Covid Vaccine: My Experience

After what feels like months of endless waiting, I am thrilled to say that I have had my first Covid vaccine! This genuinely feels like the light at the end of the tunnel that I couldn't see for so long and I'm utterly thrilled to have had 1 out of the 2 standard vaccines to protect myself!


Now, I did post an IGTV video on my Instagram account about my Covid vaccine experience, but I thought I would write a post for those who don't have Instagram and would prefer to read than to listen to me wale on and on.


So, let's start at the beginning. I got the call to make an appointment for my first vaccine on the Wednesday 27th January in the morning. I was fresh out of the tub, felt as smooth as a dolphin after shaving my legs (completely irrelevant I know) and I think the GP receptionist was taken aback by my eagerness and excitement to arrange an appointment for the vaccine. So I made an appointment for two days time and I got off the thing feeling nothing but relief that it was finally going to happen! For those who are wondering, I am number 4 on the list for having the vaccine as I have Cystic Fibrosis and classed as CEV (clinically extremely vulnerable).


Then later on in the afternoon, still feeling as smooth as a dolphin, I had another phone call from the GP and my heart sank. I thought it was going to be a cancellation appointment and I was ready to curl up and cry with a box of Pringles. But...


I got asked to go down straight away to have the vaccine as there were spare leftover from the day!

After getting over the excitement of having it done sooner than expected, I raced down to the surgery like Lewis Hamilton after 10 cans of Red Bull and checked into the surgery and waited patiently. In what felt like forever, I get called in by the nurse into the examination room and she went through all the details of the vaccine and the whole procedure. 



I got asked about whether I had any allergies, if I was in good health and she then told me I was to have the Astra Zeneca (the Oxford one) vaccine and continued to explain the side effects to me. She asked me if I was happy to have it done. Without a shadow of a doubt, I was ready! She then asked me which arm I would like to have it in (a tip here - have it in your less dominant arm). I got my left arm out of jumper, apologised to the nurse for showcasing my bra (thankfully I was wearing one of my nicer ones) and bing bang boo she injected the vaccine. She then preceded to ask me to wait in the waiting room for 15 minutes as I drove down and she wanted to make sure I didn't have any reactions before driving home.


15 minutes later, I left the GP with the hugest smile on my face and drove home. Now comes the 12 week wait for the second one.


Now - the side effects. Guys, they're gonna happen. However big or small, you're going to get at least one. Or you could be incredibly lucky and not have any at all. Lucky sods. But seriously, I won't lie, I felt the full force of them in as little as 12 hours after having it done. 


It started at around 5am and I felt shivery. Very shivery. I couldn't sleep I was shaking that much. I knew that was a side effect and endured it. I managed to doze back off for half an hour and woke up at 9am feeling like sh*t. It felt like somebody had come into my bedroom and zapped all my energy out of me. The shivering had stopped by this point (thank f*ck) I managed to crawl out of bed like a sloth, went to the bathroom and instantly had the feeling that I (*WARNING - please skip this next sentence or two if you have Emetophobia) was going to vom. Everywhere. I sat down on the floor and heaved quite a few times, but nothing came up thankfully and that feeling of nausea quickly came and went. To be honest, I've had worse nausea when I've been on Cipro. 


I managed to stagger downstairs and I curled up on the sofa and literally fell in and out of sleep for the majority of the day. I managed to force down some toast so I could take my morning meds and also did my insulin. But apart from that, I slept like a new-born baby. It took me until 4pm that afternoon to get up off the sofa, change out of my Mickey Mouse pyjamas and into some New Look loungewear. 


Oh, did I forget to mention about the headache? It genuinely feels like you have the worst hangover known to mankind. But some Paracetamol or Ibuprofen will take care of that. 


Also the achy arm is a bitch. My achy and sore left arm lasted for about 5 days. Very unusual but it didn't seem to be much of an issue to me.




After a good nights sleep, I felt 100% better by the Friday morning and was able to function properly again. One day of sickness is well worth it knowing I will be protected from Covid. I need to make this disclaimer, you may not experience the same side effects as I did. We're all different and we are all going to have a different experience with this vaccine. Whether you have the Astra Zeneca or Pfizer one, it's not going to be the same experience for all of us. Please bear that in mind. 


