Convince Me To Get The Vaccine

[usedtobedemgurl]

Last edited Thu Apr 8, 2021, 12:16 PM - Edit history (1)

UPDATE: just got my first of two shots. Thank you for the words of wisdom and encouragement. Sitting and waiting for me 15 minutes to be up. I feel good about my decision.

My boyfriend got it yesterday. I know I am at high risk if I get it, but I am so nervous because it did not go through the long trials non-emergency drugs have. I am needle phobic - always have been, do it did not help when my boyfriend said the needle really hurt going in. He said another person commiserated about that with him. My boyfriend also said he got pages about how this was not FDA approved yadda, yadda yadda.

My biggest obstacle is not knowing the long term effects and how safe they really are. Pain and phobia is a close second. It has helped me that other countries are approving some of the same vaccines, but the long term unknown effects.....

I cannot just think, “Just do it.” Too many things are holding me back.

The one thing my boyfriend said that moved the needle (pun intended) for me was people who get the vaccine do not end up in the hospital or dead. I am not looking to argue. I have told you my fears. My kind is open. I know you cannot give me reassurance, as the vaccine has not been put long enough to assure me nothing will go wrong for me. Help me, please. Convince me this is something I should do.

[Croney]

1. "I know I am at high risk if I get it"

Can you explain what this means?

[Celerity]

4. if they catch COVID nt

[Croney]

8. Yes I assumed that. I thought knowing her high-risk factors would help others explain

how the vaccine will save her life.

[lagomorph777]

49. OP is at high risk if she does not get the vaccine.

Maybe she is "at high risk if she gets COVID...?"

[usedtobedemgurl]

95. Yes, at high risk if I get it.

Sorry for not being clear.

[FlyingPiggy]

122. I know people who have anaphylaxis and went with to their appts w their epi pens. No big deal.

and if you have a hx of anaphylaxis, I would choose a hospital over a clinic if you can. Trust me. This one little poke is nothing compared to being intubated.

[murielm99]

2. The research for the vaccines

did not start from scratch when covid 19 began circulating around the world. The people researching the vaccines had previous research to build on. Some of this research had been ongoing for quite a while. That is why the development of these vaccines seemed to move so quickly.

I have had the first vaccination. The shot itself did not hurt. My arm was sore for about twenty-four hours. It was no big deal. It did not keep me from my normal activities.

Look away when the needle goes in. It will be all right. The medical people who are administering the shots know what they are doing.

[usedtobedemgurl]

96. I sincerely appreciate the advice about looking away.

I usually do, but it is good to have it reinforced. I appreciate any and all advice.

[ProfessorGAC]

125. To Add In...

...the shot I got yesterday did not hurt even a little bit. And, after 26 hours (as of now) I've had zero reaction.
No sore arm, no fatigue, no flu-like feelings. Truly nothing at all.

[usedtobedemgurl]

130. Thank you.

It was not the pain, as much as that enhanced my phobia I have. It is good to know some folks do not feel it. I will feel more confident about going to get it.

[Rorey]

3. Dr. Fauci gave a long explanation on the development of the vaccine

I just woke up, so I'm not quite ready to do a lot of searching, but try this article:

https://www.livescience.com/fauci-vaccines-not-rushed.html

The bottom line is, the development of this vaccine did NOT involve starting from scratch. It was built on DECADES of science.

It's safe. I thought it was painless. You will be fine. Get the vaccine. Do it for your boyfriend so he can stop worrying about you.

[usedtobedemgurl]

97. You know, it always seems easier...

To do something for someone else. I appreciate everyone who pointed out it was not from scratch. I did not know that. Maybe it depends on which vaccine it is as to whether it is painless.

[Rorey]

101. I didn't even feel the needle go in

I got the Pfizer, if that makes a difference.

I do appreciate your apprehension. I think we were all nervous about it until we learned about the development.

It would be a wonderful thing to do for your boyfriend so you can alleviate some of his worry. I'm a worrier, and I know what torture it can be to want those you love to protect themselves.

[phylny]

111. I had the Moderna and didn't feel it either.

Very thin needle.

[usedtobedemgurl]

131. Since none of them are 100% effective....

I need to get it for everyone, but my boyfriend in particular. Besides worrying about me, he is of an age group which is at much higher risk than I am. I need to also protect him as much as possible. Thank you.

[usedtobedemgurl]

137. Thank you.

I went ahead and got my first shot. I hope I did it soon enough. I have been careful, but I hear this English strain is so easy to catch. Now I am anxious to get my second one, so I am a little more covered.

[femmedem]

5. Maybe this will help:

It's about comparing risks. We know that the risk of long-term effects from Covid is high, whereas although we haven't proven that there are no long-term effects from the vaccine (because there haven't been long-term studies) there isn't any evidence that there would be.

And if you don't get a vaccine, you will be at risk every time you interact with anyone until the virus is eradicated--which will only happen if the vast majority of people get a vaccine. So there is an ethical component as well: people who are getting the vaccine are helping not just themselves, but many, many others. And every person who doesn't get vaccinated increases the odds that we never get the virus under control.

I feel for you. It is very hard to do something despite a phobia. Kudos for being self-aware enough to realize that the phobia is coloring your thinking and asking for help.

[usedtobedemgurl]

99. This is the kind of thing I needed to hear...

Despite my needle phobia, I have always given blood. I cry through the entire thing. Seriously! I ask for a box of tissues before they shove the needle in. I was told by one worker I should not give. I did it because despite my phobia, I understand it could be life saving and that is more important than fear.

