COVID Vaccination Thread

livingoffpbjs

I feel like Im the only person not vaccinated left right now but Im wondering if you have already been vaccinated, if you are planning on getting vaccinated while pregnant or planning on not getting vaccinated at all or until after the baby is born.

No judgement of course.

I did NOT want to get vaccinated before because I just worried so much about the unknown but now that Im pregnant I really wish I wouldve gotten vaccinated before getting pregnant. So now Im freaking out and want to get vaccinated but worried about getting a fever from the vaccine. This is so tough We also have a vacation planned for myrtle beach in September (cause Im not getting on a plane right now) and feel its even more important to get vaccinated before vacation, but in order to be fully vaccinated by that time I have to get my first shot at 13 weeks. 

lexilougolden

I'm vaccinated, I actually got my second shot a few weeks before getting pregnant. I got the Moderna vaccine and I did have a fever with the second shot. Personally (I was raised by an infectious disease professor) I think that the risks from the vaccine are far smaller than the risks of COVID to you and your baby.

That's a tough choice for sure. If there aren't women here  that have gotten the vaccine while pregnant I'd check other boards and forums--hopefully their stories will help you to make a decision that's right for you.

kaf1788

I am already vaccinated but know many people who have been vaccinated in all stages of pregnancy with no regrets!  I never had a fever with my vaccine and of those I know that did it was fairly easily managed with Tylenol which is pregnancy safe! I believe the medical consensus right now is that the risks of Covid in pregnant people are much higher than the risks of Covid, especially if you're going to be out unmasked in public, etc. But of course talk to your OB about any specific concerns. If it were me I would for sure want to be vaccinated before going on vacation but I appreciate how difficult it is when no matter what you do somebody is inevitably going to tell you you're wrong.

sarahrose1993

I got both my shots while I was pregnant. The first shot was the day after implantation and the second shot was a week ago when I was 8 weeks. I'm slightly worried about the affects on the fetus but it doesn't change your dna so it shouldn't affect the baby. Pregnant people who get covid are more likely to be in the ICU so for me it was worth the slight risk. 

chgilmore

I got vaccinated with Moderna while TTGP. I was worried it would affect conception but here we are, lol. I feel so much safer knowing that I'm vaccinated and getting to go out comfortably while things reopen. 

I hear you on worrying about the fever. Talk to your dr about it but here's what I've heard: tylenol taken right after (not before!) will help bring it down and manage it (I lived on it during that whole day after my second dose and never broke 100F), and fevers aren't as harmful to the baby after the first trimester. I've also heard that the J&J vaccine doesn't have as many "unknowns" and is closer to the standard flu vaccine in composition (which is OK for PG people). I also agree with what folks have said above: the risk of side effects was better than the risk of dying or ending up in the ICU (especially given what we know about the new variants running around). 

jmb2022

I was fully vaccinated about a month before I got pregnant. I was incredibly sick after the second shot and called into work for the remainder of the week. I was debating going to the hospital at one point. I’m very thankful I didn’t have to put the baby through that. That would be my only concern. I know they recommend pregnant women be vaccinated, but I personally would not vaccinate while pregnant. It was very hard on my body. My bedsheets were just soaked in sweat and I could barely move. My fever didn’t break for 2 days. I obviously had a reaction on the worse end though.

I’m not a doctor and cannot talk about how safe they are during pregnancy or risks. I just know what the vaccine itself did to my body. I would talk to a doctor about your concerns for sure if you are pregnant or even if you are planning to get pregnant.

livingoffpbjs

There's a super helpful group on facebook about covid vaccination and pregnancy so I feel good about getting it but there will always be some worry. I definitely dont want the J&J vaccine because that is the one recalled for the blood clots and I have a blood clotting disorder. I think I want to go with Pfizer, only because its approved for kids as young as 12 and in my mind if they are letting 12 year olds get it to me its safer? I know thats not very good logic but it makes me feel better. Also, I swear every single known reaction to any drug I get, my body is super sensitive so thats in the back of my mind. I just need to think of it as a flu shot. Thank you guys for the kind words  

modoodles

I got both Moderna shots before TTC, and my 3 oldest kids have all had both of their Pfizer doses. If I hadn't been able to get my vaccine before pregnancy, I wouldn't hesitate to get it now. I just signed up as soon as my group was able to in my state. The risks of covid on a pregnant mom are worse than the vaccine risks. Also, I wouldn't want to take a chance of passing covid on to a newborn. 

Edit to add: I had a slight fever, chills, and body aches after both doses. My husband only did after the first dose, and of my kids- only my daughter had any sort of a reaction. She had a fever that lasted about 8 hours after her second dose. 

And another little edit: it is also recommended that pregnant women receive a tDap booster and the flu shot. For me this wasn't any different. I trust the medical professionals I see, and I follow their advice. If I can prevent any illness from being passed on to my baby I will. I know the covid risks aren't reported to be very big for  children, but if my child were to end up being the rare case and I could have prevented that- I would not forgive myself. 

fifilala516

*lurking from January 2022* 

I got vaccinated (Pfizer) while TTGP and ended up having a chemical pregnancy in between the 1st and 2nd dose - my OB still told me to "absolutely" get the 2nd shot and I am glad I did. I ended up getting pregnant again a month later and am currently 12w5d. 

I did have a mild reaction to the 2nd shot - bad body aches and lethargy - but no fever, night sweats. I got the 2nd dose on a Thursday morning, started feeling crummy that evening and was good as new on Saturday. I was told Tylenol help managed any fevers. I know people who were very ill from getting the shot - it really is luck of the draw and how your immune system reacts. 

pricklepants

I got vaccinated back in January, but I would absolutely do it during pregnancy. Even though I had a severe reaction. Fever, fatigue, and muscle aches for days after the 2nd shot, the alternative was worse for me.
my OBGYN had a mother die from Covid last year. No pre existing conditions, nothing. Their practice is very upfront that you need to be vaccinated as soon as possible because pregnant people are at a greater risk of complications.

I will also add my children are not old enough to be vaccinated, but are currently enrolled in a vaccine trial. I trust our Dr.’s and science to make the best decisions.

bailey_baby

I personally will not be getting vaccinated, but I have already had Covid. 😬 My sister (whom I contracted my Covid from) actually contracted it during her first trimester of pregnancy. We were all very worried when she got the news, but she actually recovered much faster and completely before I did. I still have lingering symptoms and what my doctor calls "long Covid". This was my biggest concern while trying to get pregnant, but my doctor says it will not affect me or baby. Hoping she is right and everything continues to go well! 🤞🏻 It is really hard to decide what is best and my thoughts are with everyone making tough decisions.

gardenvariety88

I got both shots (Pfizer) in April and May. I was definitely on the fence too because of the newness of the vaccines but decided to get it because I figured if I did get pregnant again that I wouldn't want to be in the position of being unvaccinated and either getting Covid or having to decide whether or not to get the vaccine. I also figured I needed to protect the babe I did have (preemie and 1 year old so unable to be vaccinated himself) versus a child I might theoretically have in the future. Anecdotally, my friend just delivered her baby on June 9th and she got both shots during her third trimester with no issues.

It's absolutely a hard decision to make any way you look at it. My only advice would be to consider both choices to vaccinate or not and decide which one makes you least uncomfortable... 

bloomer0060

@livingoffpbjs I am pretty much in the same situation as you. When my age group was authorized to get the vaccine I was actually just starting the process for an FET, so I didn't get the vaccine because if I had any side effect, the clinic wouldn't (or they said they wouldn't) see me for blood tests etc...which would delay the process. I regret not getting then though because while it was successful (yay!)  I have hesitancy getting it in thr first trimester because of potential reactions and there currently aren't any dedicated, controlled studies for pregnant women, at least not completed. But here's what else I am considering in my decision, I am still really in a bubble and those in my bubble are vaccinated and all protective of me, if I am out I follow all the safety measures. If this was not the case for any reason, I would get vaccinated since I do agree the risk of vaccine is less than the virus, and they are able to get some data from women who are pregnant and get the vaccine and it supports that claim.

livingoffpbjs

I appreciate everyone sharing their thoughts and experiences. So glad we can all share and not worry about the judging ❤️

JWatt5

I haven’t been vaccinated at all yet. My first dose appointment was set for 5 days before my embryo transfer and I just felt like, if this transfer doesn’t work, I’ll blame that and myself so I opted to hold off. I think I’m going to get my first shot when I start my second trimester. 

@bloomer0060 - my same thoughts. Just worked too hard to get here. I just couldn’t imagine taking all the transfer meds and just throwing that vaccine in too. Made me nervous. 

angelob88

I was vaccinated about a month before finding out I was pregnant, both DH and I recieved Moderna. He had a bad reaction to the first (body aches, chills, low fever), he had to stay in bed for about 24 hours after. I only had a slight rash and some arm soreness. The second dose I had chills and body aches for about 5-6 hours but no fever. It still surprises me how many different reactions are out there.

