You’ve come to the right place: a platform for questions, answers, and all the discussions in between regarding the recently developed COVID-19 vaccines. Not only do we compile all critical resources and information about the new vaccines into one website, but we highlight testimonials from real people so you can get different perspectives on their vaccination experiences and decisions to get vaccinated.
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: January 27, 2021
Have you received both doses of the vaccine? Yes
What was your overall experience getting vaccinated (was it easily accessible, did you have to wait a long time, etc.) I was able to get vaccinated as a healthcare worker at the UCI Medical Center in Orange! I just wanted to mention that at the same time, I had signed up for Othena, an app that allows you to get a notification once eligible + vaccines are available. I highly recommend signing up for this as soon as possible for those living in the Orange County area, since it is an easy and accessible way to register for a vaccination appointment. As for the vaccination day itself, it was a straightforward experience that took around 20 minutes total. 10 minutes of waiting in line, 1 minute of receiving the vaccine, and 10 minutes of staying in a waiting room to ensure that no extreme side effects would occur.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? My only side effect was a sore arm near the injection site for one/two days after receiving the vaccination. Other than that, I had no other side effects.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? As a caretaker of a parent with stage 4 lymphoma, I wanted to get vaccinated as soon as possible in order to minimize any risk to her as well as my immediate family. Since I go to college + work here in Irvine, this vaccine allowed me to return home a bit safer (I still quarantine in my room regardless) and serve as a grocery runner + errand son so none of my other family members have to risk their health going out. Now, my entire family has had at least their first dose, which has been extremely reassuring for us all moving forward in these weird times.
Any additional thoughts or advice for people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? This is a first step to normalcy, and the vaccine rollout will only grow moving forward. Look into your specific county's vaccine booking (Othena for those in OC) and vaccinate whenever you are able!
78 years old, Female, Retired
Pfizer (2 doses)
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: February 9, 2021
Have you received both doses of the vaccine? Yes
What was your overall experience getting vaccinated (was it easily accessible, did you have to wait a long time, etc.) Vaccinated through Kaiser: alerted to vaccine availability by email from primary care doc, easy to schedule by phone. Vaccination very well organized. Very short wait. No choice of vaccine - either Pfizer or Moderna.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? Sore upper arm for several days after first shot. No side effects after second shot.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? Vaccination is insurance against severe illness even if you happen to get infected by the virus. It also protects family and community from continued spread of virus.
Any additional thoughts or advice for people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? Get as much info as you feel you need then weigh the risk/benefit of vaccine. The benefit far outweighs any risk in my opinion.
18 years old, Female, Dental Assistant
Pfizer (2 doses)
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: February 17, 2021
Have you received both doses of the vaccine? Yes
What was your overall experience getting vaccinated (was it easily accessible, did you have to wait a long time, etc.) It was really fast and easy to schedule my appointment. For my second dose they made me get the vaccine from Kaiser which was a bit of a nuisance, but I was still able to get my appointment. For my first dose since it was at a clinic the entire process took about one and a half hours, but through Kaiser it only took about 20 or 30 minutes.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? For my first dose the arm where I got injected was very sore but other than that I was fine. For my second dose my arm was also sore and I felt tired but after lots of sleep I felt fine.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? I got vaccinated to protect myself, my parents, my grandparents, and to do my part to end this pandemic. We have gone on far too long with no steady decline in COVID-19 cases and it's exhausting. I'm willing to trust the FDA, Pfizer, Moderna, CDC, and other well-educated public health officials/organizations that these vaccines are safe and effective; it's the only way this pandemic will ever cease and people will stop suffering from this extremely dangerous virus.
Any additional thoughts or advice for people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? I have run into countless people who claim false or misleading information about these vaccines—the number one thing to do right now is do your research. Learn your information from RELIABLE and ACCURATE websites, especially government websites like the CDC. So many people refuse to believe the science or trust the government, but they need to remember that there is evidence backing up the effectiveness and testing of these vaccines. The spread of misinformation needs to come to a halt because people need to believe in these vaccines and do their part to end this pandemic. We are all in this together!
17 years old, Female, Student
Pfizer (2 doses)
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: March 4, 2021
Have you received both doses of the vaccine? No
What was your overall experience getting vaccinated (was it easily accessible, did you have to wait a long time, etc.) I did not even realize that the doctor had put the vaccine in and when it was done. I did not feel anything until later on but it was just my arm being sore. Where I went, it was a drive through and they did a really great job of making it organized and fast and everyone had to wait 15 minutes before they could leave and overall, I had a great experience.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? I only experienced soreness of my arm. I actually got three other vaccines 11 days before and they usually say to have a 14 day period before getting vaccinated again but I was feeling good to get my COVID vaccine. Even with that, the only side effect I had from the first dose was my arm being sore which I’m grateful for.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? My grandma lives with us and that’s how I actually was able to get the vaccine. I also think that if it is efficient and can help stop the spread, I should do my part and get it.
Any additional thoughts or advice for people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? I was they did a better job with distributing. I feel like it would be a lot more accessible then, but I feel like they are getting a lot better at it which is good!
The start of this platform was motivated by the immense hesitation regarding the recent development of the COVID-19 vaccine. As a college student at the University of California, Irvine studying public health sciences, I felt inclined to do my part and educate people on the vaccine so more people are willing to get vaccinated and aren't taught false information regarding the vaccine and its effects.
