Vaccinated: Take that COVID-19!

Hello everyone!

It has been some time since we wrote. It is hard because we are not traveling and this blog is intended to be a record of our travels. However, recently we had the good fortune of being vaccinated which means soon we will have the opportunity to travel again. Since this vaccine is something new and more people can get it, we wanted to document what we did to prepare for the unknown and our experience. Before I do that I want to remind you that any information that I include in this blog is not medical advice regarding COVID-19. If you have any questions you should seek a medical professional. This post is meant to be a document for us in the future when we reflect on this time and as a personal story of our experience to reflect on if you decide to get the vaccine, something that we recommend you do.

We started hearing positive news about multiple vaccines beginning in December. We were immediately excited because we knew that this was a step toward "going back to normal" and the chance to travel again. We kept an eye on what was being developed and the news regarding when a vaccine would be available to us in Bulgaria as teachers and expats. In early February, we heard that teachers we next to be vaccinated and that the school was working with the Ministry of Health (equivalent to the Department of Health) to schedule our vaccines. Chris and I decided that we should do some research about the vaccines available. We wanted to be able to answer questions from our students and know for ourselves about what to expect. We found this video from the Washington Post made in 2019, that talked about the history of vaccines, how they are manufactured, and why we want a slight reaction from the shot. Then we found this video about what mRNA is. We wanted to look up this because there were two major vaccines available that rely on this technology and well, we are not vaccine experts. Finally, we looked at this video from Vox about possible reactions to expect from the vaccine, why it happens, and why it is a good thing.

In February, we got word that we were eligible and needed to fill out a questionnaire so the school knew who wanted a vaccine and how many they needed. I was able to fill out this form and be put on the list because of the contract I have with the school to substitute teach when needed. After we filled out the forms we waited to hear when we would be scheduled and the day finally came. We were going to get our vaccines over two days on February 18th and 19th. However, due to concerns about parent-teacher conferences and having people come into school during their teaching time, the school worked out a plan to have all vaccinations on Saturday, February 20th on campus. This was still during parent-teacher conferences but the administration created a schedule that would allow teachers to talk to parents and get their vaccines. Our entire community started counting down the days and preparing for what we were going to experience.

The morning of February 20th, Ono and I watched the vaccines get delivered in a refrigerated bread truck. Chris left for his appointment at 8 am while I got ready for the day. Chris returned with a band-aid on his arm and a card in his hand that he had received the first dose. He debriefed me on the protocol of getting the shot and then waiting 15 minutes after. Soon he was talking with parents and I was on my way to getting my own vaccine badge. I arrived at the doctor's office at school and found out that the appointments were running a little bit behind. Finally, my name was called and I entered the exam room. The doctor took my temperature, my pulse, and my blood pressure. She told me that the pulse reader was having some trouble because my fingers were too cold. Also, she told me that my blood pressure was too high so she asked if I had a problem with vaccinations. Truly, I am a little afraid of needles but I think I was so excited and nervous to be one step closer to normal that my body was starting to betray me. I was able to calm down and get my shot. Then I waited 15 minutes to make sure there were no adverse effects.

After my 15 minutes, I went on a walk and continued for the rest of the day. Chris and I both had pain in our arm before dinner which we expected. The next day I was fatigued and had a small headache. Chris had a headache too and a red spot at the injection site. We also both had pain in our arms for the next three days. Again this was something that we expected thanks to our preparation. The doctor administering the shot told us to call if things got too bad. She also recommended that we take Ibuprophen if we had a major headache. After all of this, we were ready for the next dose which we would get four weeks later.

We were supposed to have our appointments for the second dose during the school's major entrance exam, which caused some concern for timing and recovery. Additionally, just as we were getting ready for our next dose, cases started rising here in Bulgaria. Quite a few events happen and in the end, the entrance exam was postponed and our second dose was administered on Saturday, March, 20th. When the day came Chris left for his shot right away in the morning. He returned with his card and another band-aid. By the time I left he had pain and some stiffness in his arm. I arrived at the doctors' office in time and waited for my name to be called. When I entered the room I had my temperature, pulse, and blood pressure taken. This time my pulse was normal but my blood pressure was a little high. However, I was able to get the shot with minimal trouble. I left the room and waited 15 minutes. I returned home and worked through the day. After lunch, I started getting pain in my arm. By the time we had dinner, Chris started to get chills and a small fever. This continued through the evening. The next morning he was fine, still with some pain in his arm. I was fatigued that day with a small headache coming and going. Chris and I both start to feel better and human by dinner the next day.

At the beginning of May, we received our official vaccination cards. Chris and I like having peace of mind knowing that we are safe and protected when we go out and encounter people. We know that if we do get COVID, the symptoms will be pretty mild. Additionally, we know that we have a lower risk of spreading it to others which is huge. We are now able to travel and see things again. We have started planning some trips this summer to see parts of Bulgaria and maybe even neighboring countries. We wanted to share our experience of getting the vaccine with you so when you see us updating this blog you know that we are safe and enjoying our new vaccinated life.

Until next time!

Sam, Chris & Ono