It absolutely is a personal choice along with one to consult your provider on. I wouldn't hesitate to get it if I had been pregnant at the time. I have history in the healthcare field and although I don't always agree with certain things, I trust the data behind vaccine safety and efficacy.

makingbacon

We were vaccinated after they opened it up to the ag industry. I’m considered an essential worker, and so is DH, so we’ve been vaccinated since March. We both got the Moderna vaccine. We were fine for the first shot, minus some arm soreness, but reacted to the 2nd shots. We didn’t get fevers, but we both had arm soreness, fatigue, and just overall felt bad. It lasted about 24 hours and then it was over. I’m glad I’m already vaccinated because I don’t think I’d be comfortable getting it during 1st trimester. 

photographerwife

I am not vaccinated yet. I was planning to get my first dose right before I found out I’m pregnant. I have already had Covid, and can definitely see it getting bad if I were to get it while pregnant. I’m considering getting my shot during my second trimester, but I’m still hesitant to do it while pregnant. But I’m in the south and cases are rising. Not only that, but wearing a mask while pregnant makes it harder to breathe and I know as I get further along that will only get worse. So if I can go mask free while pregnant I’m down. 

angelz429

I was vaccinated at 15 & 18 weeks with Pfizer in December and January. Pregnancy was lost at 23 weeks with things starting to not look good at 21 weeks. Anatomy scan at 18 weeks was normal. 

People who have had covid are having CHI like reactions (where the body rejects the placenta like it’s a transplant), which is what my placenta showed.

They’re not showing an increase in this from
the vaccine as of yet, though I did report my experience in case it was related to the vaccine. 

My MFM and Ob do not think it’s from that, but I’ll never know for sure. 

I’m glad I’m already vaccinated, but I will not be getting a booster this pregnancy, I don’t think - unless it’s like 2 weeks before delivery to get the baby immunities. 

alylove11

I had covid I had covid in January and got my Pfizer shots in May. I got my 2nd shot right before I ovulated and got pregnant on our first try. I saw my GP for a pre-op physical in early May and he recommended I get it because they are seeing people get reinfected and are more sick with NOT being vaccinated. I decided to get my first shot done before surgery and get the second afterwards. I have some pre-existing conditions that made me feel the vaccine would be safer than getting reinfected. 

As far a symptoms, I had very low grade fevers and had a hard reaction with my 1st shot- severe body aches, chills, feeling very lethargic. The weird thing is that the severe symptoms only lasted 2 hours, and then I felt like I had a sore arm for a day or two.  This is purely an assumption, but I’m wondering if I had lingering antibodies when I had it in January that my body reacted to the shot? My second shot was way more mild, I felt kind of yucky from 10 hours post shot til the next morning. Sore arm after that, but no lingering side effects.

tessiesmom26

I've been fully vaccinated since April with the Pfizer vax. Being that I work in a school district, I was able to get it when they opened it up to education workers in my state. I am glad that I got it, and that I only really had arm soreness and one instance of dizziness after the second shot. I honestly don't know how I would have felt if I had to get it while pregnant. I would for sure research and talk to all my providers (OB/Midwife/PCP). It's not any easy decision by any means, but I agree that the risk for contracting Covid (either myself or the baby), is way more risky than getting the vaccine. 

[Deleted User]

I personally have zero interest in getting a brand new / experimental Covid vaccine.  IMHO, it is completely different than TDap or Rhogam, or even the flu shot for that matter.  We probably all already had it and were fine, and I also know several pregnant women who had it and they and their babies were totally 100% okay.  I don't doubt that there are people who may be more high risk, but for me and my family, I believe the risk is not there.

We attended Mass with 300+ mostly unmasked people all throughout 2020 (except for March when this all first broke, from about April on, anyway) and we literally had zero Covid deaths in our entire parish, and just one hospitalization that I know of.  We actually grew to 500+ because so many Churches were closed and people need the Sacraments especially during times like these.

Throughout history, there have been truly staggering diseases where people were left dead on their feet, bodies piling up in the streets.  It was undeniable.  But my own personal experience has been that Covid hasn't matched up to the hype.  Take that for whatever it's worth. <<shrug emojii>>  If it were something everyone had genuine concern for and interest in, then why would they be giving out free donuts, free lunches, free MONEY (at my employer), just to get the jab?  Something doesn't add up, to my mind.  I can't say I have an explanation for it, but to me, it just doesn't pass the sniff test.