Ok...this part is difficult for me to write. I want to shout from the rooftops for people to have the vaccine once they get offered it. But...I can't preach to you if you don't feel comfortable in having it done. It doesn't sit right with me. Let me put it this way - the side effects of a vaccine beat the hell out of Coronavirus diagnosis. Don't be like the man who went in to have his vaccine and turn it down because he didn't fancy an achy arm the next day (yeah, I was perplexed also!). 


If you get offered the vaccine but change your mind, please contact the GP or vaccination centre or whoever has made your appointment, the vaccine can be offered to someone who is on the list and it won't go to waste. The last thing we need is wasted vaccines. We need to get out of this awful lockdown situation as soon as possible. 


If you're in two minds about having this done, I hope this post has helped you to make up your mind. If you have any questions about anything I have not discussed in this post, please don't hesitate to DM me on my socials. I'm happy to ask any questions you have!


Let me know your thoughts below guys!
67 comments
  1. Thank you for sharing your experience. I can't wait to get my vaccine, despite the side effects. It's great to see an honest depiction of it so I can know what to expect.

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    1. I always say that the side effects are insignificant compared to a Coronavirus diagnosis, it'll be so worth it in the end!

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it's going to help a lot of people. I'm really happy you've finally got your vaccine - and that you've shared such an honest post xx

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    1. I hope it does help people Della, I don't want people to feel scared or anxious about the vaccine, it's worth it to be protected from Covid! xx

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  3. Thank you for sharing for your experience! I can't wait to get it done to be honest! I did get COvid and I am truly grateful the only symptoms lasted just a few weeks, with headaches as being the biggest and loss of smell. Can't wait to get it done x

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    1. I'm sorry to hear that you had Covid Cristina but I'm glad to hear that your symptoms only lasted a few weeks, I hope you get the vaccine soon! x

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  4. Thank you for sharing your experience, it is always interesting to read other people’s! I am probably one of the last that will be called up as I don’t have any health issues and I am no longer a key worker (since starting my new job) but I am loving hearing from everyone and their experiences! Thanks for sharing x

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    1. Yeah it's so interesting to read other people's experiences of the vaccine as I said in the post, we're all going to experience this differently! x

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  5. Amazing news! It was really interesting to read this as I didn't know there were such bad side effects. I have the biggest phobia of needles and injections so I'm terrified to eventually have mine done but I know it's all for the best cause!

    Katy | www.katystephenson.com

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    1. Having been near a needle all my life in hospitals etc, I've gotten used to vaccines as they don't happen every week and it's only a yearly thing! But I get the needle phobia, I had it when I was a child and it is so scary, as an adult now, I still don't like them but I've gotten used to the prospect of having a needle when it needs to be done. Does that make sense?! Just think Katy, it'll be worth it in the end!

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  6. Thank you for sharing this -- I hope my husband will soon get the vaccine as he is extremely vulnerable and immunocompromised so I can't wait for our state (Ohio, USA) to finally get round to people like him. Your post is reassuring and I will share this with my husband!

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    1. I really hope your husband gets his vaccine soon, I think Joe Biden is on the case in terms of getting Americans their vaccines! If you or your husband have any questions, just DM me!

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  7. OMG such interesting side effects! But glad to hear you were able to get your vaccine!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

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    1. There are a few interesting side effects Katie, but worth it if it means me getting protected from Covid!

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  8. Thank you for sharing your experience! I don't think I'll be offered the vaccine for a while yet and I'm not mad about it because there are definitely people out there that need it more than me. I'm definitely going to wait my turn xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

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    1. I hope that everybody will be offered the vaccine as quick as possible, the sooner they do, the sooner we can get back to some sort of normality! xx

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  9. Thanks for sharing - this was an interesting read! It's good to see the UK making some good progress with the vaccination programme, ideally gets life back to normal sooner rather than later!

    http://skylish.co.uk

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    1. It is amazing how quickly the vaccines are getting to priority groups etc, hopefully life will return to some sort of normal soon!