Seeing what you said parallels on the thinking I have when I give blood. When I was 9 I ran out of a hospital (in my gown) because they were going to take my blood! That coupled with me crying throughout blood donation may give you some clue as to my needle anxiety level, but your truth trumps my fear. You are right. It is selfish not to get it.

[femmedem]

126. I'm so, so glad that my words resonated with you.

I thought they might, because only a good person would bare their soul about their phobia and ask for help.

I hope you don't let the occasional snarky comment get to you. You did the right thing to ask for help here, and any snark is wholly undeserved.

When you get your vaccine, private message me if you don't want to post about it, and I'll congratulate you and understand what it took.

[usedtobedemgurl]

132. People Have Been Overly Nice...

Yes, there were snarks, but that is all about them and no reflection on me. I was honest when I said I would not argue. I did not come here to hear arguments and then shoot them down. This is something that has weighed heavily on my mind, even though I am not yet eligible to get it. I came here truly wanting to hear what everyone had to say. It may be a month or so before they will let me get it, but I will and I will post about how awesome it is afterward. Baring my phobia is nothing. I could never get the password back to my old profile (demgurl) but I totally bared my soul talking about my rape and George Will. (the asshole!) That was much bigger, but thank you.

[femmedem]

133. Funny thing, I just wrote about my rape to explain why Cuomo's accusers

would likely have remained silent until now. I'm always surprised when people don't understand why a woman would choose to remain silent for years, then come forward when doing so would add credibility to someone else's allegations.

[usedtobedemgurl]

135. I am sorry for what you went (and no doubt continue) to go through

Yes, it can take years or sometimes never for someone to come out. In Will's case, he wrote people come forward, basically, for the celebrity of it. I explained in horrid detail what I went through. I said it was because of people like him I did not go to the cops. I defend anyone's right to not report rape, because they will put you through the ringer. Our legal and social systems are very misogynistic. Someone ended up picking up my article here and publishing it. het assured me George would hear about it. At least there was that. If you ever need a sympathetic ear, I am here and understand.

[usedtobedemgurl]

138. Your words not only resonated...

They rang true. I am officially one shot down and one to go. Thank you!!!

[femmedem]

139. I'm so glad to hear it! And thank you for letting me know.

You'll never know whose life you might have saved.

[FBaggins]

6. No problem. They DID go through the trials that other drugs have

The length of a trial is not a given. It was always a mistake to simply report "vaccine trials take multiple years". The actual length of a trial is based on how long it takes enough people in the control group to get sick that you can measure the difference between the two groups.

For many vaccines, that can take years because very few people catch the illness in the first place. But when you have a much more virulent pandemic-level infection rate, it can go much faster.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

7. All the vaccines have FDA emergency use approval. That means the FDA's

Testing so far shows that using them is better than not using them.

I haven't gotten the vaccination yet but know numerous people who have. They all said the shot itself was no big deal. One said she barely felt it. They all had sore arms for a day or so afterward, like you get with most any vaccination. That was it.

[usedtobedemgurl]

100. Thank you.

I did not have a sore arm with my flu shot, so there is a chance that might happen with the COVID vaccination.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

105. You're welcome!

I always get a sore arm with the flu vaccine - this most recent one really made my arm sore.

[Lochloosa]

9. You won't die or go into a hospital if you do catch it

Enough said.

[bottomofthehill]

36. That's about it in a nut shell

[uponit7771]

77. THIS !!!! ☝🏾☝🏾☝🏾, The data shoes long term negative of covid-19 but none for vaccines world wide

[Blues Heron]

10. It will keep you out of the hospital if you get exposed to Covid-19

It will stop you passing the virus to your loved ones if you get exposed to Covid-19.

You won't be invited to any fun parties this summer if they know you refused the vax

[pnwmom]

11. The Pfizer and Moderna types of vaccines have been tested for years -- just not for this

particular virus. And Pfizer wasn't even part of Trump's P.R. nightmare, the Operation Warp Speed. Pfizer started developing their vaccine, using the technology they had developed years ago, in conjunction with Germany, before Trump even started pushing vaccines. Pfizer refused to get involved with Warp Speed because they wanted to make it clear that they weren't being driven by anyone's political schedule. All they did was finally, last summer, agree to sell the US some doses if it got approved.

With regard to J & J, it's just a standard vaccine technology -- the same kind that's used for flu viruses. And there's nothing new in general about coronaviruses. It's just that this one is a particularly nasty one.

Also, with regard to long term trials, we get a brand new flu vaccine every year. And the new flu vaccines don't go through long term trials that last for years.

As far as the pain is concerned, I think your boyfriend is pulling your leg. I barely felt mine go in, and that's what I've heard from others as well. But here's a trick that I taught my kids. Distract your brain with another feeling that isn't scary. While you wait for your shot, trace circles with your fingernails on the sensitive side of your other wrist. And if you're doing that when the needle goes in, your brain will be so busy feeling your fingernails on your wrist, it will hardly notice that needle going in your other arm.

With regard to long term effects: remember that the Moderna and Pfizer don't contain even a weakened form of the actual virus. And don't forget, in any calculation you make, that there are possible long term effects of COVID 19 itself. And we know some of them are terrible.

[Habibi]

134. Great idea!

Distract, distract, distract. I sometimes have to get shots in sensitive places, and my doc uses a little vibrator device to distract my nerves so I don't even feel the needle. Similar to the dentist jiggling your cheek when giving a shot of novocaine.

