What to Expect with the COVID-19 Vaccine: Experience and Advice
Written by: Dr. Sarah Hanisko, Cross-published at www.anothermommess.com
I believe the COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of ensuring an end to our current global pandemic. It’s my hope to give you some insight as to what to expect with the COVID-19 vaccine so that you and your kids can prepare for possible side effects and understand why having side effects can be a good thing.
On January 8, 2021, I received the first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. I currently work for a large healthcare organization and train both clinical and supply chain staff on my companies technology. I appreciated that the health department agreed to vaccinate me.
An Efficient System for the COVID-19 Vaccine
Davis County’s vaccination system is well-designed and efficient. I had no problem with finding the site to register for an appointment or the registration process itself.
I was impressed by how well the health department organized the process. The county has set up a quick vaccination system where you pull into a fairground building with multiple rows of tables and medical staff.
You pull into your designated spot, roll down your window, roll up your sleeve, and get the vaccine. I arrived at the site at 1:45pm and was in the waiting lot by 1:52pm. I waited the required 15 minutes to ensure that I wouldn’t have an allergic reaction and went home.

Note severe allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine as well as other vaccines is rare. If you have had a reaction to a vaccine previously talk with your doctor about what is going to be perfect for you.
After the Shot
When I returned home I registered for the CDC’s V-Safe Check-in Program. V-safe is a smartphone based tool that uses text-messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins to monitor side effects after the Covid-19 vaccine.

Over the course of the next week I received occasional text messages reminding me to register how I experienced over the last 24 hours.
I experienced the typical symptoms of a sore arm and a little bit of malaise. None of my symptoms effected my day-to-day activities and I didn’t even need to take any Tylenol for the aches.
It’s important to know what to expect with the COVID-19 vaccine. Stay tuned for a detailed article about the second dose of the vaccine.
Other Covid-19 Articles from Another Mom Mess:
How to Prepare for the COVID-19 Vaccine
External Links to Academic Articles
Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccine