My parents had COVID-19 in January.

They've had both of their doses. Not sure whether it was Moderna or Phizer.

My Stepdad had a reaction to the shot -- both times --my Mother didn't.

It is an individual "thing."

This past Monday I worked the registration for a vaccine clinic at my employment. We gave over 750 shots in arms. Over the last 2 days, I've seen several of my co-workers who were immunized. Some of them had C-19 as well. I asked them all how they were doing, was their arm sore, etc. It was about 50-50 as to having soreness or any other side effects.

I tested positive for COVID in July, but never had any symptoms. I tested negative for antibodies in September and December, so I assumed that I had gotten a false positive test.

I had my first Moderna vaccine on Tuesday morning. On Tuesday, I was fine, but my injection arm became very sore Tuesday evening, and Tuesday night and Wednesday were rough -- I was feverish, achy, and could not get comfortable to get any significant rest. Wednesday night, I took Advil PM, and finally was able to get some continuous sleep.

I woke up today, Thursday, feeling a lot better -- not 100%, but feeling like I can function.

Because I had a 'worse' reaction than I expected to the first dose, I now wonder if I did have COVID last summer, even though I was asymptomatic.

DH, who was with me during my quarantine last July, never tested positive (tested several times). He received the vaccine Tuesday too, and his only side effect was a sore arm, which cleared up in 24 hours.

Good luck to you and your DH!

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/why-vaccine-side-effects-might-be-more-common-people-whove-already-had-covid-19

One of my parents had the virus and did not have a significant reaction until the second shot. The first one was easy peasy. Second one caused fatigue, aches, etc., more significant than my other parent who did not contract it but it only persisted for 48 hours or so and was controllable with NSAIDs, rest, and fluids. Also indicated it was much easier to bear than the actual sickness had been.

My friend had a "moderate" case of COVID in September and got the vaccination in January. She ended up in the hospital after her second shot because she became horribly ill. She dodged being put on a ventilator by about two hours.

Two friends that had Covid have had both shots, one Pfizer and one Moderna. Both said the second shot was arm pain and fatigue which were gone the next day.

My husband had Covid last December, and recently had both Pfizer vaccines. He didn't have any side effects except feeling a little weak after the second one.

Judy, DH and I both tested positive in mid November. Our symptoms were very mild and equivalent to what I called "sniffles." We both had our second Pfizer shot on March 5th. No problem at all other than some soreness at the injection site that disappeared quickly. Of course I have no idea, but it doesn't seem having or not having Covid factors in to reactions to the shot. Just basing that on people we know. The odds are you'll do just fine.

I had both shots of Prizer and the next day I had a reaction, red arms with rash, my face and ear were fiery rashes. Sent a pic to my dr. and she said to take two Benedryl and see what happens. That worked and, after about six hours, it was barely visable. So fortunate to have both and can look forward to better days.

littlespaces, do you happen to know what your friend's diagnosis was?

I don't think you can judge by what others have experienced since everyone's different. However, there are a few threads on this topic posted here, and it seems the majority of people have very minor side effects or none at all.

Judy, with all the friends, family, acquaintances who have had shots and such varied reports of how they might have felt - I think it's impossible to anticipate how one might react to first or second shots or which manufacturer ;0) Everyone's trying to be helpful in achieving high numbers of vaccinating, and the truth is we just don't know, it's all over the board. My sis had no reaction at all to her second Pfizer and painted her living room. My mother (94 next month) did not even complain of sore arm - with either shot. We were a little 'iffy' with the second shot for one day but nothing to really complain about. And, why 'we' when we are a couple by contract, not related by blood. My sis will typically have more of a reaction to a vaccine than I do (i.e. shingles vac), or a med of any kind might affect her more, and she breezed through her Covid shots. While I thought I did well, I wouldn't say 'breezed'....

Best of luck to you, and I hope you have very minor reactions. Keep in mind its worth it, you are adding a heavy layer of protection for yourself and for those around you.

Judy, I don't think there is a predictable pattern. I'm 71, had not had Covid (and had a negative antibodies x2 test), and had a reaction after my second Moderna vaccine shot. In case you are interested, starting 24 hours after the shot, I had chills, fever, nausea, headache and arm pain.

I had never had a reaction to an injection of any kind before. Not complaining - grateful beyond words to have this gift.

Judy, let us know how it goes. I was also curious before we had our shots. I think it helped me a little to just expect some type of reaction. Our first and second appts were on a Friday, and we had the weekend to lay low in case anything started up. Kind of nice when nothing happened. :-)

Another angle: I just saw an interview on CNN. A woman who has been a 'long hauler' after contracting Covid-19 says her condition has improved after getting a vaccine last week. She said she felt better and that her brain fog was less. The fog was still evident as I watched her try to answer questions.

I've had the fog myself before I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I can see the progression (and then improvement after treatment) when I look at my check registry entries.