[Fullduplexxx]

12. Nope I won't just know if you get sick you'll see more needles than you ever have

And if you dont like needles you're gonna hate a ventilator... good luck

[WhiskeyGrinder]

31. This.

[dalton99a]

39. +1

[The Blue Flower]

13. I have a phobia about dying alone with a ventilator shoved down my throat

So I got the J&J shot yesterday. Slight headache today, but it's a very small price to pay.

[LisaL]

15. J&J is a good choice for needle phobic. Only one shot.

Fewer people are experiencing side effects on J&J vs Moderna or Pfizer.

[LisaL]

14. It's not my job.

You are an adult, you can figure it out.

[maxsolomon]

94. Well said. It's absurd anyone needs to be convinced.

"Needle phobia" afflicts nearly 100% of the world population. It's an irrational fear like all phobias.

I don't like needles. No one likes needles. But I've had them shoved in my arms for 50 fucking years: allergy shots, blood draws, vaccines. I just don't look and keep breathing. It's not that hard.

[we can do it]

16. Don't look when you get a shot and it won't hurt.

Covid kills and that hurts.

[arlyellowdog]

17. My brother had a double lung transplant

He is on many immunosuppressive drugs. He knew his choice was: take the vaccine or remain in his house, not only without ever seeing family and friends, but not being able to get the physical therapy and tests that would prolong his life. He got his 2 shots of Pfizer a month ago. Today, he can fully enjoy: Biden winning, Nancy Pelosi’s shimmy, the Georgia Senate gift that keeps giving, Trump descent. Take the shots, partake in the joy.

[Arkansas Granny]

18. I've had both shots. Here's how it went.

I didn't feel the needle at all for the first shot and just a slight sting with the second. I didn't bleed either time. The amount of vaccine is so small that it was over in seconds.

My arm got sore with the first shot, but it was over in less than a day. I experienced no other side effects.

There was more soreness with the second shot, but again, it lasted for less than a day. I felt a little feverish and fatigued the next day, but not sick, mainly tired. Aspirin helped.

Today is day 2 and I feel OK other than being a little tired. My main feeling is relief at knowing that I am far less likely to become infected and I look forward to family and friends getting vaccinated so we can get together again. It's been a long year.

I hope you decide to get the vaccine, not only for your own health, but to help us achieve herd immunity so everyone can be safe.

[smirkymonkey]

68. Small price to pay.

I am not eligible yet in my state (MA), but when I am, I will certainly be getting it.

I realize there may be a tiny bit of pain and some side effects, which are nothing more than your body's immune response to fighting off what it percieves to be the virus. However, they are preferable by far than coming down with the actual virus. It's worth it.

Thanks for relating your experience, Arkansas Granny! Very helpful!

[Arkansas Granny]

72. I hope you get yours soon.

[Locrian]

19. risk analysis, made compicated by anxiety...

The "logical" analysis is:

* The risk associate with NOT getting a vaccine is high: Severity is high (possible death, etc), Occurrence is high (very contagious).
* The risk associated with GETTING the vaccine is low: Severity of reactions seem to be typically fatigue, Occurrence is low (very rare).

The complication is the anxiety etc and that it requires "doing" something means that it may be more "uncomfortable". And our brains (especially in this isolation, when "not doing anything" has been "working" so far) are very good at avoiding things!

So that's the thing: sometimes minimizing risk IS uncomfortable. Try to tell yourself your "logical" brain has this and that it's taking care of you, cares about you etc and that it's doing its job.

Good luck!

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

20. Nope, you are an adult? You have to make your own decisions, "fear of needles" is not a reason

[snowybirdie]

21. If you care for your family

and don't want to face high medical bills, and or death, it's a no brainer. Get it! I'm allergic to some medication and took the risk. No problem. Time to put aside your foibles and fears. Smoke a joint or have a drink if you must. Shot doesn't hurt at all either.

[yardwork]

22. In December you posted here that you have a positive cancer diagnosis.

Are you currently being treated for cancer? I'm sorry for the health problems you've been experiencing.

[usedtobedemgurl]

108. Thank you.....

That was a home test., when I actually went in, they found nothing. I am clean in that regard. I didn’t post because there were so few replies on that thread, I was not sure anyone cared about the results. I do have other things like diabetes, though. Your kindness means so much.

[yardwork]

123. I'm glad to hear that.

We are a community here and people do notice and remember what other posters are going through.

[GreenEyedLefty]

23. I am also needle phobic and will be happy to get the vaccine

I get sweaty and gray at the sight of needles. But I'm getting the damn shot.

And tell you boyfriend to shut his yapper.

[hamsterjill]

24. I don't think people understand the fear of needles

I’m a needle phobe, too, and the comments here don’t make me believe that some people understand just how terrifying that can be. “Get over it”, etc. does not help. It is a brain thing and is not something that can be controlled. I get what is called vasovagel syncope and it’s a very real consideration. Even logistical. What do you do in a long line of people when you will either faint or throw up, etc.?

For me, I’m trying to learn as much as I can about what I can do. Like be better hydrated, muscle relaxation and tensing, and putting the head lower than the heart. I’m going to do the J&J shot because it’s one instead of two. I’m going to level with the healthcare people and keep hoping that one day soon, science makes use of the very real availability of microderm patches for vaccinations.

[moonscape]

42. So agree. Those who don't have needle phobia

can’t fully understand. The only times I ever fainted involved needles, so I always asked to be horizontal and given a pillow to hold over my face. It has nothing to do with pain, everything to do with a phobia of any sharp object piercing my skin.

