I'm 20 years old and fully vaccinated for COVID-19

As of yesterday I am now fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Although they say immunization may only last 6 months, I still feel more at ease when I do have to leave the house. Since I got the Pfizer vaccine, you need 2 doses 21 days apart, and it was truly nerve-wracking before getting each shot. I do admit that I am a baby when it comes to needles, and I dread it every single time. But that wouldn't stop me from getting vaccinated. There are still many people who speculate about the vaccine for numerous reasons. I am here to tell you about my experience.

SPOILER: It was great!

The first dose

Before my first dose, I watched countless videos on youtube about people in my age group who got the vaccine to see what I was in for. I previously believed that younger people had it easy and that there would be minimal side effects. For the most part, I was right. Many people in their 20's who got the vaccine reported mild fatigue and arm soreness after the first dose, but nothing else. What really amped up my anxiety for my first dose was mostly my fear of pain and needles. I remember being such a drama queen about it; I even got cold sweats when I remembered the way hospitals smelt. But my boyfriend promised to call me the whole time, and I was getting the vaccine with my mom, so I stayed strong as best as I could. On the day of my first dose, the hospital parking lot was overflowing. After entering the parking deck, we handed in our ID and pre-filled out paperwork. (You should make sure you print and fill out the paperwork provided to save time!) Then we wait for a nurse to call us over and get the first vaccine. The nurse was super quick, and after all the anxiety I had, I didn't even feel the needle at all...

After being watched for 15min for any allergic reactions, we are free to leave! I was told I would be exhausted or not sleep at all but to my pleasant surprise, I was perfectly fine.

For the following 21 days until the next dose, you are still not considered vaccinated.

The second dose

After my first dose is when my anxiety was back again for round two. From all the videos I watched on youtube, the second dose is supposed to kick your butt. I was really not looking forward to having headaches, arm pain, sleepless nights, and nausea, so It was not fun. Some people might accept it as the inevitable, but I am an overthinker! Even though my first dose's side effects were next to none, I was still worried.

However, it was better than my first dose.

My only complaint is that when I got the second dose, my arm hurt as it was administered and for 4 days after. I may be lucky, but I had almost zero side effects from either dose. This is my personal experience, and it may be different for everyone, so keep that in mind if you get vaccinated. I am overall very pleased, so now, when I have to go out in public, I have an extra layer of protection. This is especially critical for my family since my mother has Leukemia (Blood cancer). That is what this all about! Keeping ourselves and loved ones safe.

Long story short

I had a great experience with almost no pain! But please remember that a little discomfort getting the vaccine is still worth it to stop the spread of COVID-19. I really encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine. And remember to wear your mask still! Please! I know we all want to get back to normal, but the way you can help achieve that is by taking precautions, getting vaccinated, and wearing a mask! It is truly what has kept me safe the 2 times I traveled internationally during the pandemic. And now that I am vaccinated, I hope to see my long-distance boyfriend as soon as possible. The next step is a vaccine passport. ;)

Not everyone gets to experience a global pandemic in their lifetime, so let's hang in there and do our best!