Life

I Had The Covid Vaccine & This is What Happened

by Olivia
Needles being held up with a brown backdrop

All the talk around town seems to be about the Covid Vaccine, and for very good reason. It seems that half of the world wants it and half don’t trust it. When I first heard of the Covid vaccine I was a little suspicious of it. How can they develop a vaccine for a virus that is relatively new? How have they done it so quickly?

I said countless times that I wouldn’t get it if given the opportunity. But obviously as the title of this post suggests, I changed my mind. I did my own research and did what was best for me. And you should do the same. Don’t let the media or the people around you make the decision for you. Its your body so it should be your choice.

I realised that before I got the vaccine, that not many people have been sharing their own vaccination experience. Which is why I decided to share mine. So, in today’s post I will be giving you a real insight into the side effects and the process I went through when I had the vaccine so that hopefully you feel a bit more prepared when you get yours!

TRIGGER WARNING: I will be talking about needles and vaccines in detail from this point.

THE COVID VACCINE PROCESS

Here in the UK we are rolling out vaccines in a particular order. The most vulnerable have been given it first. Those who are elderly, who work in the NHS and care home workers. Then it moved to the above 70s and then onto the category that I am in. Now I won’t be going into details as to how or why I am in this category as it is personal. But I fall in the category that is 18-64 year olds with underlying health conditions. At the time I didn’t realise they were even in this category of people so getting my call was very unexpected.

I was contacted by my local doctors surgery and was asked if I wanted to get the Covid vaccine and of course I said yes. I was given a date and time which was only 2 days after I was called. So off I went to my local vaccination centre which was an old leisure centre gym that was just being used for vaccines. I only had to wait less than 5 minutes and before I knew it I was having the needle stuck in my arm.

The whole process was so quick and easy and all of the staff were very friendly and professional. I was advised at the time of the vaccination of the possible side affects and even my Uber driver on the way home told me of the side affects he had too. Just for clarification I had the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination.

THE COVID VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS

So, now we’re onto the stuff you came here for. Because I didn’t really have much time to prepare for the fact I was having my vaccination, I didn’t actually look up the side affects until after I had it. And I’m glad it worked out like that, and you’ll understand why shortly. Before I start, I want to say that I am sharing my experience. We are all different. I know people who had this vaccine and had no side effects and some [like me] who had several. Please don’t let this put you off getting it either. With any medicine you put into your body there is always a chance of adverse effects. So don’t let this change your mind about getting it.

DAY OF VACCINE

Before I had my vaccine the nurse told me of a couple of the possible side effects I could experience. She said I may get a headache, fever and some back pain and advised I take paracetamol to combat those symptoms. So I was prepared for those. When I got home I felt great for an hour or two and then out of nowhere I started feeling really sleepy. I wasn’t sure if it was just because I had a late night, the night before or from the vaccine. But, I decided to rest anyway. Another hour or two passed and my body temperature was fluctuating. My body felt so hot but I felt so cold inside, it was such a weird feeling. I went to sleep early that night in hopes I could sleep it off.

THE DAY AFTER VACCINE

The night after I had the vaccine was rough. I woke up multiple times in the night shivering and shaking. It almost felt like my body was going into shock. Another symptom that developed overnight was an awful sore arm. Now I don’t even mean a sore arm that you’d get from a flu jab. I have never felt pain like this from a vaccination. The pain went into my shoulder and my back and onto the front of my chest. And now I look back at it, it really was not pleasant. After having a restless sleep I woke up in the morning feeling awful. I felt so hot and nauseous. And if you have ready my previous blog, you know one of my anxiety triggers is being sick and vomit. So this was not good for me at all.

Throughout the day my symptoms seemed to get worse. I had severe fatigue. I could hardly walk anywhere or even hold my phone up to type. My body really couldn’t regulate it’s temperature and I constantly was hot and cold all throughout the day. My appetite kept coming and going and so did the nausea. Thankfully I did not throw up, although that’s not the case for everyone. To keep my fever and other symptoms at bay I took cold and flu tablets every few hours. I know they worked as when they wore off I felt even worse.

