Vaccines

@merpreb, I have the same concerns that I don't want to get COVID but at the same time I'm hopeful for the new vaccines that are coming out. I want transparency on the side effects also. I still haven't received the 2 shot shingrix vaccine but I'm planning to get that done in the near future. I also just signed up for a new COVID-19 vaccine registry launched by Mayo Clinic - https://kttc.com/2020/11/23/covid-19-vaccine-registry-launched-at-mayo-clinic/. Not sure if I will be selected but I've participated in a Mayo Clinic Flu vaccine study a few years ago so I'm comfortable participating in their COVID vaccine study.

@johnbishop- Good morning. Good for you! It looks like I might be doing the same as RI is one of 4 states that will be included in Pfizer's pilot delivery program for COVID-19 vaccine. I think that we were selected because we have one of the highest rates of COVID-19 and climbing. I'm not sure when this will start. I have other questions and concerns also.

What will the protocol be for post covid vaccines? What are some of your concerns?

Good questions Merry. I'm more concerned and anxious for the COVID vaccine than I am for the shingles 2 shots. I'm kind of holding off on the shingrix shots until I can find out if having one or both of them adds time to the cycle for waiting for the COVID vaccine. While at the same time hoping my PMR doesn't come back and being on prednisone again.

After 7 months of staying home, my arms ache to embrace friends and family and my spirit aches for the open road and more adventures.

Like John, I am watching for the opportunity to get on one of the studies. I feel like the path back to "normal" is going to be getting as many people as possible vaccinated as quickly as possible. As one with a high risk profile, maybe getting the vaccine early will encourage others like me.

I may be in the minority, but I am willing to accept the risk of side effects to get protection. But then, I was an "inner city" kid in the 1950's, and we were early guinea pigs for various vaccines and other trials (without even knowing it at the time.) A memorable one happened at our local health department - my Mom and Aunt piled their collective 11 children into the old station wagon and took us downtown for "shots" because they couldn't afford to take us all to the doc - I believe it was for whooping cough - 3 out of 11 fainted within minutes of getting the injections. Our little tribe caused some excitement that day! But we all survived - and none of us got whooping cough, which was rampant in the schools that year - while my suburban cousins who weren't immunized all got it. We were also among the first to get the oral polio vaccine and fluoride on our teeth.
Sue

@johnbishop- Exactly John, me too. We have a 2-6 month window for the second window. I had the original vaccine which was a live virus and I have no idea why I have to have these second ones that aren't live. I had no reaction with the live virus. GO figure.

How often does your PMR return?

@merpreb I’m hoping my PMR stays in remission. My last bout was the second time after a 6 year remission and it lasted a year and a half then went into remission again about 3 years ago. So I’m hoping that some lifestyle changes I’ve made will keep it from coming back.

@johnbishop- wow, that would be wonderful!

It's been 4 days now since I've had my first Shingles vaccine and I still have the chills, headache, and general malaise feeling. Has anyone else had a prolonged reaction?

@merpreb thanks for sharing and hope you feel better soon!!

@merpreb, I'm sorry to hear that you are still experiencing general malaise from the shingles vaccine. See this from the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/hcp/shingrix/about-vaccine.html):
"About 1 out of 6 people had symptoms severe enough to prevent them from doing regular activities. ... Remember that the pain from shingles can last a lifetime, and these side effects should only last 2 to 3 days."

It's not unheard of to experience general malaise for longer, but you may wish to contact your doctor for peace of mind. All the news these days about vaccines can make one anxious.

With respect to the potential side effects of vaccines for COVID-19 there is much that remains unknown. I think this is a good time to remind everyone that news headlines can be misleading. In the article posted in the first message of this discussion the article states that "doctors say" when the article quotes one doctor.
This article promises questions will be answered.
- What are the side effects of Pfizer's, Moderna's vaccines? Your questions answered https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-faq-1.5795486
While some clarification is offered, there are not definitive answers. It's still too early and testing continues.