Karla's Kolumn: It was my choice to get shot

I got shot last Wednesday. Actually half of the staff at the Northern Wyoming News got shot – with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during the vaccine clinic at the Worland Community Center Complex.

One hundred Washakie County residents showed up at the clinic provided by Washakie County Public Health, Washakie Medical Center, Washakie County Emergency Management, Washakie County Ambulance Service and Guardian Flight.

Initially I was the first to go, falling into one of the categories of the first phase – yes the 50 and older category. Two other members of the staff had been waiting for a chance to be vaccinated, so upon completion of my vaccination I asked if they could come and was told yes that the clinic was now open to anyone 18 and older.

The free drive-up clinic the same organizations are offering this Friday at the Washakie County Public Health from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will also be open to anyone 18 and older.

The clinic was an amazing testament to how organizations can work together. It was run smoothly and efficiently. The longest part of the process is waiting the 15 minutes for them to see if you might potentially have a reaction.

None of us three at the Northern Wyoming News had any reaction other than a sore arm where the vaccine was injected. Since the vaccine is injected into a muscle this was not surprising.

The two employees who were also vaccinated have been waiting ever since vaccinations were approved. I on the other hand did not make up my mind until about a week prior to the clinic.

I had heard friends on both sides of the vaccination spectrum, I had read social media posts, I had read some news articles but had read nothing extensive on the COVID vaccine.

I determined that I was going to do my own research and make up my own mind without discussing it with anyone until I had made that determination.

I had a routine checkup prior to conducting my research and my health care provider strongly encouraged me to get the vaccine. I just smiled politely, knowing that I had a plan.

So I did my research into the Moderna vaccine as it is the most readily available vaccine here in Washakie County. I read multiple articles about the messenger RNA process and how using messenger RNA is the latest advancement in delivering vaccines.

What I read did not scare me but fascinated me as my mind began to wonder what this new scientific method could do for health care.

I read the different side effects, and sure the rarest ones can be scary, but then I think about how many people are taking prescription medications whose rarest side effects sound much worse than what they take the prescriptions for are meant to cure.

For the most part I am pretty healthy.

So I thought about it. I thought about the reason I got the flu vaccine two years ago for just the second time in my life. I got it two years ago because my husband has asthma, had just had an emergency appendectomy and the last thing I wanted to do was bring some illness home to him.

I got the flu vaccine this year for the same reason in not wanting to risk getting my husband sick.

Last year’s flu vaccine I had no reaction at all, except a little pain from the injection.

This year, however, shortly after the vaccine my arm itched, I developed a small rash (vinegar and baking soda on a cold compress does the trick).

So I was expecting a similar reaction from the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. What I got was nothing – at least from the first shot. And yes, I promise to keep you posted after I get my booster on April 14.

Yes, my arm was sore on Wednesday, much sorer than with the flu vaccine. Again – needle in the muscle is going to hurt.

I did remember after my flu shot – don’t get the shot in the dominant arm. It makes it hurt worse when you are lifting it and using it more. I wanted to rest it as much as possible the first day – other than normal use, but I opted for no heavy lifting or strenuous activity with my left arm after the COVID shot.

The next day my arm was not as sore and by Friday it was feeling almost like normal. Saturday it was back to normal.

I had no other reactions.

Yes, I know I may have some other reaction with my second shot. And I am prepared for that as are the other two employees.

One more employee will be getting the vaccine this Friday at the drive-up clinic.

I am not making it mandatory here at the office.

Getting a vaccine is, or should be a personal choice; something you decide if it is right for you.

Do your own research. Challenge yourself to read things from all perspectives.

Make an informed choice and not one based on fear, misinformation or half-truths.

Whether you vaccinate or not I support your choice. I hope you will support mine.