If anyone is on the fence about getting a Covid vaccine while pregnant, consider this BusinessWife's full blessing to wait until after delivery!  lol  Not that you needed it.

angelz429

@BusinessWife as a physician who works in addiction medicine, I promise you, tying healthcare to an external reward works. It’s not about “not being up to snuff,” it’s just about understanding the psyche of people and if they get something from it (especially USians), then we’re more likely to get it - since for herd immunity you need the younger people (who are less likely to get severe disease) to buy into the vaccine to help others, not necessarily themselves. And one thing I’ve definitely learned this pandemic, is that USians are inherently selfish, and not likely to do something just for “the good of the community” (take that for what you will)

again, not advocating either way atm, because I weighed my risks and benefits and got it during my loss pregnancy. But I was satisfied with the science information that was available (it wasn’t really experimental since they had been working on a coronavirus vaccine for 10+ years, just not this specific strain), but - to each their own at this point. 

Either way, I recommend still masking if not vaccinated or if you have been vaccinated but have young kids who can’t be vaccinated yet at home. 

[Deleted User]

Thanks for sharing. @angelz429

fifilala516

There were trucks of dead bodies in the streets of NYC in March/April 2020 because there was simply no room at the morgues. Over 606,000 people have lost their lives - we know people who had to bury loved ones,
sometimes while sick themselves. Healthcare workers stretched beyond their limits and afraid to go home to their families because they were afraid of spreading disease.

But sure, it’s just hype.

[Deleted User]

Sigh.  There is no shortage of fear-porn out there if you want to look.  I was simply sharing that my own real life experience did not match up with what the mainstream news media was reporting.  YMMV

modoodles

Fear-porn, huh? That's a funny term for reality. 🤦‍♀️

citymommar

I got my 2nd dose of Moderna two months before bfp which was in end of May.  I’m a teacher and had cold feet re: fertility threat, but then followed so many great accounts on Instagram and was convinced it was the best decision.  Check out:

https://instagram.com/dr.martaperez?utm_medium=copy_link

https://instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd?utm_medium=copy_link

https://instagram.com/jessicamalatyrivera?utm_medium=copy_link

livingoffpbjs

I’m not one to want to try a new vaccine, I’m also the type that won’t buy the first few years of a new car so they can work out the kinks. But also had my brother just gotten the vaccine he would most likely be alive. A thousand people can be fine getting it but what about that one that dies? I would never judge someone for getting it or not getting it but it is a very real problem. 

JWatt5

@livingoffpbjs - ❤️

I’ve seen employees lose loved ones, perfectly healthy, to COVID-19. We have a lot of wonderful people from India who have lost their entire family to Covid while they were here in Canada watching their last outbreak unfold, helpless. I’ll be getting the vaccine in a few weeks to ensure I have the best chances of fighting should I get it with the increased risk of pregnancy complications while having Covid and for all of the other people in my life - even with my household having gotten Covid in April from a daycare outbreak so we hopefully have some antibodies. I think it’s really unfortunate someone can say Covid hasn’t matched up to the “hype” of previous diseases, in previous times in history  - maybe that’s because of advances in medicine & we have the wonderful privilege of living in a country that has medical and financial supports to help lessen the affects we may have had to endure, on top of the awful tragedies many lives through.  It’s just so disheartening. 

Eveinshock

BusinessWife said:

 Take that for whatever it's worth. <<shrug emojii>> 

What should this be worth?  I’m sorry I just can’t believe that you would presume anyone would listen to, or believe, someone who willingly attended massive gatherings of unmasked people during peak of this illness…

Katzalia

I got vaccinated early on (Moderna, Dec and Jan). I was still nursing my toddler. I’ve been part of studies on vaccine in lactation, and am being followed in a vaccine study for this pregnancy. 

I had very mild s/e, and am satisfied with the science supporting vaccination, and there is way more data available now than there was when I got my first dose. 

I actually wish I could get vaccinated during pregnancy, because that way it gives baby some protection. I don’t think there is any data to support protection for baby from lactation from vaccination so long ago, and I’m concerned because our babies will be born in winter and my medical colleagues are expecting another wave this winter. 

There are some helpful resources out there if you want to get more info on the science.  This is a facebook group I found helpful: https://www.facebook.com/groups/433459851127376/?ref=share

If I was in a position to vaccinate now, and was on the fence, I would probably wait until 2nd trimester, and I’d pick Pfizer. I think data show Pfizer & Moderna equivalent in effectiveness, but Pfizer has fewer side effects. 

citymommar

Katzalia said:

I got vaccinated early on (Moderna, Dec and Jan). I was still nursing my toddler. I’ve been part of studies on vaccine in lactation, and am being followed in a vaccine study for this pregnancy. 

I had very mild s/e, and am satisfied with the science supporting vaccination, and there is way more data available now than there was when I got my first dose. 

I actually wish I could get vaccinated during pregnancy, because that way it gives baby some protection. I don’t think there is any data to support protection for baby from lactation from vaccination so long ago, and I’m concerned because our babies will be born in winter and my medical colleagues are expecting another wave this winter. 

