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Original poster

Terrified

132 replies

Loo87 · 18/12/2021 21:57

I'm terrified of getting my first vaccine. What side effects did people have with each vaccine?

OP posts:
SlaveToTwoTabbyCats · 18/12/2021 23:01

3 x Pfizer. Was tired and felt a bit feverish for a couple of days after all of them. Headache after the second, big lump on my arm after the third. And as PP said, a massive sense of relief! DH had 2 x AZ and a Moderna booster and was similar, bit tired and achy, sore arm.

Cheshirewife · 18/12/2021 23:02

Just get the flipping jab.

The full effects of covid on someone who isn't vaccinated are much worse than any side effect you may or may not get from the jab.

Roseandgeranium · 18/12/2021 23:02

Triple Pfizered. Sore arm for a couple of days after 1 and 2, also quite fatigued that afternoon after 2. Not so much I couldn’t look after my energetic three year old though. Only had 3 today and my arm is pretty sore but otherwise well so far.

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RainbowBabyForChristmasPlease · 18/12/2021 23:03

1st jab AZ well and truly floored me for a couple of days. First day I think I managed all of 10 mins on the settee trying to force some dinner down before giving up and going back to bed. Awful headache, temperature, extremely painful arm and achey legs. Second day still felt awful but had no choice to get out of bed as had my shower fitted that day.

Second jab AZ slight ache in my arm, but constant headache for around 6 weeks after. I was also one of the ones who's periods were affected by it

Booster Moderna. Sore arm, headache that was it

I know it's probably not what you want to hear but seriously Id take those few days feeling like that over getting Covid any day

MolkosTeenageAngst · 18/12/2021 23:03

I’ve had the Pfizer vaccine 3 times.
Vaccine 1: Sore arm, felt more tired than usual and a bit run down for a few days afterwards
Vaccine 2: slightly sore arm only
Vaccine 3: Very sore arm, a bit tired the next day

DontPeeInThePlayHouse · 18/12/2021 23:04

Also if it helps with the az I had an older baby, co slept and breastfed throughout, after my Moderna my youngest actually had a fever and virus himself and we just rode the night out together. It wasn't anything too dreadful, and much easier than being sick sick as it's so short lived.

tectonicplates · 18/12/2021 23:05

Ah, you'll be fine, OP. I know you're worried, but try to think of the long-term benefits of vaccination. Do you have someone to look after you at home?

clary · 18/12/2021 23:05

Op I have had 3 x Pfizer and my only symptom was a slightly sore arm (like, if I bashed it on something). I was completely able to do all I normally do.

Most people I know have said the same. I am sure you will be fine. Well done for making the appointment.

Original poster
Loo87 · 18/12/2021 23:06

I need to do it I'm just scared. But I don't want the virus obviously. I will book my vaccine.

OP posts:
Sunshineandrainbow · 18/12/2021 23:07

I have had 3 pfizer
1st - sore arm
2nd - didn't feel it go in and no Sore arm or any side affects.
3rd - slight sore arm.

Parky04 · 18/12/2021 23:07

3 jabs for me and no symptoms at all. However, my friend, after her first jab developed severe insomnia. She now has an exemption certificate.

NeedAHoliday2021 · 18/12/2021 23:08

I had pfizer for all three and a sore arm each time but not as bad as my flu vaccine (flu has more vaccine liquid so hurts more in the muscle). I did have a headache bad enough to take paracetamol but I have 3 dc so that may have been non related. Currently Dd and dh have covid. A week later I’m still clear. Dd has been feeling rubbish (age 10) and far worse than Dd1 felt when she had it in October - Dd1 has one vaccine.

2irishmums2be · 18/12/2021 23:08

3 x Pfizer I'm 34 and bored a minimal sore arm after the first nothing

RampantIvy · 18/12/2021 23:08

1 & 2 AZ - slightly sore arm
3 Pfizer - sore arm and tired for 24 hours.

Well done for getting the vaccine

Chachasha · 18/12/2021 23:09

Just tired and sore arm. No need whatsoever to worry. Pfizer.

Kinko · 18/12/2021 23:11

Nothing. I had no side effects except for a slightly sore arm (like you'd feel if you worked out/lifted weights) For my 2nd injection - again nothing. Just had my 3rd today and so far nothing.

Every time I asked - have you done it already? The injection is completely painless.

I had pfizer and moderna as booster.