VACCINE DAY 2

Thankfully I was able to get good rest and had no shivers or wake ups throughout the night. I woke up still feeling so exhausted I could hardly move. Thankfully my body seemed to have regulated my temperature as I no longer felt hot and cold throughout the day. A different symptom I hadn’t had appeared on this day. I had this terrible headache, and still do when writing out this post. It almost feels like it’s at the back of my eyes and every time I go to look at something it hurts my eyes to do so. I also noticed on this day that I had backache, which is something I haven’t experienced on the other days. My appetite seemed to fluctuate too. One minute I was hungry and next I felt sick and didn’t want anything. I wouldn’t say I felt significantly better, but because I didn’t have any fever, or feel hot and cold it was an improvement.

PRESENT DAY

So whilst I’m typing this, I am currently on vaccine day 3 and finally am starting to feel enough energy to write this post. I’m still experiencing a lot of the same symptoms but can feel my energy starting to come back little by little. I still have a slight headache, body aches and fatigue. To put into perspective how tired I am, I had to sit down whilst brushing my teeth this morning, and last night had to have my mom dry my hair because I couldn’t hold the hair dryer for that long. It really has taken everything out of me.

My arm is still very sore and that makes it difficult for me to get around as quickly as I normally would. I can’t even explain how much it hurts. I’ve explained to people that it almost feels like I have been shot. I can imagine being shot hurts a lot more, but I don’t really have anything else to compare it to. It’s what I imagine it feels like.

MY THOUGHTS

There is a second dose that I will get in 3 months time, and it will be interesting to see what side effects I get – if any. I will of course document it and share it with you if there is. I know everything I just explained probably seems like a lot to go through for a vaccine. But for me I’d go through it again if I had to, so that we can get our lives back. It’s really important what we all do our part in helping us all get back to normal. But as I mentioned in the intro, do your own research and do what makes you feel comfortable. Life is about choices, and we are all entitled to make our own choices about what we put into our bodies.

This post is just for education, so you know what you’re getting yourself into when getting this particular vaccine. I know other vaccines are out there, and depending on where you live will depend on which one you get. So please bare that in mind.

What are your thoughts? Have you had your vaccine yet? Will you be getting the vaccine?

I hope this post was helpful to anyone who hasn’t had their covid vaccine yet. And I hope it gave you a little insight into what some of the possible side effects will be if you do. I am so glad I got it, and feel so lucky to have this extra protection against covid. We are really blessed to have scientists in the UK who are smart enough to come up with a vaccine to help keep us all safe. And that’s a privilege not all countries have.

Olivia x 
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100 thoughts on “I Had The Covid Vaccine & This is What Happened”

  1. A great post, well documented and hopefully help more people get their vaccine. I had similar side effects as you had and It will be interesting to see what happens after the second dose. I wish I’d have had someone tell me to take paracetamol and go to bed 🙂 I decided to work the next day and it was the worst day! Glad you are ok and have had yours x

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  2. Thank you for sharing Olivia. Like you, I’m in what I think is Category 6. I received my invite yesterday and my appointment is for Monday.

    I am planning to get the vaccine but am really worried about the side effects. I have food allergies and when I had the flu jag for the first time in November/December I had a really bad reaction. Even with that, and while I’m nervous, I will go to my appointment. I agree, it’s important that we all play our part in fighting this virus and get our lives back.

    I hope you feel back to yourself soon, take care and rest.

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    1. Before I had my jab I was asked a bunch of questions about allergies etc, so just make sure that you tell the person doing your jab about your concerns. Not sure what will happen after then but its best to let them know!

      Thank you Brenda!

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  4. It’ll be a long wait round here before I get called up for the vaccine as I’m in no categories that would grant me quick access. But as soon as I get called up I’m getting it. My grandparents thankfully got it last monday, and they had an easier go at it than you with no side-effects.

    Sorry to hear you had it so rough!
    Feel better soon 😀

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  5. My older cousin (age 89) had the vaccine, I’m not sure which version here in the US. Her only side effect was the sore arm you mentioned. Hope it is that smooth for me when it’s my turn.