There are some helpful resources out there if you want to get more info on the science.  This is a facebook group I found helpful: https://www.facebook.com/groups/433459851127376/?ref=share

If I was in a position to vaccinate now, and was on the fence, I would probably wait until 2nd trimester, and I’d pick Pfizer. I think data show Pfizer & Moderna equivalent in effectiveness, but Pfizer has fewer side effects. 

Yes... I was also nursing when I got mine. And am part of a study as well.  100% best decision 

ThePax89

I opted to get vaccinated prior to TTC because I have a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and didn’t want risk it. 

I was very apprehensive to get vaccinated, but I have a child with a very compromised immune system and our pediatrician made it clear that it was crucial for her health that we do this. 

mgmac

I got my first shot while TTC (Pfizer) with no reaction. I had my second does scheduled (Moderna) for 4 days after my BFP. I asked my doctor if I should still get it or wait a few weeks and she told me to go for it. The pharmacist was LIVID that I wanted my vaccine at 5 weeks and argued with me that I shouldn't get it. I explained I had talked to my doctor who encouraged me to get it as soon as I could, and researched it quite a bit from reliable sources and knew to monitor for fever, and she was very determined I should not be there because of the fever risk and told me my doctor doesn't know what she is talking about and I should have consulted an OBGYN first. She insisted I read the literature she had on the shot, which I gladly obliged and all it said was "women in the first trimester should be careful to make sure if they have a fever it stays below 102." I told her I already knew this and discussed it with my doctor and she finally stopped arguing but told me "I'm taking detailed notes of everything you said because I will not be liable for what happens to you." I was very disappointed to say the least, especially since I used to work there... unfortunately she was the only pharmacist I didn't know from working there before, otherwise I think it would have been a much more pleasant experience.

I got the shot, and yes I got a fever. I took tylenol, had a tepid bath, drank lots of fluids, rested, and used a wet face cloth to keep it within safe levels and was fine within 24 hours. I had my betas tested the next week and was told everything looks great. Mentioned my fever to my doctor and she said I should have nothing to worry about, as lots of people get mild to moderate fevers in the first trimester. I appreciated that pharmacist's concern but I think they stepped over the line. 

Lisa3379

*lurking from January*

@mgmac That's INSANE. Saying the pharmacist stepped over the line is putting it very mildly! What a lunatic. And yeah, pregnant women get fevers all the time! 

AFM, I got my first shot a week before starting my embryo transfer cycle, and then my second shot fell on the day right after my transfer. My RE said that the risks from getting Covid were way worse than the vaccine side effects, and that was enough for me. We also sent our kids back to preschool the week before my transfer, so our risk for exposure was much greater than when we were all locked down for the previous year. So it was an easy choice for me. 

[Deleted User]

<blockquote class="Quote">
<div class="QuoteAuthor"><a href="/profile/Eveinshock" class="js-userCard" data-userid="11175395">Eveinshock</a> said:</div>
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<div class="QuoteAuthor"><a href="/profile/BusinessWife" class="js-userCard" data-userid="11193882">BusinessWife</a> said:</div>
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 Take that for whatever it's worth. <<shrug emojii>> </div>
</blockquote>

What should this be worth?  I’m sorry I just can’t believe that you would presume anyone would listen to, or believe, someone who willingly attended massive gatherings of unmasked people during peak of this illness…</div>
</blockquote>
I didn't really expect anyone here to be on my team.  Just a voice crying out in the wilderness... 2020 has been an incredible year for us to find our people, and they are definitely not on the bump.

zuuls_mom

BusinessWife said:

Eveinshock said:

BusinessWife said:

 Take that for whatever it's worth. <<shrug emojii>> 

What should this be worth?  I’m sorry I just can’t believe that you would presume anyone would listen to, or believe, someone who willingly attended massive gatherings of unmasked people during peak of this illness…

I didn't really expect anyone here to be on my team.  Just a voice crying out in the wilderness... 2020 has been an incredible year for us to find our people, and they are definitely not on the bump.

@BusinessWife maybe try Parler. Might have better luck finding “your people”. 

JWatt5

@BusinessWife - what you said was incredibly offensive and flippant. You disregarded the loss of other people just because you yourself didn’t lose anyone to Corona or feel a negative personal effect. If you knew you wouldn’t have anyone “on your team” with your comment, why bother posting something so hurtful. Like I said before, it’s just so disheartening. 

Murphie82

I got my first and second shots (Pfizer) in the two months between my ER and my first ET.  No side effects from the first and very mild side effects from the second.  No regrets. I would have taken it in first trimester if that was the way the timing worked out.

[Deleted User]

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