I got cancer 5 years ago and have had several surgeries, hundreds of blood draws, shots in my eye for macular degeneration, and have tons of stories to tell about my terrifying needle journey. It has taken all that for me to =finally= lose my terror. But I was forced to go through it because my life depended on it, and without the eye needles I would have totally lost my vision.

My strategy was to be honest and I found so much support in the medical community to do whatever I needed to make the injection/biopsy/whatever happen. I didn’t respond to distractions, but needed quiet and to meditate myself into a calmer head space and then nod when it was okay. Also, I learned to make sure and breathe because I used to hold my breath which one time made the IV impossible to go in. I forget the explanation of mechanics, but the system literally rejects the intrusion. That was a painful lesson! Breathing makes a huge difference.

Phobias are illogical real things. I empathize.

[hamsterjill]

50. Thank you for your post.

I’m sorry for what you had to go through and glad you found a way to cope. I have fainted before and there are legitimate logistical concerns for standing in line in a “cattle call” situation.

Will I frighten people behind me? Will I throw up and make a mess? Will I faint? If I do, do they call EMS and then I’m stuck paying for a call?

I’m really surprised at the snarkism and lack of compassion that I see here.

[moonscape]

78. There will be enough options soon that hopefully you

can avoid a cattle call by going to a pharmacy, doing a drive through, or similar. And maybe with the ramped up availability and locations, lines won’t be an issue. Fingers crossed for you.

My friend got hers through our health care provider, and their appointments were actually more like office visits with total privacy, i.e. individually taken to a room for it. Wishing for something similar for you.

[hamsterjill]

83. Thanks. That's my hope, as well.

For all of us.

[kcr]

53. Or any phobia for that matter

Mine isn't needles but I can relate, particularly to the lack of understanding from others.

[MineralMan]

64. I understand the fear of needles.

I don't have it, but I know people who do. Here's the thing: If you catch COVID-19, you're going to see a lot of needles, very likely.

If I had a terrible fear of needles, I'd contact my primary care physician and ask for a small prescription for something like Xanax, just to use before getting the vaccine. 1 mg of Xanax should pretty much eliminate the anxiety about the shot. Take it an hour before you are scheduled to get the vaccine and go ahead and get the shot.

It's all about the odds, really. As far as I know, nobody has died from any of the current vaccines, but more than 520,000 Americans have died from Covid-19 and countless more have been sickened by the virus.

Nobody's poo-pooing people's fear of needles. However, I'd be far, far more afraid of a COVID-19 infection. No amount of Xanax could do a damned thing about that. What people are saying is that not getting the vaccine due to fear of needles does not make any sense, because the virus can kill you or make you very, very ill. The vaccine drastically reduces your chance of getting sick from the virus, and poses no serious health threat to anyone.

So, people are saying, "Just go get the shot. It could save your live, and certainly won't kill you. COVID-19 is the thing that can kill you or make you very seriously ill."

[StarryNite]

75. I'm with you on this fear of needles.

I'm hoping to get the J&J because it's one and done. But one or two is better than countless needles we would get if we wound up in the hospital with COVID. So a big part of me wanting the vaccination is due to my fear of needles.

I'm going to try and distract myself when the time comes. I want to focus on all the things I will gain by having gotten it like finally being able to hug my 5 year old grandson again...still will be wearing a mask of course! I just want to 'git er done'!

As for people who try to "shame" the ones of us who are afraid, I really don't care what they think.

[usedtobedemgurl]

110. Thank you.

Mine really is a bad phobia, but I truly think I am hiding behind that fear. If you read one of my replies, if talks about me fleeing a hospital at a young age and also crying while I give blood. People do not know what phobias are like if they do not have them. However someone talked about doing it for others, and that really appealed to the giving side of me. I think it was the push I needed. I am
So thankful for the information and things that have been said on here.

[uponit7771]

80. It's not a rational phobia relative to catching covid-19 you'll get more needles than you ever want

[hamsterjill]

82. That has nothing to do with it.

There is nothing rational about having a phobia. I think we all stipulate and agree to that.

The psychology of “if I don’t do this, then this happens” does not help with the fear.

[uponit7771]

85. Hmmmm , then the alternative is waiting the virus out for a couple more years with proven NPI

[hamsterjill]

87. No, the OP is asking for help.

Those of us who are fearful are trying to cope. Would you honestly want to be the person in line behind me waiting to get the shot and see me faint? Wouldn’t that make you just a tad concerned?

We are trying to figure out a way to deal with a very real fear, get the vaccine, and not cause undue hardship on either others waiting in line or the medical professionals giving the injections.

[uponit7771]

88. Help for what? my understanding there's no rational behind the fear how can they be rational answer?

[hamsterjill]

89. I give up.

n/t

[Vinca]

25. I was dreading it and it ended up being dread for nothing. My problem was my experience with a

flu vaccine last fall. It wasn't that the vaccine caused the reaction, but that a pharmacist who was too busy in the first place was tasked with giving shots and injected me in the wrong spot. It's a long story, but amounted to 2 months of agony and lots of pain killers. For months I was determined not to get the Covid shot even though I'm 72. Then I convinced myself I had to, but I'd wait for the J&J one dose vaccination. When my turn for Moderna actually arrived, I sucked it up and went to the appointment because I figured it wasn't worth risking a fatal case of Covid. The RN who administered the shot was very friendly and professional, I just felt a pinch and nothing happened beyond a sore arm for 24 hours. I'm still dreading the second shot on the 30th, but I know I'll go and even if I have a minor reaction it will be worth it. Nothing related to getting the vaccine could be as bad as being in the ICU on a ventilator. As for your concern about trials not being long enough, they've been working on similar vaccines for a decade or more - it's not like they whipped them up overnight. The trials for the approved vaccines were so successful there was no need to continue while people are dying from the disease. If they had years-long trials, our losses from Covid would be in the millions. I won't say "just do it," I'll say "suck it up and go for the shot because it might save you from a slow, agonizing death."

