MAGOFFIN – With a lot of fear and misinformation going around regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, we decided to go right to the source. We asked our online readers to tell us about their own personal vaccine stories to help others weigh their options when choosing whether to get on one of the waiting lists.
In total, the SI received 10 responses, nine from local people telling of their first-hand experiences of getting the vaccine and one from someone living in Ohio and compared the vaccination distribution between the two states. For full transparency, we are including every response we received.
Many of the responses did report mild, but expected symptoms after receiving the vaccination.
Emily Beray Puckett, who works in childcare, said, “With both doses I had minimal arm soreness/chill. Would 100% do it all over again.”
Felicia Estep, with the Magoffin County Health Department, said, “I received my first dose of Moderna on 12/22 that resulted in moderate arm soreness only for a couple days. I received the second dose on 1/21. I did experience an immune response (I expected this) with body aches, headache and chills which lasted less than 12 hours. I received both doses thorough the Magoffin County Health Department. I would 100% do it again.”
Similarly, Annie Montgomery, who works in mental health, also said she had mild side effects after receiving her first dose of the vaccine.
“I received my first dose last month and the only side effect I experienced was a sore arm,” Montgomery said. “I get my second dose in a couple days! I am high risk and work in mental health so for me the benefits outweigh the risks! And I would recommend to anyone who feels it is right for them.”
Jessica Keeton, an EMT, explained her decision to get the vaccine was about more than just her own immunity to the virus.
“I received the Moderna vaccine 12-28, 12-29 I experienced fever, chills, and flu like symptoms which last 24-36 hrs,” Keeton said. “This was unexpected for me for the first dose, but I connected it back to me having COVID-19 just 3 weeks prior. My second dose of the vaccine was received on 01-26, with Arm soreness, low grade fever and headache being my experience from that. I would 100% get the vaccine again. Sometimes getting vaccinated is not about protecting ourselves from diseases but immunosuppressant people instead. I was happy to do my part in “herd immunity”, which is what one day I hope we can achieve!”
Physician and pediatrician Tasha Russell, who was featured on the front page a few weeks ago, getting her first dose of the vaccine, said, “First dose of Moderna on 12/22 with minimal arm soreness for a few hours. Second dose on 1/21, I did experience an immune response (which I wanted and anticipated) with body aches, headache and chills which lasted less than 12 hours. No other symptoms. Both doses were received thorough the Magoffin County Health Department and the process was super easy. I truly believe that taking the vaccine will allow us to get our lives back. Happy to do my part! Would 100% do it again.”
Jacque Thacker Howard told about her mother, who fell into a prioritized group to get the vaccine due to her age, saying, “My Mom is 81 she had her first dose on January 12 in Morgan County. She didn’t have any problems she gets her second dose on February 12.”
While locally the Moderna vaccine (which includes two doses) was more readily available, some of the responses came from those that received the Pfizer vaccine (three doses), but their experiences also all seemed similar.
Brandon Lykins, who reported working with a more vulnerable population, said, “I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on January 13th at Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville. Only symptom was a sore arm at the injection site for about a day. I go for my second dose tomorrow at 2:00. I anticipate and am hopeful for an immune response as some others have stated. I would definitely take it again. I work with high risk, vulnerable adults, so I am happy to do my part to protect them as well as my own family.”
Brooke Jenkins, with the Magoffin County Extension Office, said, “Received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on January 15 at a UK site in Lexington—was offered this opportunity as a university campus employee. I had minimal arm soreness the next day. I’ll receive my second dose on Friday. I’m so thankful to be getting the vaccine so we can overcome this pandemic and get back to normal!”
Magoffin County High School teacher Samantha Arnett Rose also received the Pfizer vaccine, stating, “I was blessed to receive my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on January 22nd at UK’s vaccine clinic at Kroger Field. The process was so simple. They were very organized and efficient. The shot did not hurt at all initially but I did have a sore arm for two days afterwards—similar to a flu shot. I can’t wait to get the second dose on February 11th!”
Narda Arnett Miller, from Ohio, also responded to the posts, comparing their responses to the vaccine rollout in Ohio.
“I’m really happy to hear about all my friends in KY who have received 2 doses! Wow!” Miller said. “I live in Ohio and know no one who has received both doses and just a few people 80 plus years old who got their first vaccine in the last week or so. Good job KY!”
While the decision to get the vaccine should be between the person and his or her doctor, it is important to note federal, state and local health officials all urge the general public to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, explaining that the vaccine has been thoroughly studied by scientists and has been proven to be safe and effective. When making the decision, be sure to do your research, using reputable sources, such as www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html, and other science-based sites.
Additionally, officials are encouraging people who receive the vaccine to not share a picture of their vaccination card, noting personal information of the patient is on the card, plus it would make it easier for people to make fraudulent cards.