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  6. Thanks Olivia. I am from Sri Lanka and we have been offered vaccines too. And everyone is rushing to get it (most people I know) I am one of those who are skeptical and still thinking on it as I am planning a pregnancy and also have allergies to Penicillins.
    I am sad to hear that it was a rough experience. Hope you will feel better soon. Xx
    thank you for your honest review on this. helps.

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    1. Here in the UK we are asked if we have any allergies, so I think you’ll probably be asked that too. You have to make your own decision, nobody can decide for you. Its whatever you feel comfortable doing. I didn’t want it but changed my mind and got it anyway 🙂

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  7. Firstly Oliver, thank you so much for sharing this post with us but particularly so for your experience with those symptoms you encountered upon taking a Covid-19 vaccination. Of course there are several versions of the vaccine available and they wouldn’t necessarily behave in the same way, we are all different and whilst this account should not be taken to mean the symptoms that you encountered would necessarily be played out across the board for everyone, your honesty regardless of the fact that your own account was not an altogether comfortable experience for you, is commendable.

    Scepticism is my middle name, perhaps because I am so inquisitive, although others would point out that I was being argumentative but it’s important to me to know that I have all of the facts and thus armed, I can then make an informed decision, although it has to be said here that even then, I continue to make mistakes, for such is the imperfect world in which we live, or the one that I’m living in.

    I continue to remain sceptical of a vaccination program that has not met any of the stringent due diligence checks otherwise given to all such pharmaceutical products destined for human usage. I was all the more sceptical when learning about the legislation exhortating these companies for any liability being brought into law first prior to the program being rolled out and feel genuinely frightened for those who will suffer from serious adverse side effects.

    We should all indeed play our part, but to be a “human guinea pig” to my mind, when laboratory testing on animals is carried out over many years before the product being tested is given any such license to reach our shelves, is an unconscionable risk no one should have to be faced with, particularly so when noone or any company can be held responsible, that is just criminal negligence on steroids.

    I recommend caution because that is the responsible option. This virus and those purported implications to us as a species, have been politicised, make no mistake about that.

    Sorry Olivia, but you had asked for our opinions. I hope that you are feeling much better real soon.

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    1. I appreciate your thoughts here Martin as always! The main thing I wanted to come across from this post was:

      1) That I was sceptical when I first heard about the Covid Vaccine
      2) That I researched and made an informed decision to suit myself and what I felt comfortable doing
      3) The side effects I experienced, in order to educate others on their possible side effects too if they wish to have the vaccine

      I 100% support someone who doesn’t want to get it and 100% support someone who does. For years now I have turned down the seasonal flu jab which they recommend that I get due to my health conditions. So many people told me I should get it and it would help me etc etc. But I felt as though it wasn’t something I wanted to do or put into my body. That was my conscious choice. And this vaccine is the same. I think people feel pressured, and thats because we want life to resume back to what it was. But, we should never put something into our bodies that we don’t feel comfortable doing.

      It’s about making an informed decision for you!

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      1. You have admirably put a case forward for the decision you’ve personally chosen. I’m only concerned for those who may feel obliged to take a particular cause of action as though reaching out for that fabled pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I too feel the need for normality to be returned and would dearly love for it to be delivered to us, although I question the salvor being presented. There are beneficial bacteria and bacteria we couldn’t live without, the survival of the fittest helped us to adapt and become who we are, for we are all explorers on this wee rock of ours, even the diseases.

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  8. It’s really lovely of you to share your experience. I got the Pfizer vaccine a week ago and thankfully I didn’t get any side effects apart from a very sore arm. I advise everyone to get it, you’ll save more than one life ❤

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  11. Hope you’re feeling better!

    So glad you got the shot. Thanks for sharing your experience. My folks are up for the vaccine in a few weeks. Though I have a long wait before I get the vaccine, I’ve been pro vaccine mainly because it’s a choice between covid and the vaccine. I’d prefer to take my chances with the vaccine than covid.

