He was very understanding of my fears and offered to take me into a curtained area so I could lie down while the vaccine was administered. So off we go, he and I and the additional nurse, behind the curtain. Here’s the funny part – we were talking about me lying down for the shot and by the time we were done with our conversation he said, “OK, you’re good to go!” I looked at him in surprise, “wait, did you already give me the shot?”

“Yes”, he replied with a grin, and I started laughing. I can’t even begin to describe how happy I was! It didn’t hurt one bit!! I didn’t feel it at all.

I drove home and went about my day. About an hour after I got home, which was approximately two hours after the shot, I started feeling drowsy. I took an afternoon nap, woke up, and felt just fine.

For the next week, I had what has been termed as “Covid arm” – the area where the injection went in was itchy. It eventually faded away. And I can report that when I received the second dose I had the same reaction – a bit drowsy but after a nap I was fine.

Another thing I would like to add is that I have an extremely sensitive stomach. I’m serious when I say that I get seasick standing on a dock! My husband’s grandfather had a house in Newport Beach with a boat dock, and I’m totally serious when I say that I could stand on that platform and feel the motion of the ocean. I don’t do roller coasters or anything that spins. Flying for me is a nightmare, and so is driving on twisty roads. And I can honestly say that the Moderna vaccine gave me no stomach issues at all.

Oh, and I can't get a spoon to stick to me either.