I was fortunate enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccination this month. The vaccine is given out in phases and is entirely need-based; currently 11.39% of the population of Florida has been fully vaccinated. Although the COVID-19 vaccine may not be 100% effective in preventing the illness, it can prevent those who receive it from getting severely ill if the virus is contracted.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “Clinical trial data show all authorized COVID-19 vaccines are very good at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be studied to determine how well they work in the real world, outside of clinical trials.”

Because I am 17 years old and have existing medical conditions, I was eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. According to ABC News, the Pfizer vaccine has a 95% efficacy rate at reducing disease. Before getting the vaccine, I wanted to be cognizant of the many side effects that can accompany it. I found the following from the CDC: “In clinical trials, reactogenicity symptoms (side effects that happen within 7 days of getting vaccinated) were common but were mostly mild to moderate.Side effects (such as fever, chills, tiredness, and headache) throughout the body were more common after the second dose of the vaccine.”

In my personal experience in the following hours after getting the vaccine, I experienced soreness in the arm where I was vaccinated, which was expected, as this would occur with any vaccine. In the following days I experienced a very mild dry throat and tiredness (though I am not sure whether or not to attribute this to the vaccine, as it was a very busy week.) I have yet to get the second vaccine, so this is most likely why I haven’t experienced any significant side effects yet. 

My personal experience when getting the vaccine was similar to my past experiences in getting a flu vaccine or booster shot. I was able to take some pictures to document the experience, as shown in the slideshow above.