The COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have recently been distributed across America. Over 15 million doses have been distributed throughout the U.S. and more than 5.05 million doses have already been given to Americans. 

But the entire vaccination process and details still remain unclear to many. Dr. U. Muneer, a pediatrician, and Dr. B. Muneer, a cardiologist, were one of the first in Illinois to receive the vaccine, and answered general questions about the two different vaccines, from potential side effects to talking through the whole process.

Which vaccine did you receive? (Pfizer or Moderna)

Dr. U. Muneer:

“The Pfizer vaccine”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“The Moderna vaccine.”

How did you feel going into the vaccination process?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“I felt excited, hopeful and relieved this was finally happening! I was a bit nervous too because I was one of the first to receive it. I got my shot on the second day Illinois started vaccinating health care workers.”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“I felt apprehensive at first since I had read many reports that even though the vaccine was safe and effective, it didn’t have long term studies that had been done. I did feel optimistic and excited about this opportunity as well.”

Was it painful?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“Nope, not at all.”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“I barely felt anything and did not have any problems.” 

How many doses have you received so far?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“I have received both doses. I got my first dose on December 18, 2020, and my second dose 21 days later on January 8, 2021.”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“I have received only my first dose, on December 30, 2020, and am due for my second dose on January 27, 2021, 28 days after.” 

What were your side effects?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“For the first vaccine dose, I had mild arm soreness, headache and fatigue. For the second one, I had more significant arm soreness but only mild fatigue and headache again. I felt fortunate because many of my friends and colleagues had more significant symptoms after the second dose.”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“I had almost no side effects, except arm soreness!”

How long did side effects last?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“For both doses, they lasted just one to two days.”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“Just 1-2 days, and it was very mild.”

How was your experience different with the two doses?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“I was slightly nervous with both shots but for different reasons. For the first dose, my nerves were because I wasn’t sure what to expect and this was all so new! But, for the second dose, I was more worried about how I would feel afterward. The data from the trials showed that people felt more fatigue, body aches, and chills afterward.”

Dr. B. Muneer: 

“I haven’t received my second dose yet.”

Can you describe your experience receiving each dose?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“You need to be invited by email and then register for a time and location to receive it. They required my hospital ID to register, and once I arrived, to make sure I was qualified to get it. After I got the vaccine, we were required to sit in a ‘waiting room’ to see if there were any major side effects, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, difficulty breathing. I did not experience any of those so I waited for 15 minutes then left.”

Dr. B. Muneer:

“As healthcare workers, we were part of the first group to get the vaccine, but it was still optional. I did see the majority of my colleagues and family receiving it and I weighed the benefits and risks of getting the vaccine In the end, I wanted to be proactive in protecting myself against COVID versus taking my chances with any COVID infection effects. I received multiple email requests from my hospital to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. Once I picked the date and time, I went to the hospital vaccine clinic, quickly got checked in by the staff, and filled out the few vaccine questions that were needed. This process took about ten minutes, and there were lots of health care nurse volunteers and staff in the room, which made me feel more comfortable. After the nurse gave me the vaccine which was surprisingly painless, we were required to wait for a minimum of 15 minutes in a separate part of the room to make sure we did not have any reactions or side effects.”

What is your advice to people who are skeptical about getting it?

Dr. U. Muneer:

“I would say that this is your shot, so don’t pass it up. This is how we are going to get out of the pandemic. I would advise everyone who is offered the opportunity to get the vaccine.” 

Dr. B. Muneer:

“I would strongly recommend most everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they can because it appears to be very effective and is the best solution to getting us out of this pandemic and saving many lives. Enough people have gotten it so far that we can all be reassured that the vaccine is safe. I actually feel more liberated mentally that I and others around me will be very well protected from COVID-19.”