[FSogol]

26. Over at NIH or your local children's hopsital, there are little kids with terrible conditions that

have spent their entire short lives in the hospital getting injections, surgeries, blood drawn, and always have an iv or device penetrating their skin.

It they can handle it, so can you. Go get your vaccination.

[Rhiannon12866]

27. That convinced me, I don't want to end up in the hospital or dead.

And millions of people have received it already, especially older people, and I trust Dr. Fauci. I'm sure you received inoculations as a kid to protect you from serious illness, this is no different. I've received it and I'm still here as are so many of your fellow DUers.

[samnsara]

28. ..whats the alternative?

[edhopper]

29. Stop moaning

suck it up and get the fucking vaccine.
500,000 are dead, don't add to that number.

[samnsara]

30. ...also..I HATE shots!!!! But this one is so quick. Hubby is a Pharmacist and I asked him why this..

...one was so quick to give..and painless... and he said that, compared to the flu vaccine ( which I got for the FIRST time this year and Im 70), the shot we got..Pfizer..has a little over 1/2 of the amt of vaccine to push in. And you will be swept up with the enthusiasm and the sense of relief that all the participants in the clinic exude.

Both my shots were painless with just minor soreness afterwards. Your BF just had someone who gave a painful jab.

[usedtobedemgurl]

136. It was quick and relatively painless...

Sitting and waiting for my 15 minutes to be up, so I can go home.

[aocommunalpunch]

32. No.

I don't have time for this. Just do it.

[hamsterjill]

37. Why post such a comment?

Do you think this is helpful to the OP? It isn’t.

[LisaL]

43. OP is pretty childish.

For whatever reason we are supposed to convince OP, whom we don't know, to get the vaccine.

[hamsterjill]

47. So, a legitimate fear is just childish?

Sorry, I don’t think that way. And I’m glad I don’t think that way.

The OP is asking for help because he/she has concerns. This feels very much like when someone is asking for mental health help and is ridiculed.

I’m really surprised that a Democratic discussion board isn’t more enlightened.

[LisaL]

55. Well, discussion board isn't supposed to serve as a mental health professional.

NT

[hamsterjill]

57. No, it's not.

But kindness and compassion go a long way ANY where.

[Crunchy Frog]

129. I think a lot of these comments amount to virtue signalling, personally.

I have a fear of needles too, though not as badly as some people here. People who don't have that fear should be grateful that they don't, and not say anything if they won't try to say something helpful.

[femmedem]

40. If you are so short on time, why take the time to reply at all?

The OP was asking for help from people who have time and inclination. Nothing wrong with that. That's what people in a community--even an online community--do.

[hamsterjill]

46. +1

Thank you.

[frazzled]

33. Your boyfriend was lying

He said the needle really hurt when it went in? I think not, unless he is a total sissy or hypochondriac.

If there is one thing to be said about the vaccine, it is that you barely feel it. It’s a micro-needle. It doesn’t hurt one bit. I even just got a video of my 95-year-old mother getting it, and after the jab, she exclaims to the vaccinator, with a look of surprise on her face, “That’s it? I didn’t even feel it!”

So no. Don’t start this thread with an obviously untrue objection. It kind of puts the pall on everything else in it.

[hamsterjill]

56. Please show me where a micro needle is being used.

My understanding is that needles used today are better than those used decades ago, but we are not at the “micro needle” stage yet. If you have different information, I will happily listen.

Micro needles are a new technology on the horizon but not in general use yet. There is currently a study being done at the University of Pittsburgh.

See:

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/amp35361593/covid-patch-vaccine/

https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2021/february/vaccine-delivery-system.html

[MineralMan]

66. They are using a very, very small gauge needle with the vaccine.

I watched the person prepare the syringe and watched her inject the vaccine. Very, very thin needle. I did not feel it at all, and I was watching her do it.

People are using the word "micro" as a general description. Very small is what they mean.

[hamsterjill]

74. Understood.

But there is new technology on the horizon making the term more defined.

Small is the correct general term.

[MineralMan]

76. People use the words they have.

Often, they aren't accurate, in a technical sense. I don't expect most people to have much knowledge about injection technology.

[hamsterjill]

79. I was merely wondering if the poster knew something I didn't.

Good grief! I want micro needle technology!!! I’m anxious for it to become a reality. I thought maybe the poster knew something about it.

Did you bother to look at the links I provided? My response wasn’t even directed to you. I don’t understand the defensiveness.

[usedtobedemgurl]

113. That was his experience...

as well as another individual there. Just like some experience symptoms afterward and others do not. Calling someone names is not what I expect from DU, I did not post no one should get it because it hurt my boyfriend.

[Kaleva]

34. First thing you need to do is get access to the internet.

It's a wonderful thing. There are numerous sites where one can get great info from very reputable sources such as the CDC, Mayo, Johns Hopkins University and many others on the benefits of getting the vaccine.

Once you get access to the internet, come back here and many helpful DUers will be more then happy to provide you with what are called "links" that when you click on them, you'll be brought to these websites where you can get the info.

Asking for medical advice at a social forum isn't wise. But asking for links to reputable sources that could provide you with the info you need is.

