Been There, Done That

I have been in this place before. Just like so many others. Standing at the precipice of the COVID-19 cliffs wondering if my vaccination is the lifeline that will protect me. Even after my second vaccine shot, I was feeling a lot of complex emotions. Now, I have taken the third shot.

This is round two of my COVID-19 vaccination story. It is not unlike the first round. The trepidation was the same. The weariness was the same. The concern was that my immune system was not going to be there for me when I needed it.¹ It felt like I was a prisoner to the uncertainty of the vaccine efficacy.

Recommendation for the immunocompromised

I was all ears! As soon as I heard that immunocompromised individuals may have to take a third COVID-19 vaccine shot, I was on alert. I read as much as I could. And I watched medical experts as they did interviews. When the FDA, CDC, and all of the other alphabets recommended a third dose I was all in. For over 18 months I felt scared and scarred.

Other people with multiple sclerosis felt the same. We were as worried about COVID-19 as any others. However, our fear was based on the fact that our chronic illness further complicated everything. Multiple sclerosis meant that we could not be sure about vaccine protection. The recommendation did not necessarily calm my fear. The third dose was not meant to boost the first two. It was there because there is a possibility that just two doses would not work as well three.

The third shot

I did get that third dose. Rather than wait for my general practitioner and neurologist to offer my Moderna shot, I went to Walgreens. After looking up the correct information, I did a drop-in appointment. I was sitting in the chair filling out the forms and contemplating what this meant. Did this third dose mean I could safely unmask in certain situations? I knew what the guidance said, but it did not seem to apply to me as someone with a suppressed immune system. The last sheet had two checkboxes. I checked the one that stated I was immunosuppressed and qualified for the third COVID-19 shot. While everyone else was clamoring for the third jab, I was "lucky" to be on the list to get it.

My reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine

This third shot was different. I had a huge lump on my arm where I got the shot. Additionally, the symptoms did not hit the next day. They hit only hours later. I did have a reaction - muscle cramps, chills, fever, diarrhea - the whole kit and caboodle. A few of the symptoms only lasted for a few hours and others lasted into the next day and a half.

Just like the last time, there was a part of me that felt invincible. I was sure my body was responding. This time I was filled with more hope that this one would take. How do I feel now? I do feel safer, no doubt. I still mask not just for myself, but primarily for others because I can still carry the virus and spread it.² As the old Shalimar song goes, "The second time is so much better". I just hope that this also applies to the third time.