so, I’m encountering a lot of surprising vaccine hesitation in the discourse from some folks. seeing a lot of “but what about the risks?!” in the TL. want to share my story, if it helps.

I have EXTENSIVE allergies to medications. MANY. like, the list would shock you. I’m allergic to things they use to treat allergies. I can’t tell you how many times in my life a doctor has called out “you gotta see this” to nurses & residents, to come & see me.

I have ALSO (unlike anyone that I personally know) had a significant event reacting to a vaccine (a compound vaccine, that is: TDAP- before our first kid).

my body is weird & I have experienced many of the things people say they fear. but even with ALL of that, I jumped at the chance to get vaccinated. I was thrilled to get, not one, but TWO Johnsons.

the COVID-19 vaccines have now been in an extraordinary number of people. they appear to be overwhelmingly safe- safer than MANY MANY MANY things we regularly & casually put into our bodies.
they also appear to be overwhelmingly effective.

my side effects were unpleasant. I spiked a 102 fever & had the nastiest, most violent shakes of my life. I popped a Tylenol, went back to bed, & woke up at 7am, feeling totally fine. that was it. all told, it was about 4 hours of discomfort.

I would much rather have to deal with that than the potential short & long term effects of COVID. I would much rather protect the most vulnerable in my community. I would much rather we all get back to “normal”.
if I could do it, so can you.