Getting the COVID-19 Vaccination With CF

My experience in receiving the first dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine was amazingly simple. When my state opened the vaccination appointments to include those with certain pre-existing conditions including cystic fibrosis I was elated because I knew I needed it to be on the safe side. I also wanted my husband to receive the vaccine because he is my primary caregiver, and it was important that he keep himself safe because he is always around me.

Getting our first dose

Luckily, the city of Chicago opened vaccination for all residents that lived in 17 different area codes. Once I saw our zip code was a part of those selected, I called the number and got an appointment for us within 10 minutes.

We received the Pfizer vaccine. The first dosage was not painful at all. I am pretty used to needles, so this small one was nothing. We went home and I would say within the next few hours started having side effects. My husband had a sore arm and that was it. I had a sore arm, fever, and migraines, but that subsided within the next few days.

Effects from the second dose

The second dosage we received was the same thing. We were in and out of the vaccination site quickly and there was really no one there (and by that, I mean fewer people). It was the same thing, but a bit different, because we had stronger side effects from the second dose.

My husband got a fever and was sweating. He also got a lump in his armpit, which is normal, but that subsided in a few days and he is back to normal. I got horrible body pains, fever, and migraines. By the next day, the body pain vanished and I felt back to normal. It was just a bad day after the vaccine - that was the most we felt!

Grateful

Now we are fully vaccinated, and I feel good that we went through the process and were able to receive it quickly. My experience is that it was rather quick and easy to do. I thought I would need to be waiting for hours on the phone, but it was a quick phone call and the entire process of getting vaccinated was very quick and efficient.

I am immensely proud of the medical staff and the individuals who are handling the vaccination center I went to because they really did handle everything wonderfully. As a person living with CF, I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to get vaccinated and be able to have that peace of mind that I am covered and my household.

Worries are normal

I know everyone has their concerns and worries and - trust me - I did too! I had to consider that getting vaccinated is optional and everyone should do what makes them feel safe and comfortable. Living in this pandemic, we learned so much about what we can handle as individuals and we suffered together but separately.

I hope this vaccine can bring some normalcy back into our lives and that we can begin to gather without fears hanging over us. Do what makes you feel safe and secure and if you have any questions, please call your medical team or the CDC for answers.

How are you feeling about returning to "your normal" after enough people are vaccinated? Share your thoughts in our COVID-19 forum.