I am writing this blog two weeks after I got my second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech. That means that starting today, I am what medical experts call “fully vaccinated and protected”. I got my first shot on February 2, 2020 and the second shot on March 2, 2020. You can read all about my first-shot experience of the vaccine here. According to CC, two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are required for optimal vaccine effectiveness.

So how was my experience with the second shot of the vaccine?

The vaccination was quick. But unlike the first shot, this time, I felt the pain of the needle pricking my skin. Afterwards, I was asked to stay for 15 minutes at the waiting room to check for immediate allergic reaction of any severity to the COVID-19 vaccine. Those with a history of anaphylaxis due to any cause should be observed for 30 minutes. The 15-minute waiting time was a breeze. I was out of the vaccination area in less than 30 minutes.

Just like the first shot, I started to feel a little pain/numbness around the injection site two hours later. I already knew the feeling, so I just brushed it off and continued with my work. I have read news reports of people experiencing intense side effects after getting the second dose of the vaccine. Even CDC acknowledged this on its website. I had to prepare for whatever side effects the vaccine would have on me.

The numbness on my arm was worse about five to six hours later. But it was not something that totally immobilized my arm. I managed the discomfort by slowly stretching my arm to increase the blood flow. It helped, in some way.

The night after my second shot was not bad at all. In fact, I never had the body signs that I would get sick. No fever, no chills, no headache, no nausea. Minus the still numbed arm where the injection was, I slept well.

While at work the following day, I continued to monitor my arm and body for signs of side effects. Nothing.

The numbness on my arm went away in about two to three days. After the third day, I was perfectly fine.

What happens now that I am fully vaccinated? CDC issued new guidelines listed below.

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

1. You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.

2. You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

3. If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

However, CDC highlighted that previous guidelines should still be followed if you’re in public places.

For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:

1. You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are:

– In public
– Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household
– Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk

2. You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.

3. You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and recommendations.

4. You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.

5. You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.