My Vaccine Experience

In line, awaiting my vaccine Jan 6, 2021.

I was fortunate enough to get one of the Covid 19 vaccines just last week on Weds Jan 6. This vaccine is an mRNA vaccine - meaning it contains small amounts of genetic material which allows our own cells to make a harmless protein present on the outside of the virus we're fighting. 

I'd like to tell you about my experience getting the vaccine and give you some additional info about the shot:

• Got the Shot: I got the vaccine in my left shoulder and it felt less painful than other vaccines I've had. They had me wait for 15 minutes before leaving in case I had a bad reaction. I didn't, so I left!
• A Few Aches: I had a few mild muscle aches - in my legs, my arm, my neck. Sometimes I get these aches when I'm tired, when I worked out too hard or if I'm getting sick. It was nothing concerning and only happened on Wednesday after the shot.
• Fatigue: I was tired on Thursday (the next day) and Friday. I had to take a nap both days, but was able to work, do house work, do my workouts, etc. I was tired but not so tired I couldn't function.
• Sleep Interrupted: Because my left shoulder was a bit sore, it was hard to sleep as I typically sleep on my left side, but went away by Saturday.
• I didn't have to take any medications or supplements (natural or otherwise) for my symptoms and just took it easy. That was it!

Today, I feel great and am prepared to get my second dose, which is due early next month.

I am not a "pro-vaccine" or "anti-vaccine" person or physician. I am pro choosing what makes the most sense in each situation. For myself, it made the most sense for me to get a vaccination and for some people it doesn't make sense. Here are the reasons I was not worried and chose to opt for it: I have no history of allergies to vaccinations or any medications, I am overall healthy, I was feeling well on the day of the vaccination, and I have no desire to experience Covid-19 and its possible longterm side effect - Also, I don't want to spread it to my patients, family or friends. 

Here are some things about the vaccine that you should know:

• The mRNA is short-lived: The vaccine I got (Moderna Covid 19 vaccine) contains mRNA, as mentioned above. The small bit of genetic material may sound odd or concerning, but it is only enough material for our cells to make a small number of "spike proteins" which are unique to the virus. Once the spike proteins are created and the immune system has a chance to recognize them and create antibodies to them, they are digested by other cells in the immune system. 
• Side Effects: It's completely normal and common to have low grade symptoms after the vaccine like muscle aches, fever, chills, fatigue. These are signs the body has recognized the vaccine and your immune system is learning how to recognize it in the future. Serious or dangerous side effects are extremely uncommon, even in this new vaccine.
• Two Doses Needed: Both vaccines out right now need 2 doses to ensure the body creates lasting immunity to the virus. Although we don't yet know how long the immunity lasts, it's important that if you get one dose, you follow through with the second dose for maximum effect. 

For More: For further & more detailed reading from a Naturopathic perspective on the vaccine, one of the great doctors in my field, Dr. Paul Herscu wrote this letter.