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  16. Great post! My parents got the vaccine since they are working as a frontliners. They did experienced pain on their second vaccine, but that was normal as per the nurses and doctors they’ve spoken to. Right after the second or third day of their vaccine (2) they both felt fine. Hopefully vaccines will be available soon, I just can’t wait to get ours!

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  17. Hi olivia… nice to hear from you again as always.
    I had my astra zeneca just over 3 weeks ago and im having worries sometimes. I had no symptoms until recently.. pains in my chest.. sometimes little diziness and headaches not painfull really though.. so im just goin through it and hopefully will feel even better soon.. i would go through this any day. To know that im protected…thank god we have a vaccine

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    1. I don’t want to alarm you, but usually the Covid Vaccine symptoms show in the first 24-48 hours? So perhaps those things you are experiencing are from something else? Always best to get things checked out!

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  19. Thanks for sharing, Olivia. A lot of people fail to realize that vaccines have. Saved us more than once, we are just happening to live through it now. The vaccine will get better with time, but it will be new because Covid is new. And better controlled symptoms than Covid fatalities. I understand the risk, but will take it given the opportunity as well.

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  20. I had COVID last November. My only symptom was fatigue. Your symptoms after the vaccine seem worse than my symptoms during the sickness. But at some point I will probably take the vaccine.

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    1. You’re very lucky! Some people aren’t as lucky to just have fatigue with COVID. They probably were worse! But I have other health issues which means I’d probably have it bad if I did get covid!

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  22. I had the Pfizer vaccine. The first dose with zero side effects. After the second dose I developed fever and tiredness which went away completely on the third day. I’m very happy to be fully vaccinated now and recommend everyone get vaccinated. It beats the alternative for you and those who might be infected by you at some point. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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    1. You’re very right! Interesting that you only got symptoms on the second vaccine. Alot of people I know who have had the first Pfizer were like you in the sense that they had no symptoms!

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  23. Thanks Olivia for your good reporting. You chose widely to go ahead with the jab even though you have had unfortunately severe sounding side-effects. I can simply say as one over seventy suffering from a respiratory condition (bronchiectasis()and diabetes 2 I was relieved to get through the vac. with no side effects other than a sore-ish arm.That was three weeks ago and I feel great looking forward to the second astra-zenica jab in late April.

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    1. Well for me, I have to consider others too not just myself. And thats one of the main things I kept thinking when I had it. I have to remember all of those vulnerable people who need us to keep ourselves protected from this.

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  24. Boy, you really got the side effects, and bad! I was very sleepy. I could hardly walk up the steps and I normally run up them several times a day. I was exhausted. I didn’t get a fever or chills, just very tired for about a week. All I could do was watch TV and sleep, not even read. I get my second on March 13th. They say the second is worse. I hope not for both of our sakes. All in all, I think I’m doing the right decision in getting it. I’ve never had a flu shot ever. This was my first.

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    1. I’d love it if you could report back to us and let us know how you feel after your second. What vaccine did you get? I felt the same as you. I just wanted tv for 3 or so days until I felt better. Everything felt like a chore!

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  25. 💜 My AutoImmune System is working just fine EveryOne and doesn’t need a boost from vaccination; apart from side effects there is no clarity about whether or not transmission is stopped by the vaccine

    …💛💚💙…

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  26. So glad to see someone else writing about their experience, it’s so important to talk about this with all the fake info out there, so thank you! 🥰 sorry you had it so rough though, I had Oxford too and was pretty rough but not as bad thankfully… everyone I know reacted pretty differently. I should get my second dose any day now, I’ve heard the side effects aren’t as bad, so fingers crossed!

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  28. Dear Olivia

    I have written about vaccination if you or others care to visit my site. The current post on my home page.

    In essence if you have the vaccine you will get the ‘flu/Covid 19. See Covid 19 Summary if you want more info and links. You may not care to believe it all but I carefully researched it.

    I will always be happy to explain further.

    Kind regards

    Baldmichael

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  29. So glad you made it through the roughest part. My son had his first dose about a month ago, and I don’t believe he had any symptoms. His second dose was scheduled for today but his crew has moved to another location, so I’m not sure what they’ll do now. He’s in the Army and currently on assignment to help distribute the vaccines.