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  10. That’s amazing that you was able to get the vaccine! I know that if I’m ever going to be offered it I’m getting it. Thank you for making me aware of the side effects I know they will be different for everyone! X

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    1. I’m glad to hear that you’ll take the offer of the vaccine Aaliyah! Yeah the side effects will be different for everyone but it’s good to make people aware of them should they experience them! x

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  11. I have heard of two people I know who have had the vaccine and had similar side effects to it. I just hope that it doesn't put people off having it because I would take having those side effects over having covid any day! All three of my grandparents have had their jabs already and none got symptoms apart from a small bit of bruising!

    https://www.emilyclareskinner.com

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    1. No I hope it doesn't either Emily, like you said, side effects from a vaccine over Covid any day! That's good that your grandparents had very little side effects x

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  12. Thank you for sharing, such a great important read x
    Www.nadinealex.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm glad this post has been helpful for you Nadine x

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  13. I'm so glad you're feeling better now and thank you for sharing your experience! In my city, it looks like it'll be a long way til I can get the vaccine. x

    www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

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    1. I really hope your city gets it's vaccine soon, the sooner we get out of this mess, the better! x

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  14. Thank you for sharing your experience, I know a couple of people who have had similar side effects to you but completely agree that it's worth it to avoid the risk of Covid itself, glad you're feeling better!

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    1. It really is worth it Hannah, anything has got to be better than testing positive for Covid! I hope you get the vaccine soon lovely x

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  15. I'm so glad to hear you got your first shot. Thanks for being real and transparent about the side effects too!

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    1. Thank you Charity, I wanted to be honest about things as this is a huge thing for us all!

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  16. Thanks for sharing you experince of having your vaccination :)

    Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

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    1. I glad you enjoyed the post Nic, thanks for reading!

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  17. I'm so pleased you got your vaccination! My flatmate had COVID and can 100% say the positives of the vaccine and side effects are worth it to get that vaccination! I'm ready and waiting :) xx

    www.iridescentplaces.com

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    1. Thank you lovely! The side effects definitely outweigh a Covid diagnosis! xx

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  18. I'm so glad you got it done and managed to jump the queue a little on your planned appointment. Sorry you were so ill though! My grandparents both had theirs about the same time as you and they both managed to not get any symptoms at all. I really want mine but the government's 12 week decision regarding the Pfizer one makes me a bit nervous x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. Thank you Sophie, I'm so happy to have had it done too! That's good that your grandparents have had the vaccine and had no side effects! It is a bit nervy knowing there's a 12 week wait in between the vaccines x

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  19. I'm some way down the priority list (!) but my husband has had his already. He suffered with a headache and flu-like symptoms for about 48 hours and a sore arm too. But as you say, it's all worth it to know you're safe! x

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    1. That's great to hear that your husband has had the vaccine and I'm glad he's ok now! x

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  20. Thanks so much for sharing this Lucy. I will most DEFINITELY be having the vaccine, I predict (or the calculator does) that I'll be sometime between July and September but BRING IT ON!!

    I have heard of lots of people feeling how you did, It seems to be effecting women more than men. Every woman I know who has had it has described it as early pregnancy which sounds similar to your side effects. But it is worth it without a doubt.

    Heres to the next 12 weeks, and some kind of normality for us all x x

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    1. I'm so happy to hear that you'll be having the vaccine when you get offered it Claire!
      Yeah I've noticed that women seem to suffer more from the side effects than the men, it's strange that! xx

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  21. Loved this Lucy. Sorry you had bad side effects but like you said definitely worth it. I'm currently pregnant so can't get mine yet but as soon as I can I will be running for it too. Thanks for sharing your experience x

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    1. It's great that you're eager to have the vaccine post pregnancy Katie! x

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  22. Thanks for sharing the side effects!! It's so important we know so many can be prepared. I hope this clears all the doubts of those who still don't want to get a vaccine. This is almost over (the pandemic), hopefully soon!!


    www.lifebeginsattwenty.com

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    1. Yeah it's better to be honest about things in terms of side effects so people are prepared!

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  23. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm yet to have mine but I completely agree that the side effects are nowhere near as bad as if you actually had Covid.

