Second vaccine severe anxiety - not AZ related

[lineandsinker]

Morning,

Was going to post this on the Coronavirus board but I just need advice from people who ‘get it’ rather than judgements.

I had my first Pfizer vaccine in Jan (due to the nature of my job) and had an immediate reaction after of head rushes, heart racing, tingling lips, sweating, feeling very faint within 5 mins of the jab. Had to be wheeled off to another room on a trolley and was a very mortifying experience. The doctor there said it was a panic attack but the episode lasted well over an hour and was just very unpleasant. Although I was a little nervous, I wouldn’t say the reaction I had was in line with how I felt before the vaccine - I don’t have aversions to needles and have had a yearly flu jab through work, travel vaccines, etc. with no problems. I’ve suffered with anxiety throughout my life but this was the first panic attack I’ve ever had.

I’ve had my second vaccine booked twice now but when push comes to shove, I just can’t go through with it as the thought of having another reaction / panic attack is causing me such severe anxiety. Part of me just isn’t convinced it was a panic attack - that something in the vaccine caused this response - so there is an element of distrust there.

I had a booking for this morning at 8am but awoke in the night at 3am in fight or flight mode, heart thumping, diarrhoea, etc. Took some diazepam but wasn’t able to get back to sleep as I was in such a state. Decided not to go to the jab as I knew that I’d be more likely to have another panic attack given the high levels of anxiety I am feeling. Still feeling slightly on edge even though the vaccine appointment has come and gone.

I just don’t know what to do. I’ve just turned 30 so the AZ vaccine is off the cards for me if vaccine mixing becomes a ‘thing’ but, equally, not having the second vaccine is also causing me feelings of anxiety and guilt that I’m putting others in harm’s way. I’ve not had COVID so far (touch wood).

Family are just telling me to take some deep breaths and that ‘I might not have the same reaction this time’ or ‘having COVID will be worse than a panic attack’ but in my anxious mind this advice is of no value or consequence.

Thanks for reading if you managed to get this far.

My logical mind would say, in the nicest way, if I was going to have a serious reaction that would have happened first time. I felt dreadful for a week after the first one and was worried with stories of clots, but I went on the basis it didn't go wrong first time and serious effects are rare. I took someone with me to both, as am CEV and generally have anxiety, is that an option for you?

Would it help to take some diazepam before the appointment?

You don’t want to get Covid. You really don’t.

If you went in dosed up on diazepam, warned them you had a reaction that was probably panic but could be a physical reaction, how would it play out? What sort of setting are you having it in? I don't think anyone has actually died immediately after having the jab.

I felt exactly the same after my first jab and have been putting off the second. I had never had a panic attack so initially thought it was a reaction. It really unnerved me so I completely understand how you feel.

I am working towards having my second because I am by nature very compliant and I want to do the right thing but in all honesty, after never experiencing anxiety or panic before in my life, the whole experience has terrified me.

It may well have been a panic attack but that doesn't mean it wasn't an affect of the vaccine.

I sometimes get a panic attack after an injection at the dentists - I thought this was just nerves until I happened to mention it to the dentist who said "oh yes, that happens to some people - I'll give you a different jab!" So this could be similar.

What I would suggest is contacting the place where you'd have your vaccine and explain what happened. Think about what give you the most reassurance and ask if that could be put in place - maybe just knowing the person giving you the injection is informed and fully prepared might help?. They're very keen to get everyone "done" -use that!