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    1. So glad your son was okay. I think the particular vaccine is only being used in the UK currently. Im not sure we have shipped it anywhere else. So he’s lucky he didn’t get this one 🤣 Hopefully he can get his second one soon.

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      1. Yea, I believe he received Moderna. It’s one of three that we have available here in the US. He told me after I commented that his arm was really sore, and he couldn’t lift it for a few days. 😬

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  31. Very well documented Olivia. Great insight into being vaccinated. I have heard the side effects really vary people to people. It’s about how your body reacts to it. But once having it —we are one step closer to getting back to our normal way of living.

    Thanks for sharing this and hope you feel better soon✨😘 xx

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    1. Yes, they really do. I know people who have had the same one as me and have felt 100% fine. Its alot to do with peoples different immune systems!
      xx

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  32. The is so much for sharing! The symptoms your got sound very much like what it feels like to have covid. Im glad you’ve gotten better and really hope the second dose doesn’t give off any more symptoms 💖

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  35. Thanks for sharing. Only Phizer and Moderna here in the States. I am scheduled for dose 1 of Moderna on Sunday. I dont know anyone who has gotten that one, only Phizer.

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  36. In Germany a lot of people, old people died after this vaccination, its officially confirmed .. and no conspiration Theorie.. but now they say it is because this all was very old people.. but on the other side a lots of young people was very sick after it.. now we have to wait up to 2022 to get this Injection ..

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    1. Its probably a normal thing to happen. People have allergic reactions to vaccinations. Getting sick after the vaccine shows that your immune system is working hard to fight off what they injected you with. So its not all bad 🙂

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  37. Thank you Olivia for sharing information about it .
    Still I have not taken a vaccine because here where I am the vaccine is first giving to grand parents then so on .
    I am planning to get the vaccine but I am really worried about their side effects.

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  41. Olivia, thank you so much for sharing your experience and on how the vaccine is being rolled out in the UK. I am very glad that you have had the first dose of the vaccine, and that, despite your reaction to it, you have got through the first step. Where we are, we probably won’t get the first dose of the vaccine until well after June this year (I just popped on line to answer the eligibility criteria the the Department of Health has in place here and found out I a am part of Phase 2a). We have kept our borders pretty much in tact though. We will be getting the vaccine.

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    1. Thats awesome to know. At least you know a rough date as to when you will be getting it! I have heard that Australia and New Zealand have really been so good at protecting against COVID. We all should follow in your guys foot steps.

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  42. Pingback: I Had The Covid Vaccine & This is What Happened – Reaching entrepreneurs ambitions

  44. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My dad in India is getting the same vaccine (I think) next week and knowing the possible side effects makes me feel more in control. I hope you feel yourself soon!

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  45. Very informative and interesting to read. Thanks. I am definitely getting the vaccine, desperately waiting for it. I would happily go through all the side effects you describe and more, because primarily I want to be alive for my wife and kids.

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  46. Thank you for sharing your experience. People need to know the possible side effects. I was not prepared for the side effects for Moderna #1 – 48 hours of body aches and extreme fatigue. Wanted to sleep, but hard to get comfortable. But but after that, I was ready for anything. Nurses said acetaminophen was better than ibuprofen, so I was ready with acetaminophen for Shot #2. The second shot side effects were more intense, but the worst was over in 36 hours. Nausea the day after the shot kept me from eating anything more than a bowl of oatmeal. My equilibrium was off and I was tired for about three or four days. I’m thankful that it’s behind me and feel more comfortable visiting my son and his family in a couple of weeks.

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  47. Pingback: I Had The Covid Vaccine & This is What Happened – No Obstacles

  48. Right now I’m not in a rush to get the vaccine. As I’m not doing much right now and my single lifestyle. I have been offered it twice by my doctor and where I volunteer. But I don’t feel it’s priority for me. Sorry to heard about the effects after. And glad you’re better now

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  50. I’ve heard that some who went down found they had to sign a waiver not to sue if all goes wrong. They walked away.

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