I got my coronavirus vaccine last week. I received Pfizer. Of course, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the vaccine. I’ve heard anything from, “The vaccine is just water. It’s a placebo,” to, “There’s a microchip in the vaccine, and they’re going to use to track you!” (Do the people who say that realize we already have devices that could easily track us, our phones?). 

When I first got the vaccine, the nurse told me about the possible side effects. Other people in my life had gotten their vaccines, and they hadn’t gotten too sick, so I figured I’d be the same. Besides, I always fought illness and denied it if I felt bad to continue doing things I wanted to do, like go to track practice. 

The day after the first vaccine, I went to practice. I got through one rep and felt awful. My muscles ached and my joints hurt. My heartfelt like it was doing gymnastics. I felt like an old, sick dog. After slowing down on my third rep, my coach asked what was wrong, and I explained that I had gotten my vaccine the day before.

Some of my friends asked me why I got the vaccine. There are a few reasons. Ever since March of 2020, I’ve worn a mask everywhere. I sanitized my hands every time I felt it was necessary to and always kept my distance from people. I have been so afraid of getting the virus.  

When the vaccine was finally cleared for my age group I felt excited.  My anxiety is being alleviated knowing I will be fully vaccinated in just a few weeks. While I will still follow the guidelines, and while the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it’s better than absolutely nothing.

I get my second dose of the vaccine on April 29th, and I’ll write an update as to how I felt afterward. So far, everything has been fine for me, besides those first couple of days of soreness. If you’re thinking about getting vaccinated, go for it. If you’re an athlete, I’d recommend not getting it right before a game/match/meet, but still, get it at some point.