Frontline workers with CHI Health discuss receiving second does of Pfizer vaccine

OMAHA, Neb. (KSNB) - On Thursday three staff members from CUMC Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha gave first-hand accounts after receiving both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

All three said they experienced very little symptoms after both the first and second vaccination doses. “In the first vaccination I had some soreness at the site but no other issues. The soreness went away in about 24/48 hours. When I received the second shot the soreness went away quicker,” said Dr. Adam Highley.

Amanda Clanton, a nurse on staff at the hospital said she also had similar experiences of soreness at the site as well as slight body aches. But said it was nothing that ibuprofen couldn’t help. “When it came to symptoms and what we were hearing about that we could possibly experience, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” she said.

Nurse Heidi Darty had a similar experience as well, “I had slight body aches and soreness at the injection sight. I was also maybe a little tired. But nothing out of the ordinary from other vaccines like the flu shot that I’ve had in the past,” she said.

In regards to having symptoms, Dr, Highley said there are many misconceptions about vaccines. “If you have slight symptoms after getting vaccinated, that’s normal. That’s your body having a nature response. It’s a good thing. You can’t contract the virus from the vaccine. That’s not how this works,” he said.

When asked about how they felt emotionally after now getting both shots the group had a similar outlook, “It feels great to know I have that protection. But there are many more that still need it. I will feel a greater sense of relief once my family, especially those vulnerable get vaccinated. But it feels hopeful,” Darty said.

And in regards to the safety of the vaccine Dr. Highley said it’s telling when people in healthcare are eager to receive it, “You wouldn’t see healthcare workers waiting to get vaccinated if there was something concerning about this vaccine,” he said. Dr. Highley ended with hopefulness that people will be more encouraged to get vaccinated.