[sinkingfeeling]

35. I'm also needle phobic and took a list of the drugs I have

reacted to, including 3 ER visits. At first, they didn't want to give me the vaccine, but consented have much consultation.

I will say it was the easiest, less painful injection I've ever had. All I felt was the band aid going on!

The long term effects are to keep you and those around you from the covid.

[StarryNite]

81. As a needle-phobe, what you said made my day.

I'm not nearly as concerned about the possible reaction to the vaccine as I am about getting the shot.

[usedtobedemgurl]

116. Thank you. That is good to hear.

May I ask which vaccine you took? Maybe the type of needle used in that one made the difference.

[sinkingfeeling]

121. I got Moderna. My son says both are using very thin needles due to

the small amount of vaccine that is given.

[Paladin]

38. Put up with two needle pricks, or risk an agonizing death from a world-wide plague.

Let us know how it went.

[sciencescience]

41. do a google search on long term effects of vaccines

Most side effects for vaccines occur early on.

Vaccines are rarely pulled from the market.

https://theconversation.com/how-do-we-know-the-covid-vaccine-wont-have-long-term-side-effects-155714

[mcar]

44. I didn't feel either injection at all

Not even a little pinch.

Imagine how many needles you'd experience in the hospital with COVID.

[Mariana]

45. Why don't you call your doctor and ask

rather than depending upon what your boyfriend and a bunch of randos on the internet have to say about it?

[Aristus]

48. The vaccine is safe and effective. Here's how we know:

The New England Journal of Medicine reported last November that the vaccine was developed during a two-day period last April.

Two days. That's all it took to come up with an effective vaccine.

Everything since then has been safety and efficacy testing.

If it was unsafe or ineffective, we would know by now.

[roamer65]

63. Yup, a safe vaccine versus a SARS virus.

It was an easy choice for me!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

51. One of my sister-in-laws died from Covid, and...

... one of her lungs punctured as the hospital put her on a ventilator.

I'll gladly take a punctured arm over a punctured lung (and subsequent death).

[roamer65]

52. How about a trip to the ICU and being on a ventilator?

I chose the vaccine over that possibility.

If my 80 plus year old dad can endure both Moderna shots, you can 2.

The mRNA vaccine technology has been in the works since 2005.

[MineralMan]

54. Well, you either get the vaccine and get on with your life,

or you potentially get infected with COVID-19 and get very sick or die.

Seems an easy choice to me. I have heard of over 520,000 people in this country dying of COVID-19, and none from getting the vaccine. So, 520,000 to 0.

Look at your odds. Decide for yourself.

We can't convince you. You must convince yourself.

By the way, you might want to drop back into your own thread and thank people for offering you sound advice.

[Politicub]

58. Speak with your doctor. He or she will help you address questions and

concerns.

For some of us, it is a duty, a choice to take the vaccine as part of the strategy for slowing the pandemic. We also wear masks, socially distance, and follow best practices for mitigation. I will take my jab at the first available opportunity.

So there’s the question of duty; am I doing my part as a citizen? How do my actions affect not just me, but also people around me?

But, you also have a question about health concerns. I think you should address those with a doctor. People have underlying issues, and I’m sure there are guidelines. There are a lot of people who don’t like needles (I’m married to one of them), and he’s nervous about shots and needles generally. We’re both hungry for an appointment.

As for the last part of the post, I am more afraid of the long-term effect of doing nothing. The vaccine campaign is society’s best attempt to stop the pandemic. A moonshot.

[demigoddess]

59. how about this list of vaccines that I have received over the years...

typhus, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, polio, small pox. Have you heard of anyone die of those diseases lately? No! because a small little insignificant shot prevents people from getting those diseases. And my immune system is stronger because of all these shots. I hardly ever get a cold and I have never had the flu.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

60. You could try talking to nurses and doctors who've

watched people die in the ICU. It's not an easy death.

And your boyfriend is an idiot. I won't question that his shot hurt him, although notice that pretty much everyone else says they could barely feel it. The vaccines are approved and so far are being incredibly effective.

Or, you could simply resign yourself to staying home the rest of your life.

[CTyankee]

61. I'm the world's biggest sissy when it comes to getting shots and I didn't even feel it.

I complain loud and long when I am sick with anything.

But I wasn't sick at all! Nothing! I was prepared to whine, as I do with the slightest ache or pain.

You might be lucky like me. I had the Pfizer.

[Corgigal]

62. Saying goodbye

to your loved ones, while a nurse holds your phone. For a reason, that didn’t have to happen.
I would never put my family through something like that, due to my foolishness.

Got both Pfizer shots. No reactions, still wear a mask but feel so much lighter.

[Klaralven]

65. The needle outside diameter is from 0.718 mm to 0.515 mm (22 to 25 gauge) (0.028 to 0.020 inches)

They are really pretty fine.

Vaccine Administration:
Needle Gauge and Length

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/downloads/vaccine-administration-needle-length.pdf

[peggysue2]

67. I can speak to the needle phobia

I've had good shots and bad shots over the years with on-going allergy therapies. I did not feel this shot, period. Color it good. In fact, it was only yesterday that I realized I had a tiny bandaid over the injection site. I swear, I have no idea when the corpsman slapped that little goodie on.

I did have some mild soreness at the injection site about 8 hours later. But nothing to keep me from daily activities. My only concern was a penicillin reaction years ago (swelling of the face and throat). I told the medical people about it before the injection. But in the end, I had no adverse reaction.