Husband had astra, he felt a bit run down after the 1st jab. So he had a chill out day and watched films on the sofa, he was fine later on.

You'll be fine. Get your jab!

catfunk · 18/12/2021 23:13

First one sore arm, second one sore arm plus chills and no energy for about 2 days.
I wasn't worried, rather that than the strain of Covid that was killing healthy people at the time.

EnidSpyton · 18/12/2021 23:16

I was anxious about getting the vaccine, too @Loo87. I waited a few months after I was eligible to get my first dose.

I had Moderna both times (only had my second dose two months ago so not eligible for a booster yet).

The first dose I had a VERY painful arm for about three days. So painful it was agony to lift it and I couldn't sleep the first night as every time I moved it hurt. Many people I know had the same. Painkillers didn't touch it.

The second dose I had a slightly aching arm that developed within the first hour. That night I was up all night with chills and uncontrollable shaking. I then had flu symptoms for about 24 hours afterwards. I was still able to leave the house and get on with my day but I wouldn't have been able to work as I was exhausted. My friends who had all had Moderna before me warned me I would feel shit after the second dose, so I made sure I booked my second dose for a Saturday so that I had Sunday to recover.

So, honestly, I think it's likely you will have some sort of reaction, but whatever happens, it's short lived and really not that bad. If you're feeling anxious when you go to the appointment, tell the person vaccinating you and they'll talk you through your worries. I had a lovely woman for my first vaccine who saw the terror in my eyes, put the needle down, and chatted me through my concerns before she vaccinated me. At no point was I pressured to go ahead if I didn't want to.

My advice would be to make sure you have someone who can help you with your baby the day after your jab, just in case.

And for the people being unpleasant and saying 'it'll be worse if you get covid - just get jabbed' - the OP doesn't need to hear that. She's not here to be judged, she's here asking people about side effects so she can prepare herself. Getting the vaccine is not a straightforward decision for everyone. A bit of compassion and support goes a long way.

Ikeabag · 18/12/2021 23:18

Hey OP. I get nervous going into the doctor's etc, so I was a shaky mess for the first vaccine but it was fine. 2x pfizer. They were both fine, sore arm. I went dizzy after the first one and my face felt funny, and I got a metallic taste in my mouth, but the 2nd one I had none of that. Was fine to drive home after both. After 2nd one I felt fine but noticed the lymph(?) gland in my arm pit was tender, took me ages to work out it was that. About a week after, that was. Just my immune system doing its thing. Booked in for 3rd very soon. They will be really glad to have you for your first vaccine, btw, and will look after you if you tell them you're nervous.

ALongHardWinter · 18/12/2021 23:19

I had AZ for first 2,Pfizer for booster. Only side effect after first one was slightly tender arm at the site of the injection and a small bruise. Nothing at all from second one,and nothing at all from booster.

Ikeabag · 18/12/2021 23:20

Also want to add I lift weights regularly and at no point did I need to take time off or go easy, though I would have if required. I just carried on with my normal routine (as normal as things could be all things considered!)

mrsfollowill · 18/12/2021 23:20

Me- 2 x Astra Zenica- 1st sore arm for about a week (only mildly) 2nd nothing- didn't even feel it- Guy doing the 2nd told me to totally relax my arm which I think is why the first hurt as I was tense.
DH 2 x Astra Zenica - fine with both - no side effects
DS (19 yo) 2 x Pfizer- fine with both- no side effects.
We have a family trip out tomorrow for our boosters! I felt very relieved each time one of us were 'done'
My mum is nearly 80 with COPD and has has 3 Pfizers - all good no side effect. DH's mum is 90 - again 3 x Pfizer and nothing.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 18/12/2021 23:22

Sore arm , achey fingers and headache after 1st
Sore arm and tired after 2+3
This was 36 hours later

Flu Jab otoh felt like death warmed up !

Rainbowsandstorms · 18/12/2021 23:23

You can do this. I completely understand as I was terrified of side effects too but I’ve had both of mine and the booster too and I’m really relieved that I have. I felt tired and lost my appetite after my first AZ, no real side effects from my second and a little bit tired after my Pfizer booster. It’s completely normal to feel like you’ve got flu for 24 hours too. Good luck you can absolutely do it. Drink lots of fluids on the day and eat well.

Ikeabag · 18/12/2021 23:23

Just reading Enidspyton's post, maybe a coolpack in the house would be wise in case that could help with arm pain/swelling... hopefully not needed!