Scared about second Covid vaccine

[ANJK2018]

Before I got my first vaccine I had a huge fear that I’d have a reaction within those first 15 minutes. I was convinced I was going to have an allergic reaction. The day of I was panicked all morning and right after I got it I had a 2+ hour bad panic attack. After I calmed down I was fine, next day my arm was sore but that was it. Now my second vaccine is coming up next week and I’m panicking again for the same reasons. I know logically the vaccines doses are the exact same so since I was fine the first time I’ll be fine this time. But my anxiety thinks differently.

[nkotbjoeymc]

I Got Really Sick From The First One But The Second One Wasn’t That Bad.

[Mandymae36]

I have felt the same way. I think a lot of people, because of the stigma around it have been very nervous. I had my first as well and only a sore arm. I have been told that if you don’t have a strong reaction to the first one that you are fine for the second. I feel like getting the vaccine is better than getting covid. I hope things go well for you with the second one. My doctor prescribed me a few xanex to cope with the anxiety and it helped me. Maybe you could do the same

[Hidden]

Hello

I have had my 2nd vaccine yesterday and yes when I had my first and even this 2nd one I was scared but then I ask myself what would be the the worse out the two , catching covid and maybe getting really ill or having this vaccine , for me the vaccine comes out on top

We may get some side effects we may not but they will pass if we did , just keep focusing on the positives especially now we have yet another strain of covid that by facing the fear , getting your 2nd jab you will have as much protection as you possibly can , I bet those people in India would be jumping at the chance to be in the position most of us are getting both vaccines , that is how I try and think with this and the fear to try and help turn it round , you will be fine x

[Hallyhooyou]

Ditto. Had my second shot yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to find the experience was pretty much the same as the first shot. I have a headache and my arm is sore. No allergic reaction or any crazy side effects. But I was totally convinced I would have a reaction in the waiting area after I got my 2nd shot. I even asked the nurse if that was possible. All is good today. And now I can ditch the stupid masks and actually go somewhere with other people without being worried about catching Covid.

[Hidden in reply to Hallyhooyou]

Hi

I would not think it is safe just because we have had both vaccines to ditch the masks , we can still catch covid but hopefully we will not end up in Hospital if we did but there is no guarantee , a lot better chance that this will not be the case admit but I think we should still move forward with precaution

Also in the UK we have the the new Indian strain and even though they are hoping these vaccines will work the same against this strain they are not 100% as yet , so stay safe , keep others safe in the knowledge that we are lucky to have received both vaccines but we still need to follow the guidelines x

[Superzob]

You definitely can't have an allergic reaction to the second dose if you didn't have one with the first, so you can rest easy knowing that you'll have good protection against COVID.

[Niki_ in reply to Superzob]

This is simply not true! I don’t want to scare anyone but many have a worse reaction from the second. It’s well documented!

[Superzob in reply to Niki_]

ANJK2018 was talking about an allergic reaction. Other reactions resulting from a normal immune response would be expected, and may be worse second time around because you already have some immunity, but I’ve never heard of someone developing an allergy to a vaccine between doses.

[Dixie9326 in reply to Niki_]

There is a HUGE difference between an allergic reaction and a normal immune response!!

[Superzob]

I’m not sure where you’re getting your information from, but I can assure you that the vaccines currently used in the UK all give immune responses, otherwise they would not have been licensed because they would not work. The traditional AZ vaccine produces antibodies to a modified adenovirus which mimics the response to COVID. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain the mRNA of SARS-COV-2, but packaged in such a way that it cannot replicate.

Both my wife and I have had the Pfizer vaccine, and we have both tested positive for antibodies to COVID, so it is clear in our case that the vaccine has produced the desired immune response.

[kama24]

I can sympathize. I was terrified about the lst vaccine. I even started to cry when the nurse was talking to me. I never even felt the needle go in. I was convinced I'd have a bad experience. I get the next one in Aug. Again I'm fretting. Although I had no real side effects (sore arm for 2 days), I kept thinking 'what if". We have to think of the millions who've had it and been fine. Let's just think of it as a booster and try to stay calm. (not always easy but we can try).

[Hidden in reply to kama24]

Hello

I wish the poster would come back on and let us know we may have helped a little and also let us know how they get on which I am sure will be fine

I saw your reply and I had my 2nd one Friday

I am the worst when it comes to been afraid I have a med fear never mind a injection fear but I would rather have the jab than the thoughts of getting covid bad , I have seen enough how ill people can get and that frightens me more

All I have had is a little bit of a headache and a tiny sore arm both now settling down so please I know it is not easy but just tell yourself this is a positive thing and that is why you are doing it

Good Luck I am sure everything will be ok x

[ANJK2018]

Thank you everyone for your responses It truly means a lot!! These have definitely helped ease my anxiety! I don’t go in for my second dose for 6 more day. But I’m hoping with all these responses I’ll be feeling a lot better when I go in! I like the idea of just thinking of it as a booster and nothing more. It also helped hearing that if I was fine with the first dose an allergic reaction can’t happen with the second. Thank you all again!!!

[Hidden in reply to ANJK2018]

Hello :-)I am pleased to see you have come on and feel better reading the responses you have had

Yes they do call the 2nd one a Booster vaccination so you think of it like that

You will be fine and come and let us know how you get on x

[ANJK2018 in reply to Hidden]

I just wanted to update how it went!! I woke up Saturday with a low key panic attack that lasted until about an hour before my appointment. Then it turned into a hardcore one. Once I got to my appointment and was about to get the shot I told the lady to stop since I was about to puke from anxiety. Luckily I was the last appointment of the day so I got to take as much time as I needed. I almost ran out a few times but knew if I didn’t do it then I’d never make an appointment again. After about 45 of making laps around the store I decided I needed to just get it over with. Right after my shot I called my mom and kept reminding myself I’m okay. Surprisingly after the 15 minute I was chilled out and ready to leave. With my first shot I didn’t get set into a major panic attack until after the shot and stayed at cvs after it for 2 hours while I panicked. I think this time it was more of the anticipation of it all. I was so scared of having a huge panic attack after my shot I triggered myself into one beforehand. While definitely an emotionally draining day I’m glad I did it and it’s over with. My arm is sore but thankfully that’s all!

[Hidden in reply to ANJK2018]

Hello

What a state we get ourselves in with this anxiety but despite that you did it and will done now in a couple of weeks you will have as much protection as possible against this awful covid that should be a good feeling

I am pleased you saw it through and just shows you can do it

Glad you have let us know how you got on will help others to that are afraid when they read your post x

[Alershot1]

I am so lucky that I did not get nervous about my jabs. You can not help the way you feel but like us all in this boat of worry nobody is going to make you think in a changed way. I was so rational and said what is the worst thing that could happen and I decided not a lot. What is the worst thing that could happen if I did not have jab. Horrible Death!!! I hope that helps and has not made you feel worse. As I say I am very lucky and easy for me to say do not worry ,of course you will get in a state but please please do have it!! You your family and the whole world depends on the jabs. Thinking of all of you who are nervous about the jabs. xxxx

[Itzallgood1]

I got both mine. My last one was in January. My arm was a bit sore and I was tired. That was it. Everybody reacts differently but so worth it than having covid.😊

[BlueNell]

Hi, I have joined after reading your fears about the second vaccine. I get mine tomorrow, 19/6 and are terrified. I had a terrible reaction to the first, and I asked my doc for advice. I received back a text stating, 'Nothing to do with us its up to you.' Or words to that effect. Just thought I would put that out there, and after the jab let you all know how I got on. Thank you.