My husband and I were eager to receive the vax preventing hospitalization and/or worse. My husband is medically compromised, so for him (IMHO) it was a no-brainer. In addition, I've been genuinely worried about these viral mutations, far more contagious than the baseline Covid virus.

The vaccine production was amazingly swift but from what I've read the development of these vaccines was nearly two decades in the making. This wasn't a slap-dash medical advancement but an amazing tribute to medical progress and investment.

I think if you read the background of these vaccines and vaccines in general, you can come to the reasonable solution that vaccines have saved countless lives and are, perhaps, one of the most astounding advances medicine has offered the public--a way to protect yourself, your family and friends and larger community.

[Patterson]

69. I didn't feel she shot.

[smirkymonkey]

70. I just had an oral surgeon stick a few massive needles of novocaine inside my MOUTH.

And yes, it was painful, even with the numbing gel. I figure that compared to that, this shot is going to be a doddle.

Just look away, take deep breaths in and out and it will be over before you know it. You will be glad you have done it.

[ismnotwasm]

71. RN here

What I tell my patients who are needle phobic is first, don’t look. You don’t need to see it. The person who injects your vaccine will be well trained. The needle isn’t very big. We find a place on your deltoid muscle—your shoulder, and cleaned it with alcohol. The needle is injected with a dart like motion, you are not likely to feel much. Afterward, you may have some shoulder pain. All in all, the actual injection takes less than three seconds, the prep and education taking more time.

As far as safety, I could link to studies, but you seem intelligent enough to find those for yourself. I can only tell you my experience as a fully vaccinated person.

So much fear is gone. I don’t work in a covid unit, but I took care of my share. There were enough false negatives, or patients who became positive after initial swabbing.
In one of our sister hospitals this caused an outbreak in staff and resulted in one patient death. Our staff to staff transmissions were traced to breakrooms, with people eating and unmasked, as well as not socially distanced enough.

I am still socially distancing because my husband is not vaccinated yet. Once he is, we will be safer, and our loved ones and neighbors will be safer.

What I want you to think about though, is the flu. There was basically no flu season this year. If you work in a hospital, you know that every year is a “bad” flu year. We think this is due to the measures put in place for covid. Extrapolate from that, how bloody contagious covid actually is.


The covid virus is well known. One of the reasons a vaccine was able to be developed so quickly. I remember having a patient in respiratory isolation with a normal corona virus just months before all this happened. So when the science reassures us about efficacy, it is with the weight of valid knowledge. There isn't guess work. It’s not conspiracy.

Go through the check list. There are stop gap questions there, in other words, if you have xyz, do not get the vaccine.

I hope you do though. If you were my patient, you wouldn’t even feel it. I’ve been a nurse for a long time and have given thousands of shots. I treat each one with the care it deserves, and I can tell you nurses take this seriously. We understand your fear, we’ve seen it before. It’s ok to be scared. It’s ok to question. Weigh out the risks and benefits and I’m guessing you will decide to go ahead.

[hamsterjill]

84. Syncope

How do they handle fainting in a line if people waiting to get the shot?

Serious question that I’m hoping to have answered. Because I faint.

[ismnotwasm]

106. You mean waiting in line? Or when your sitting for a shot?

First make sure people know this is something you suffer from, and request a chair. After the injection, we are monitored for 15 minutes. In your case, we would have someone with you until you are no longer dizzy. When I think about it, you should also come with a friend.

Sugar first sometimes helps

[StarryNite]

92. I wish you could give me my shot.

Do you live in AZ by any chance? LOL I'm only half laughing. Thinking about the shot scares me but I know if I wound up in the hospital with COVID I would be getting many, many needles. Like the old saying, "a stitch in time saves nine".

[ismnotwasm]

107. Naw, Seattle.

I am a dialysis nurse among other things so I’m used to all kinds of needles. I wish I could give your shot too!

[csziggy]

73. When I got my Covid vaccination it did not hurt at all

I was needle phobic as a kid but my Mom, a nurse told me to just suck it up, relax the muscles in the spot where the shot was going in, and deal with it. My husband is so needle phobic he's almost passed out before. With my tips below he has done much better. He still doesn't like getting shots but they don't have to put him on a reclining bench in case he faints.

The needle for the Pfizer vaccine I got was so tiny I barely knew it was going in. Your boyfriend may have tensed up, or the giver was inept.

I recommend getting it - it will not just protect you, but will protect others.

My tip is to ask whoever is injecting you to NOT do the count down some nurse like to do. Tell them to give you a few seconds to relax, then stick it in. If you have a warning, you might tense up which will make it hurt more. Just relax as much as possible, look away from the person giving the shot, and take deep, relaxing breaths.

If you've gone faint in the past, warn them - they can put you in a position where you will not fall.

Good luck and take care of yourself.

[BannonsLiver]

86. I'd be embarrassed to post this even on an anonymous message board

[Generic Brad]

90. All the cool kids are getting vaccinated

Are you a cool kid?

[Happy Hoosier]

91. This is super simple....

Nobody has died from the vaccine.

More than a half-million Americans have died from Covid.

The vaccine is not completely novel. We understand how it works and it is safe.

Unless you have a specific vulnerability there is absolutely no reason not to get it.

The actual injection was nearly painless for me. A finger prick to check blood sugar is far worse.

[GusBob]

93. Listen to what President Biden said yesterday

How he needed everyone to do their part

I found that very convincing, and wise

Remember the other guy with the bleach injections? We are coming out of the dark ages now.

Oh and BTW, on the Indian Rez where I live and work, everyone has been vaccinated now

We are 6 weeks in to 0 active cases and zero new cases.

