After a long year with COVID-19, the end is finally (somewhat) in sight. The vaccine has surrounded an abundance of controversy since it was first distributed a little over two months ago. To ease some of the anxieties around the vaccine, I asked multiple Mizzou students who have received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination to share their experiences.
Mckenna Glaub, Senior, Nursing
“As a nursing student, I was very excited to be able to get the vaccine in order to protect myself and my patients. The vaccination process was quick and easy and I hardly experienced any side effects. I hope anyone eligible to get the vaccine will take the opportunity to keep our community safe.”
Lizzie Thibeau, Senior, Nursing Student and Vaccine Administrator
“It was so revitalizing to be a part of a patient’s vaccine, and I am incredibly thankful for the experience. I loved getting to connect with patients about being able to hug at-risk loved ones again after a year of social distancing. After a year of this deadly pandemic, I think everyone is grateful to finally have an end in sight.”
Emily Libero, Senior, Nursing
“I was fortunate enough to be able to receive the vaccine in one of the first groups, since I work at the hospital as a nursing tech. They started out administering vaccines based on high risk units to low units and then opened it up to the rest of the employees. I was extremely happy and willing to get the vaccine, because this pandemic has taken away so much from everyone. It’s a step in the right direction to returning to normal life. I had minor symptoms after receiving it, which included fatigue and headaches. I would absolutely encourage everyone to get their vaccine as soon as it’s available to them!”
Lauren Roither, Junior, Nursing
“I feel super fortunate to be able to receive the vaccine, so whenever I was given the opportunity to get the vaccine, I didn’t hesitate. I can’t wait to be able to see family and friends again and to return to normal! Getting the vaccine puts me one step closer!”
Riley Andreasen, Sophomore, Health Sciences/Pre-Pharmacy
“I am working as a pharmacy technician. I work at a local pharmacy and they are distributing the vaccine. As I am a healthcare worker, I was eligible pretty quickly… I had a good experience, my arm was sore, like a normal shot, and I was achey for a day after the second shot.”
Emma Corwin, Sophomore, Nursing
“I was an aide at the nursing home, so I wasn’t eligible to distribute it but my experience wasn’t too bad! Just a sore arm the first round and then the second round I definitely felt a little more sick and experienced symptoms just like a normal cold— chills, fever, etc. It only lasted for about an eight hour period.”
Lauren Rickard, Mizzou Alumni, R.N., Barnes Jewish Hospital
“I was given the opportunity to sign up to get the vaccine through my employer in St. Louis. To me, the vaccine is an opportunity to keep myself, my family and friends, and my patients safe as this pandemic continues. I am very grateful for the chance to get the vaccine, and I am excited to get my second dose next week.”
Monet Charron, Mizzou Alum, Nuclear Medicine Technologist
“Getting vaccinated was painless and easy. I felt relieved, hopeful and lucky to be a part of our return to normalcy!”
Mandi Volz, My Mom, R.N., Missouri Baptist ER
Not a Mizzou student, but nonetheless…
“I was ecstatic and nervous at the same time. I received the first vaccine around Christmas and the second a month later. I was one of the only ones out of my peers to experience any side effects. I had a fever and was a little tired the day after I received the second dose, but within 24 hours I felt great! I’m so thankful that I was able to receive the vaccine and I cannot wait until all of you are able to receive it as well. It’s like a weight was lifted off of mine, and my co-workers shoulders.”
McKenzie Beattie, Senior, Nursing
“I’m a senior nursing student. I got the vaccine so that we can go back to normal and because my nephew is immunocompromised. I didn’t have any symptoms and I’m glad I got it!”
Keyvon, Senior, Nursing
“I’m a nurse tech so I was able to get it through my job. My experience getting the actual vaccine was extremely quick and easy. I had a slight headache after them but it was definitely worth it. I got it cause I work with vulnerable populations and while it doesn’t necessarily keep them from getting it, it’ll keep me at my best so I can serve those who need it at this time and in the future.”
Mary Carter, Senior, Nursing
“Being able to receive the vaccine was such a cool experience. I am so happy to have received it so I can visit my family and be able to care for my patients and keep them healthy. I did not experience any side effects and encourage everyone eligible to sign up to get vaccinated to protect themselves and the community.”
I cannot express enough how grateful Her Campus Mizzou is for our healthcare workers and students. My hope is that these sentiments eased some anxieties around the vaccination and the future of COVID-19. There is still an incredibly long road ahead, but after a year’s worth of anticipation and anxiety, now we have hope.