Inside, people were lined up to receive their first and second doses at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center (Photo by Barrett Bergez)
I got my second dose of the Moderna vaccine on a Wednesday, and by Friday morning my symptoms were completely gone.
Getting the second dose was much like the first. I showed up to the vaccination site at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center and displayed my vaccination card.
After checking in, this hallway is what leads to the large arena where the rest of the process takes place. (Photo by Barrett Bergez)
I was asked to fill out the same paperwork as the first time with basic information such as name, birthday, and if I had any allergies to ingredients in the vaccine.
After filling out the paperwork, you walk through a line where your paperwork is inspected to make sure everything is in order. Then you are directed to an open table with trained medical professionals who administer the shot.
After the shot, everyone, dose one or two, has a mandatory 15-minute waiting period in a section of the room with rows and rows of chairs to accommodate the volume of people.
Both times I was there, members of the Lubbock Fire Department were observing people making sure no one was experiencing adverse side effects.
The observation period in this room is a key aspect of keeping everyone safe (Photo by Barrett Bergez)
When the 15-minute wait period is finished, you are allowed to check out at the back counter.
While I felt fine after my shot at first, it only took a few hours for the symptoms to kick in.
At first, I only felt a little drowsy, once I attempted to fall asleep, I noticed a change. I had a noticeable fever; I was having cold sweats in my sleep that kept waking me up what felt like every other minute.
Even with the assistance of over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, recommended as the most effective defense against symptoms, I was still extremely uncomfortable.
When I woke up the following morning it felt like every bone, joint, and muscle in my body was sore. I had heard from co-workers, friends, and family that the second dose would hit me pretty hard. Only by living through it was I able to understand them.
When I woke up the second morning, all of the symptoms I had were essentially gone. With the help of a significant amount of water, Tylenol, and rest, getting through the worst of it was not much more than a long nap and a few bottles of water.
For anyone who is concerned about the side effects of the vaccine, I would say that benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. As I go into the months ahead I know I am comforted to know I am protected against this virus.
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