Since the first part was almost a year removed from the event, I think it would be a good idea to post an update as well. So far, all four of my immediate family have received both shots of the vaccine.
I still advocate getting the vaccine, since it is obviously the smart thing to do at this point in time. I preface my next part with this because my experience with the vaccine will likely make it sound quite the opposite.
The vaccine was offered to employees at my company sooner than most people, thanks to the nature of our industry. I quickly jumped on the list. Apparently, we were allowed to sign up our family members. Since my company is absolutely abysmal at communications, none of the people in my department even knew we could bring anyone else. It would have been great to get my wife a shot, seeing as how she was still an "essential" worker at the time. Also to help protect our two young kids at home... but nope. I guess no reason to tell us since we aren't the big wigs.
I was near furious about it, if you couldn't tell.
Anyway, the first dose was at the end of the day. Our department was the last to actually get it. It was pretty fitting, considering that's how they like to treat us. Anyway, after a few false starts and changes, we were finally allowed to go over and get our first shot. Everything was fine for a time.
After being at work for two hours the next day, the side effects started to kick in. I got hit hard. I think I had the whole list. It started with chills that had me shivering in my seat. For better or worse, no one noticed because our seating was staggered for safety. I then got very tired, and even had some nausea throughout the rest of the day. I got home, told my wife what was going on, laid down and went to sleep.
I got up the next day, and only felt a little better. I called out so I could rest, and slept some more. I honestly didn't anticipate the vaccine running me over with a truck, but there I was. Supposedly, if you get covid, it gives you resistance to it for three months afterwards. My vaccine dose was at the tail end of that, so it may have acted like the second shot. Either way, I was pretty miserable. Still far less scary than when I actually had covid, and far less coughing. I could actually sleep lying down.
I was better enough towards the end of that day, and went back to work the next. Almost a month later, we received our second shot. Anticipating a worse reaction, I told my boss I would be out the next day.
Strangely, it didn't hit me quite as hard as the first. Maybe only 90% as bad? I had chills when I got home, and just stayed in the bed to try and get warm. I slept as much as I could. The next day, I was again drowsy, with some intermittent nausea. It was easier to deal with because I had an idea what to expect after the first shot.
Very much worth it though, especially as yet another variant rampages through our society. Now to see how the booster effects me, if I can find a place that has appointments open. Maybe the other brand of vaccine won't hit me as hard, but only time and a little experimentation will tell.
As an aside, my job did eventually offer a booster shot to employees. On the last hour of the day. The day before Thanksgiving. And with no prior warning. Ridiculous.
