Pfizer COVID Vaccination: Our Experience, Part One

Roughly two weeks ago, Kore Cares’ staff began phase one of two of the COVID Vaccination process. As you may know, both vaccines currently available (Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech) require two doses. The time between shots is dependent on the type you receive. For us (Pfizer/BioNTech), you may receive the second shot 3 weeks after your initial. We’ve all heard stories from those who have gotten it, along with some beliefs people have about it. We’re here to let you know about our experience.

How We Received Information on Where/When/How

We had been watching for the department of health to give the green light for population group 1C to get the vaccine. When we noticed it was our turn, we called the Avera COVID hotline and they sent us an email explaining the process. We were very impressed at their organization and how easy it was to get staff signed up. To learn more about Avera’s COVID vaccination process visit: https://www.avera.org/services/primary-care/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine/

To learn more about Sanford’s COVID vaccination process visit: https://www.sanfordhealth.org/conditions-diseases/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/vaccine

The Lead Up

I, along with the rest of the Kore Cares staff, was emailed a link to the sign-up website where I was able to pick a time slot that worked best. The email also included information on the process and a fact sheet. Immediately after booking an appointment, I received an email that 1. Confirmed my appointment time, address, and location; 2. Listed what I needed to have with me; and 3. A fact sheet on the Pfizer vaccine.

If You Need to Change your Time Slot

I signed up about a week in advance. I ended up needing to change my original time, so I kept checking the available slots to see if any new ones opened up (VIA the link provided in the original email) and ended up finding a vaccination time that worked better than the original on the same week as the rest of the staff. I was able to rebook the new time before cancelling my old one, which was nice so I didn’t risk losing both as slots were filling quickly. Immediately after booking my new time I was able to cancel the original. The cancellation and rebooking process was an extremely easy and fast process.

NOTE: The second dose of the vaccine is not this way, as the timing after the first dose is specific, so make sure you’re absolutely available for the time you’ve signed up for.

The Vaccination Process

The process overall was very smooth. Upon entrance I was screened for temperature and symptoms. From there I was directed into a large, spacious room where there were multiple stations set up for efficiency. The first station just needed general information, the second station was where I received the vaccination, and the third station was where I set up the date and time for the second dose. I was also given a piece of tape with a time written on it that was 15 minutes after the time I’d gotten my first dose. Then went to sit in a chair for 15 minutes for monitoring. I was also given additional information at this time. When the 15 minutes were up, I handed my piece of tape to a lady working at the door and left from there.

Post Vaccination

People have reported many different reactions to the vaccine, much like they do with COVID, so mine are not necessarily the same as others will experience. I received the vaccine at 3pm. That evening I experienced no side effects, by nighttime, there was a slight soreness in my left arm where the shot was received, but other than that, no additional side effects. The next day the soreness had increased in my arm, but that was it. Overall, the arm soreness lasted about a day and a half. The experience of my other team members seems to be very similar to mine.

My second and final dose will be next week and I look forward to sharing that experience. For more information, contact your physician with your questions and be mindful of any information you’re receiving.

Visit this link for information from the CDC on vaccine facts and to find out what information to trust.

The time the vaccination is available to you is dependent on which group you fall into. There are three groups able to get the vaccine currently: 1A, 1C, and 1D. Visit this link on Avera’s site to determine which group you’re in, information on signing up, and more useful information on the vaccine.

We are beyond grateful to be offered the vaccine so we can safely continue to care for our home care clients. Currently many of the home care clients we serve are eligible for the vaccine and beginning the vaccination process.