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: February 2, 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.) The assembly-line approach via Santa Clara County was marvelously effective but still relaxed. I'm a bit of a hypochondriac so googled "Sudden death from Covid vaccine" but didn't get any hits. A pleasant conversation with my shooter, a gentle jab in my arm muscle (she let me pick which arm), one more stop to schedule my 2nd shot, and a 15-minute wait in the Observation Room (with paramedics standing by), and I was allowed to leave.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? My arm was sore the next day, but it vanished overnight. Mostly, I felt exhilarated that I'd faced the fear and nothing bad happened.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? I work retail in retirement. I've been afraid of every single customer and co-worker for almost a year.
Any additional thoughts or advice for people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? Just do it!! Lead by example!!
27 years old, Female, Registered Dental Assistant
Moderna (2 doses)
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: January 21, 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.) Very easy and fast.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? No side effects.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? To be safer and before it gets crowded.
32 years old, Female, Medical Support Assistant
Pfizer (2 doses)
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: December 28, 2020
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 an easy process. I filled out an interest form sent by my employer months before the vaccine was available. When they were ready, I was sent another email with a link to choose a date/time. When I went to check in, I just had to fill out a form and verify my information.
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? Yes, 10 minutes after my first dose, I felt a tightness in my chest. I reported it to the RN and MD at the vaccine clinic, and they found that I had an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. The symptoms subsided after 40 minutes. The second day, my arm was sore. The third day, my arm, shoulder, and neck were sore. The second dose hit me harder. My whole body ached the day after my second dose, but I just had a headache and arm soreness the day after that. I was fatigued those 2 days, but I was fine after that.
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? To protect myself and ultimately everyone I encounter.
Any additional thoughts or advice for people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? Trust the science.
52 years old, Male, Health Service
Pfizer (2 doses)
Date First Dose of Vaccine was Received: January 18, 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.) Positive
Did you experience any side effects? If so, what were your symptoms and how long did you experience symptoms? Not so far
Why did you decide to get vaccinated? Health advisory
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.