Its like a new lease on life

And I agree with what you wrote about whatyour boyfriend said, that was not helpful at all

[bluecollar2]

98. How do you feel about

Being strapped to a gurney with a tube shoved down your throat as far as your lungs?

Having had that misfortune I feel confident in telling you that it is a terrifying experience.

Get the shot..

[USALiberal]

102. Do not get it, let a person who trusts science gets it! Nt

[634-5789]

103. So, your giving blood is just a 'no go', too?

I get jabbed all the damn time and for your BF to tell you that the needle was torture, that's bullshit.

[usedtobedemgurl]

114. No, I have given blood in the past...

I just ask for a box of tissues and cry from start to finish. One worker suggested I never give blood again. I still did.

The other day the vet talked to me about me possibly giving my dog an IV three times a week. Just talking about it I felt dizzy and nauseous. It is just something I try to deal with.

[634-5789]

127. I gotcha ya.

Now, get that vaccine! We're all rooting for you!

[Hortensis]

104. Employers for those who have them will help. A lot of them are planning to

bribe those employees they can to get vaccinated and find relatively isolated work for those they can't. And let go those they can't accommodate whose lack of cooperation is a detriment to the business.

Fwiw, neither my husband nor I felt the vaccination as it happened. The needle's one of those extremely fine modern ones.

There are those who truly want to be responsible but are special cases. Certainly including those with real phobias and who can continue to isolate instead. An older friend of ours has serious hypertension and a very long history of bizarre reactions to medications. She really needs vaccination for her own sake and has a bunch of family living nearby, but she and her doctor agreed that she would maintain isolation until group immunity was achieved through vaccination of others.

If maintaining isolation for several more months isn't an option for you, yet another alternative that occurs might be the "close your eyes and think of England" method. We're going to beat this dreadful thing, and I'm sure you will want to look back and know you were among those who put a stop to the deaths.

[Dorian Gray]

109. 100% effective of preventing death

Those odds are good.

[usedtobedemgurl]

112. Thank you to everyone.

First of all, I appreciate the information. Some of it I had no idea. I came here with an open mind and heart. One post in particular stood out to me. It talked about doing it not only for myself, but for others.

I understand if I do not get the vaccine, I am part of the problem. I have been angered at whole states being open. I have been angered by non-mask wearing people. I want to be a part of the solution and not the reason why this horrible disease mutates and kills countless others.

I am not eligible to get the vaccine yet, but I promise as soon as I am, I will. I stand in solidarity with all of you.

[Eid Ma Clack Shaw]

118. Good to hear! I'm almost 40, active job involving a lot of walking and

haven’t been at work this year because I caught COVID-19 late December. I was never seriously unwell and to see me around the house you’d think I was fine, but once I hit that wall after maybe a half hour of sustained walking, that’s me done for the day. This strange, strange virus is not worth taking any chances with.

[meadowlander]

117. Read up on long haul Covid

and then decide if you'd rather have that or a still theoretical risk of complications from the vaccine.

It's not like you're not taking any risks by avoiding the vaccine. You have to weigh up the risks of either scenario.

I don't like needles either, but I just close my eyes and it's done in a second. I got a Covid nasal swab test last year and that hurt as much as getting a flu shot. You're in for a bit of pain no matter what you do. Listen to the experts. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[Withywindle]

119. Listen to what other people are saying about the trials

It is well tested. It's based on decades of research on similar viruses. It's safe. Sounds like your boyfriend saw some anti-vax conspiracy shit. Don't give that crap any space in your head. Listen to scientists and medical professionals.

I haven't had a chance to get it yet, but my parents did, both shots of the Pfizer. My mom (73) had no symptoms at all except very mild arm soreness the second time that only lasted a few hours. My dad (77, with risk conditions like severe asthma and he also has anxiety) had no symptoms at all the first shot, and the second one some mild fatigue and muscle aches. He slept it off and felt totally normal the next day.


As for the phobia, I agree, distract yourself when it's actually happening. If you're worried about fainting, TELL THEM that this is a possibility for you and they'll be on alert accordingly. Bring someone to take care of you if that happens. They make you stay for 15 minutes just to make sure you don't have a strong adverse reaction (This is standard protocol, they do it with run of the mill flu shots too, it doesn't mean strong reactions are common. They aren't.)

Think of this: You're not only doing this for yourself, you're doing it for everyone you come in contact with. You're contributing to the "war effort" to beat this thing. You're helping to get us back to a time when we can do the things we love, we can see friends and family again, when the fear will be lifted.

Promise yourself a future reward. The next concert, movie, event you want to go to when we get closer to normal, tell yourself you can go, and it's a treat for you for facing the fear and doing the right thing.

You got this. You can do it. I believe in you.

[OnDoutside]

120. Serious question, have you made a will ? When society opens up

again fully, you will have to mix with people in settings that will be dangerous to you, if you have not had the vaccine. You will effectively be playing Russian Roulette with your life, never knowing if the next person will infect you, and killing you. I'd get the vaccine immediately if I could get it.

[Hamlette]

124. my needles were tiny and didn't hurt much at all. Buck up butter cup, do it for me

I've had lots of surgeries due to a birth defect. Tons of antibiotics. I know which shots hurt. These do not.

If you don't love anyone, or care enough for anyone that you wish them dead, don't get the shot!

[ecstatic]

128. I think it's important that you feel confident in your choice

before getting it. If you think it's going to be bad for you, you might inadvertently create a lot of pseudo/ anxiety-driven side effects for yourself.