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  24. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, my mum got her letter today I cant wait for mine! So glad your on the road to normality! Milli x - http://millidavison.co.uk/

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    1. Aww that's great that your Mum is having her vaccine soon! Fingers crossed you'll get yours soon! x

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  25. It's interesting to hear what your experience was like with getting the vaccine. I definitely want it, although it'll be a long while till I get it I imagine. My mum had really bad side affects when she had hers, but my dad had no side affects at all. Although my mum had the Oxford one and dad had the pfizer one, so not sure if that might have been why. So happy for you though that you managed to get it! xx

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    1. Yes I think the Oxford one gives the worst side effects rather than the Pfizer one. My Nan had the Pfizer one and she had no side effects, she was so lucky! xx

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  26. So glad you managed to get the vaccine Lucy, Iknow you were waiting to get the go ahead! I had mine at the start of January (perks of working in healthcare I guess) and now have the looooong wait for the next one. I had a similar side effect witht he sore arm for a few days and feeling really fatigued the evening after, but then all was fine. That was the pfizer vaccine. I know a few people who have had similar reactions to you with both the pfizer and Oxford. I guess we all react differently.
    You probably already know, but, keep safe as you can still catch and spread covid even with the vaccine. It just hopefully reduces the severity of it, if you do get it. I know a few people who have had the vaccine and have tested positive after 3 weeks of having it.

    Aimsy xoxo
    Aimsy’s Antics

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    1. Thank you Aimsy! Yeah it's clear to see that everybody is suffering from the side effects differently. Oh I know lovely but thanks for the warning! x

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  27. I'm so happy for you that you finally got your vaccine Lucy! It sounds like you had a rough time with the side effects, but you're so right, feeling unwell for a day or so is a small price to pay for getting the protection to you need. I know a few people that have had flu-like symptoms for a few days after having the vaccine but others have had nothing but a sore arm - my grandparents had theirs recently and they were both fine thankfully aside from the painful arm, but hearing they got theirs was just the best news!

    Amy | sassycatlady.com
    xx

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    1. Thank you Amy! Yeah getting the vaccine is definitely worth it, much prefer the side effects to a Covid diagnosis! That's good that your grandparents were ok after having their vaccines x

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  28. I am so happy you finally got your vaccine. I got mine around mid January as I work for the NHS I had the Pfizer one and I had a whole weekend of feeling pretty rubbish but so worth it compared with a Covid diagnosis.

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    1. Thank you Sarah! I agree lovely, a few side effects is so much better than a Covid diagnosis!

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  29. I've had a few friends who have had the Oxford one and they did not get any side effects they must have been lucky!

    Amber | https://theunpredictedpage.com

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  30. I had my first dose of the (Pfizer) vaccine on Christmas Eve and had it in my non-dominant arm, which turned out to be a mistake as that's the side I sleep on. My arm was so sore and painful for more than 24 hours afterwards. So when I had my second dose this weekend, I made sure to have it in my dominant arm. Thankfully, it doesn't hurt as much this time, but it can be a bit sore when I move my arm.

    Mum had the Oxford vaccine and she felt quite cold after the first dose.

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    1. Oh that's annoying Nikki, that's a good idea to switch arms when you had the second one done.
      Yes I felt really cold and shivery after having mine!

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  31. Sounds like you really went through it with the side effects! But will all totally be worth it! Thanks for sharing x

    Kathleen / www.madeinthe1990s.com

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    1. Yes it was a bit of a rough time after the vaccine but definitely well worth it! x

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  32. I'm so happy you got a vaccine! I had mine a few weeks back too (I got the Pfizer one). It feels comforting knowing I've got a lot more protection against COVID-19.

    That sucks you had some side effects. Like you said, it's better to have those side effects than coronavirus, but still debilitating nonetheless. I had literally no side effects whatsoever besides an achey arm. I've heard a lot of people with different reactions, so it really does depend on the person - an important message to share for sure!

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    1. I'm glad you have had the vaccine also Sarah!
      It does definitely depend on the person in terms of side effects, we're all going to be effected by this vaccine differently x

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  33. I'm so happy that you've been able to get your vaccine, reading this really has felt like a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for being so candid about your experience and the after-effects. I will defo be going to get mine when I get my call up!

    Rosie

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    1. Thank you Rosie!
      It's important to be honest about the side effects as people will or may experience them!

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  34. Thanks for sharing your vaccine experience! It sounds like you had some really nasty side effects and I'm so sorry to hear, my first dose I was one of the lucky ones with side effects - however my second definitely sent me around the ringer. Thanks for encouraging and open conversation about vaccines, it's so important we talk about it!

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